Have you ever stopped to truly think about what it means to be a teen mom today? Probably not in the way that Leila Mottley, a young novelist and doula, invites us to in her latest work, The Girls Who Grew Big. This novel follows three young women navigating pregnancy and motherhood in a small Florida town, challenging the deep-seated misconceptions society has long held about teen moms.

I stumbled upon Mottley’s story via an NPR feature (which you can read here) and it honestly shook me. It made me realize how often we underestimate these young women’s strength, resilience, and complexity. It also brought to the surface a lot of questions about support systems, stigma, and mental health surrounding teen pregnancy in our communities.

So, what is it that makes Mottley’s narrative so refreshing? For starters, she approaches teen motherhood with empathy instead of judgment. As a doula, Mottley has firsthand experience supporting women through pregnancy and birth, and she brings that compassionate lens to her storytelling, breaking down the harsh stereotypes that paint teen moms as irresponsible or ill-prepared.

Why does this matter so much today? - Because stigma around teen pregnancy can severely impact mental health. - Because young moms often lack access to supportive resources. - Because narratives shape public opinion and policy, and misconceptions can lead to exclusion and isolation.

Reading about these young women’s journeys made me think about the importance of emotional support and accessible fertility options for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances or challenges. Whether someone is a teen navigating an unexpected pregnancy or an adult trying to conceive on their own terms, the underlying need is the same: respectful, empowering care and reliable tools.

This is where innovations in fertility solutions, like the at-home insemination kits from MakeAMom, come into play. MakeAMom offers discreet, reusable kits designed to help individuals and couples conceive outside traditional clinical settings. Their CryoBaby, Impregnator, and BabyMaker kits cater to a spectrum of needs—from handling frozen sperm to easing use in sensitive conditions like vaginismus. What I love is that these kits embrace privacy, affordability, and empowerment.

Why is this particularly relevant? Because accessible fertility support aligns perfectly with the message in The Girls Who Grew Big—everyone deserves dignity and options when it comes to family building, no matter their age or situation.

Let’s also talk about the emotional rollercoaster. Teen moms, like all mothers, face anxiety, hope, uncertainty, and sometimes grief. The loneliness can be overwhelming, especially when stigmatized by society. This novel and the work behind it remind us that mental health support isn't a luxury; it's essential.

If you or someone you know is grappling with pregnancy—whether planned or unexpected—or facing fertility challenges, know that you’re not alone. Communities, resources, and products designed to help exist and evolve to meet real needs.

Here’s what you can take away from all this:

• Challenge the stereotypes you hold about teen moms and motherhood in general.
• Recognize the emotional journey involved in pregnancy and fertility struggles.
• Explore and advocate for accessible, affordable fertility options that honor privacy and individual needs.
• Remember that stories like those in The Girls Who Grew Big are vital—they humanize, educate, and foster empathy.

The world of fertility and motherhood is as complex as it is beautiful. Mottley’s novel is a powerful reminder that behind every pregnancy is a story worth hearing—and supporting.

So, what misconceptions about fertility or motherhood have you encountered? Have you or someone close to you found surprising help through alternative methods or emotional support? Let’s start a conversation in the comments, because every voice enriches this community.

And for those curious about gentle, effective ways to take control of fertility from home, check out how options like MakeAMom’s kits are changing the landscape of family building with kindness and innovation.

Because sometimes, the biggest change begins with just understanding and support.