misconceptions

What if I told you everything you thought you knew about teen moms was wrong? It’s a bold statement, but after diving into Leila Mottley’s compelling novel, The Girls Who Grew Big, and reflecting on the empowering resources available today, it’s clear that the story of teen motherhood is far richer and more inspiring than popular myths suggest.

Leila Mottley’s latest novel follows three young women navigating pregnancy and motherhood within the tight-knit, often challenging environment of a small Florida town. As a doula herself, Mottley crafts a narrative that strips away society’s stigmas and shines light on resilience, strength, and hope. Reading it, you can’t help but feel a profound respect for teen moms — not as ‘problems’ or ‘obstacles’ but as individuals with dreams, struggles, and incredible capacity to grow.

But why is this shift in perspective so important? Because teen motherhood is often glamorized or demonized, leaving young moms isolated and misunderstood. Now more than ever, it’s vital to embrace an inclusive narrative that supports all paths to parenthood — especially when so many are actively seeking accessible, sustainable ways to create families.

That’s where innovative solutions like MakeAMom come in. Offering at-home insemination kits designed to be reusable and gentle on the body, MakeAMom provides a private, cost-effective way for individuals and couples — including young moms or those with unique challenges like vaginismus — to pursue pregnancy on their own terms. With an average success rate of 67%, these kits empower users with control, dignity, and hope.

So how do teen moms fit into this evolving landscape of reproductive health and family planning? Let’s unpack 7 surprising truths that The Girls Who Grew Big and innovative services like MakeAMom reveal:

1. Teen moms are experts in resilience. Managing pregnancy and motherhood at a young age requires an incredible strength that many underestimate.

2. Support systems are game changers. Whether it’s family, community, or tools like at-home insemination kits, support dramatically shapes outcomes.

3. Access to resources matters more than ever. Innovations that lower costs and increase privacy, like reusable insemination kits, break down barriers teens often face.

4. Motherhood doesn’t erase dreams. Teen moms still nurture ambitions, education goals, and passions — they’re not defined by stereotypes.

5. Stigma harms health and wellbeing. Changing society’s narrative to one of understanding can improve mental health and parenting success.

6. Technology and sustainability can coexist. Reusable reproductive health tools offer eco-friendly solutions that honor both body and planet.

7. Every journey into motherhood is valid and powerful. Whether unexpected or planned, young or older, the experience matters.

Understanding these truths invites us all to become allies to teen moms — encouraging, supporting, and learning from their journeys. It also presses us to rethink how reproductive health products are designed and delivered, prioritizing accessibility, sustainability, and empowerment, qualities MakeAMom exemplifies.

If you’re inspired by these stories and want to explore how compassionate, reusable reproductive health tools can make a difference for you or someone you love, I encourage you to visit MakeAMom’s website. Their discreet, thoughtfully designed kits might be the key to rewriting your family’s story.

To get a deeper understanding of these themes, you can check out NPR’s illuminating interview with Leila Mottley titled “A young novelist takes on misconceptions about teen moms in 'The Girls Who Grew Big'”. It’s a must-read that will challenge your assumptions and fill you with hope.

So, here’s the question I want you to leave with: How can we, as a community, better support young mothers’ dreams and choices — and make family planning more sustainable and accessible for everyone? Share your thoughts below, because every conversation brings us closer to understanding and change.

Remember, every mother’s story is unique, powerful, and worth celebrating. The more we listen, support, and innovate — the more vibrant our future families will be.