Why Everything You Think You Know About Teen Moms is Totally Wrong
Posted on 28 July 2025 by Priya Nair — 4 min
Think you know teen moms? Think again.
If your mental image of teen moms is stuck in tired clichés, it’s time for a reality check. Enter Leila Mottley’s powerful new novel, The Girls Who Grew Big, spotlighting three young women navigating pregnancy and motherhood in a tiny Florida town — and rewriting the narrative we so often get wrong.
What makes Mottley’s work stand out? Well, she’s not just a novelist; she’s a doula, a deeply personal guide for birthing mothers. This dual role gives her an insider’s lens into the emotional and physical tapestry of teen motherhood. She spotlights resilience, community, and complexity, rather than the shame and stereotypes society tends to sling.
The Teen Mom Myth Machine: What Everyone Gets Wrong
When we think “teen mom,” the mind often drifts to assumptions of failure, struggle, or tragedy. But Mottley’s storytelling begs us to pause and reconsider: what if teen moms are actually some of the most fiercely strong and resourceful people out there? What if the real story isn’t about mistakes but about navigating a world that hasn’t quite caught up to their strength?
This perspective is crucial because misconceptions don’t just hurt feelings — they shape policies, support systems, and access to resources. When teen moms are painted unfairly, it hampers their ability to receive the understanding and help they deserve.
Why This Matters to the Fertility and Parenting Community
Whether you’re considering motherhood young or later in life, or exploring assisted conception, empathy and accurate knowledge about all facets of parenthood shape the conversations we have. That’s why books like The Girls Who Grew Big matter — they broaden our perspective beyond the clinical and technical to the deeply human.
Speaking of clinical and technical, if you’re curious about alternative paths to parenthood that bring the process into your own home—on your terms—you might find tools like MakeAMom’s at-home insemination kits a game changer. Their kits cater to various needs, from low motility sperm to sensitivity issues, providing discreet, reusable options that empower individuals and couples alike. It’s a reminder that the journey to parenthood isn’t one-size-fits-all and that support can come in many forms, sometimes even from the comfort of your living room.
Community & Support: The Real Heroes Here
One of the most vibrant themes Mottley touches on is community. Teen moms, like any parents, thrive when surrounded by understanding and support. And support doesn’t just mean immediate family—it’s friends, healthcare providers, doula services, and even online forums where stories are shared without judgment.
At Conceptera, we believe no one’s fertility or parenting journey should be walked alone. Whether it’s about breaking fertility myths or celebrating the diverse stories of motherhood, community is where transformation happens.
So What Can You Do?
- Read and listen with empathy. Dive into stories like Mottley’s to challenge your own assumptions.
- Support nonjudgmental resources. Whether that’s doulas, support groups, or innovative products tailored to personal fertility needs.
- Share your story. We all have unique journeys, and shedding light on them helps others feel less alone.
In Closing...
Are teen moms just stereotypes or powerful stories waiting to be told? Thanks to storytellers like Leila Mottley, we’re reminded it’s the latter. And in a world where conception, pregnancy, and parenthood come in countless forms, expanding our understanding benefits everyone.
Curious to learn more about teen moms’ real experiences or explore accessible fertility solutions? Check out the full NPR interview with Leila Mottley and explore thoughtful fertility options that honor your unique journey over at MakeAMom.
And hey, what stories have challenged your assumptions about parenthood? Drop your thoughts below — let’s keep the conversation real and supportive!