The Surprising Truth About Teen Moms That’ll Change How You See Motherhood Forever

I used to think teen moms had it all figured out or were just struggling on their own — but that perspective changed completely after reading about Leila Mottley’s novel, The Girls Who Grew Big.

This powerful story follows three young women in a small Florida town navigating pregnancy and motherhood, and it’s unlike anything you might expect. It dives into the messy, beautiful reality of young motherhood with honesty and heart.

If you haven’t yet heard about Mottley’s work, what makes it so compelling is how it challenges the misconceptions we often have about teen moms. Instead of stereotypes, you get rich, nuanced portraits of resilience, community, and the complexities of family life. It’s a perspective that’s often missing from the conversation but desperately needed.

Why does this matter to you or anyone planning their family-building journey? Because every family’s path is unique, and the more we understand the different experiences of parenthood, the better we can support each other — whether you’re having a baby at 18 or 38, or using an at-home insemination kit to start your journey.

In fact, Mottley’s work as a doula shines through her writing, emphasizing the importance of support systems. And speaking of support, if you or someone you know is exploring alternative ways to conceive, options like those provided by companies such as MakeAMom can be game-changers. Their at-home insemination kits offer a discreet, affordable, and empowering way to take control of your family-building adventure, tailored for all kinds of situations — from low motility sperm to sensitivities like vaginismus.

But back to the novel: reading about three young women juggling the highs and lows of pregnancy and motherhood in a tight-knit community opens your eyes to how critical empathy and understanding are. It made me wonder: How many teen moms have been silently shouldering the weight of judgment instead of receiving the support they deserve?

Here are a few surprising takeaways from The Girls Who Grew Big that really stuck with me:

• Teen motherhood isn’t a monolith. Each young mom’s story is deeply personal and shaped by her community, dreams, and challenges.
• Support systems can make or break the experience. Whether it’s friends, family, or professionals, having someone in your corner changes everything.
• Motherhood doesn’t have to be linear or perfect. It’s messy, it’s unpredictable, and that’s completely normal.

These lessons resonate beyond teenage parents. Anyone navigating pregnancy, conception challenges, or parenting can relate to the desire for understanding and connection.

So, what does this mean for those of us on our family-building paths? It’s a powerful reminder to approach the journey with kindness — for ourselves and others — and to seek out resources that respect our unique needs. Take someone using the CryoBaby kit from MakeAMom, for example, designed specifically for those working with frozen sperm. It’s another form of empowerment, offering hope and a real chance at success outside traditional clinical settings.

Reading this novel, I felt a renewed appreciation for stories that expand our empathy and break down stigmas around parenthood. If you’d like to dive into the full story, NPR’s piece on Leila Mottley’s work is a must-read: A young novelist takes on misconceptions about teen moms in 'The Girls Who Grew Big'.

In the end, whether you’re a teen mom, a hopeful parent exploring at-home insemination, or simply someone who cares about the realities of family life, these stories remind us of one thing: family is complex, beautiful, and worth fighting for.

What’s your family-building story? Have you or someone you know faced unexpected challenges or found unique avenues to parenthood? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments — because there’s incredible power in community and shared understanding.

And if you’re curious about at-home insemination options that might fit your journey, MakeAMom’s resources offer compassionate guidance and practical tools to help you take the next step, quietly and confidently.

Let’s keep this conversation going. After all, every story matters when it comes to building a family.