Have you ever judged teen moms before really hearing their stories? I know I used to. Society tends to paint teen motherhood with this broad, unflattering brush, full of assumptions and stereotypes that just don’t hold up when you get closer to the truth. That’s why I was so moved when I came across NPR’s feature on Leila Mottley’s new novel, The Girls Who Grew Big, a powerful story spotlighting three young women navigating pregnancy and motherhood in a small Florida town. (Read the full NPR article here).

What struck me most about Mottley’s work was its raw honesty. She writes not from a distance but from deep empathy—she’s a doula herself, intimately familiar with the challenges these young women face. The novel strips away the stigma and reveals the strength, complexity, and sometimes sheer grit that goes into becoming a mother at a young age.

So why does this matter for those of us interested in conception and parenthood? Because it reminds us that everyone’s journey is unique, and that support, not judgment, paves the way for healthier families.

Breaking Down the Misconceptions

• Teen moms are unprepared or irresponsible? Mottley’s characters prove otherwise—they plan, they fight against odds, and they dream.
• Teen motherhood is a tragedy? It can be tough, yes, but it’s also a time of incredible transformation and hope.
• Only certain types of families can thrive? Nope. Families come in all shapes and sizes, and resilience is universal.

These assumptions can be barriers, and they often deprive young mothers of the resources and compassion they deserve.

How This Connects to At-Home Conception and Building Families

At ConceiveWise, we celebrate all paths to parenthood, whether that’s through natural conception, fertility treatment, or at-home insemination. The stigma and misconceptions that surround teen moms aren’t that different from the misunderstandings many face when choosing alternative paths to build their fams.

For example, the team at MakeAMom offers tools like the CryoBaby, Impregnator, and BabyMaker kits that empower people to take control of their conception journey at home—whether because of medical needs, privacy, or simply a personal preference. These reusable, discreet kits offer a compassionate alternative to clinical settings and help expand access and options for diverse users—reminding us all that every path to parenthood is valid.

Just like Mottley’s characters show us the value of empathy and understanding in motherhood, embracing innovative solutions for conception encourages a more inclusive and supportive community for all parents-to-be.

What Can We All Do to Support Young Mothers and Diverse Families?

• Start by listening more and judging less. Stories like those in The Girls Who Grew Big open windows into real experiences.
• Champion accessible resources that empower people to grow their families in the way that best fits their lives.
• Talk openly about the challenges and triumphs of parenthood—especially when it doesn't look “typical.”

A Final Thought

Parenthood is messy, beautiful, and often unexpected—whether you’re a teen mom in Florida or someone trying at-home insemination. The power lies in compassion and options.

If you’re curious about how at-home insemination kits might help on your journey, I encourage you to explore thoughtful resources like those from MakeAMom. They focus on privacy, success, and empowerment, much like the stories Mottley shares.

So, what’s your take? Have you faced any misconceptions on your path to parenthood? How have you overcome them? Let’s start a conversation below—because every story deserves to be heard.