Why Everything You Know About Teen Moms Is Wrong — And How Stories Like ‘The Girls Who Grew Big’ Can Change Our Perspective
Posted on 24 July 2025 by Ava Santiago — 4 min
Ever thought you knew what it meant to be a teen mom? Think again.
Leila Mottley’s recent novel, The Girls Who Grew Big, is shaking up the narrative around teen motherhood. Following three young women navigating pregnancy and motherhood in a small Floridian town, Mottley brings authenticity and heart to a story too often clouded by judgment and misconception. But why does this matter to you, especially here, where we focus on sustainable reproductive health solutions? Stick with me.
The Misconceptions About Teen Moms Are Holding Them Back
Teen motherhood is frequently painted with a broad brush — one of struggle, failure, and stigma. Yet, Mottley, who also works as a doula, shows that these young women are vibrant, resilient, and deserving of dignity and support. These stories remind us that behind every pregnancy is a person with dreams, fears, and the power to shape their lives.
This shift in perspective is essential. When society supports young mothers compassionately, we open doors to healthier pregnancies, better parenting experiences, and stronger families. It’s about meeting people where they are — something Mottley’s novel beautifully illustrates.
What Does This Mean for Sustainable and Accessible Family Planning?
If you’re here, you get that reproductive health isn’t one-size-fits-all. Like those young women in the novel, many people face unique challenges and need flexible, empowering options. That’s where innovative solutions, like MakeAMom’s home insemination kits, come in.
These kits are designed with inclusivity and accessibility in mind. Whether you’re navigating fertility issues like low motility sperm or conditions such as vaginismus, there’s a tailored option — and it’s reusable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective.
Imagine having control over your reproductive journey in the privacy and comfort of your own home — without the stigma or financial burden often linked with clinical settings. That kind of empowerment aligns perfectly with supporting all individuals, regardless of age or circumstance, in taking charge of their paths toward parenthood.
How Stories and Solutions Connect to Break Down Barriers
Books like The Girls Who Grew Big and products like MakeAMom’s kits share a common thread: they challenge the status quo. They ask us to rethink who deserves support and how we provide it. Teen moms often face barriers not just medically, but socially and economically. Empowerment through understanding and accessible tools can dismantle those walls.
Plus, the environmental angle is powerful. Using reusable reproductive health products reduces waste and promotes sustainability, important values for parents and families shaping the future.
What Can You Do Next?
- Read and share stories that humanize and uplift marginalized mothers — like those in Mottley’s novel. You can check out NPR’s insightful coverage here: A young novelist takes on misconceptions about teen moms in ‘The Girls Who Grew Big’.
- Explore accessible, sustainable reproductive health tools that fit your unique journey. For many, products designed to be both reusable and discreet, like those from MakeAMom, offer a game-changing alternative.
- Engage in conversations about reproductive equity and sustainability — because changing perspectives starts with dialogue.
Final Thought: Embrace the Power of Stories and Sustainable Solutions
Teen moms, just like all parents, deserve compassion, empowerment, and access to tools that honor their journeys. The more we listen to authentic narratives and support sustainable, inclusive reproductive options, the closer we come to a world where every family can thrive.
What misconceptions about teen moms have you encountered? How might stories or innovative reproductive products like reusable insemination kits reshape your views? Let’s start the conversation — drop your thoughts and experiences below.
Together, we can rewrite the narrative and build a future that champions both people and the planet.