Why The Girls Who Grew Big Is Changing How We See Teen Moms—and What It Means for At-Home Conception

Have you ever felt like society’s stories about motherhood just don’t fit your experience? That’s exactly what Leila Mottley’s novel, The Girls Who Grew Big, challenges. Recently spotlighted on NPR, this moving story follows three young women in Florida navigating pregnancy and motherhood in a way that feels raw, honest, and—most importantly—real. Here’s the full NPR piece if you’d like to dive deeper. It’s not just a novel; it’s an invitation to rethink our assumptions about teen moms and pregnancy, especially for those of us who might be exploring untraditional paths to parenthood.

So why does this matter for people on the at-home fertility journey? Because behind every conception story, there’s an emotional landscape that rarely gets the spotlight. Whether you’re a teen mom, a couple trying at home, or anyone using tools like insemination kits, the emotional rollercoaster is real, and feeling misunderstood can add to the weight. This novel shines a light on how crucial support, understanding, and empowerment are for anyone growing a family.

Breaking Down Stereotypes: More Than Just a Teen Pregnancy Story

Mottley’s characters don’t fit the cliché “struggling teen moms” trope. Instead, they reveal a rich tapestry of resilience, hope, challenges, and personal growth. It’s a narrative that resonates with many using at-home fertility aids, where journeys are often nuanced and deeply personal.

Why is this important?

Normalizing Diverse Experiences: Whether you’re using a kit like the MakeAMom at-home insemination systems or navigating pregnancy in your own unique way, seeing stories like this helps break down stigma and isolation.
Highlighting Emotional Health: Fertility conversations often focus on the physical aspects, but emotional wellbeing is just as critical. This novel is a reminder that feeling supported emotionally can influence success and resilience.
Empowerment Through Knowledge: Just like the characters in the book take ownership of their pregnancy and motherhood, at-home conception brings empowerment by putting control and privacy back in your hands.

At-Home Fertility: The Emotional Journey You Didn’t Expect

Trying to conceive at home can feel like walking a tightrope. There’s excitement, anxiety, hope, and sometimes disappointment—all mixed together. And unlike clinical settings, where professionals might guide you through, the emotional peaks and valleys can seem isolating.

Here’s where companies like MakeAMom step in—not just with their innovative kits like CryoBaby, Impregnator, and BabyMaker designed for different needs (low motility sperm, sensitivities, etc.)—but also with a quiet understanding of privacy and emotional sensitivity. Their kits come discreetly packaged and reusable, making the at-home process feel safer and less clinical.

But what does this feel like day to day?

Wondering if this month will be the one.
Managing feelings when it’s not.
Sharing or not sharing your journey with friends and family.
Finding resources and stories that get what you’re going through (like Mottley’s novel).

What Can We Learn From ‘The Girls Who Grew Big’?

It’s not just a novel about teen moms—it’s a story about strength, community, and rewriting the narrative. For anyone on a fertility journey, it reminds us:

Your story matters, no matter how different it looks.
Support—whether from a partner, community, or even through products designed thoughtfully—makes a world of difference.
Understanding and embracing your emotional health is part of success, not separate from it.

Taking Control of Your Journey With At-Home Insemination

If you’re considering or currently using at-home insemination, know this: you’re part of a growing movement redefining conception. Kits like those from MakeAMom are helping individuals and couples take charge by offering tailored solutions for different fertility challenges—with impressive success rates around 67%.

Why choose at-home insemination? Privacy, comfort, convenience, and control.
Which kit fits your needs? Whether you’re working with low-volume sperm, low motility, or specific sensitivities, there’s likely a product suited for you.
How to stay emotionally strong? Engage with stories that inspire and resonate, and use resources that honor your unique emotional journey.

If you want to learn more about these empowering tools that put the power back in your hands, check out MakeAMom’s comprehensive resources.

What’s Next?

As we reflect on Mottley’s fresh and authentic take on motherhood, consider how your fertility journey could benefit from that same spirit of openness and empowerment. Whether you’re a teen mom, a hopeful parent trying at home, or somewhere in between, your story deserves to be told—and supported.

Have you ever felt misunderstood or overlooked in your fertility journey? How do stories like The Girls Who Grew Big change your perspective? Drop your thoughts below and let’s keep this important conversation going!

References: - Leila Mottley’s interview and novel featured on NPR: https://www.npr.org/2025/07/09/nx-s1-5461066/leila-mottley-the-girls-who-grew-big-nightcrawling - MakeAMom at-home insemination kits: https://www.makeamom.com/