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Psychological needs
Shame, being judged, rejection from the community and your family, name calling and many other things that happen to you at the time you need all the support leaves you depressed and feeling alone. You are not alone and without help
Teen Moms
You’ve recently found that you are unexpectedly pregnant, you are still in school, and you are very young.
Taking care of yourself is already very hard and you can’t imagine taking care of a baby and the massive responsibilities of motherhood.
Motherhood can pose serious risks and threats to adolescent girls, including health issues, long-term financial instability, dropping out of school, and stigma.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. You are very vulnerable in every sense and in need of intervention. But if you have access to information you can thrive
Taking care of yourself is already very hard and you can’t imagine taking care of a baby and the massive responsibilities of motherhood.
Motherhood can pose serious risks and threats to adolescent girls, including health issues, long-term financial instability, dropping out of school, and stigma.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. You are very vulnerable in every sense and in need of intervention. But if you have access to information you can thrive
Special needs for Teen Mothers
Where to find the help you need?
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Isange One Stop Center:
Offers psychotherapist medical treatment both at the hospital and home follow-ups all free of charge. You can find Isange One Stop Center at every hospital. They also cover the transport costs to and from the hospital.
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Medical needs
Teen pregnancy often comes with unique complications for the young mother and her baby, especially if the teenager is not getting adequate prenatal care. Preeclampsia, preterm delivery, low birth weight baby, birth defects and postpartum depression are risks that face teen moms. That is why it is very crucial to
Where to find the help you need?
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Isange One Stop Center:
offers medical treatment for teen mothers free of charge, so you don’t have to worry about paying for the prenatal appointments you need.
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Nutrition Needs
A balanced and nutritious diet is a cornerstone of good prenatal care and healthy nutrition becomes even more crucial if you’re a teenage mother-to-be.
You need:
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1. Folate:
Which is found in Papaya, oranges and green leafy vegetables -
2. Protein and Iron:
Which is found in beef, chicken, eggs, dairy products, beans, nuts -
3. Vitamin D:
Which is found in eggs, fish and sunlight -
4. Calcium:
which is found in milk, dairy products, meat, fish, eggs, beans, oranges, apples, bananas, rice, potatoes, peas, cereals and green leafy vegetables.
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Sexual Health
As a teen mom you need to take care of your body as anything you do impacts directly your baby. Avoid sex with multiple partners as it can lead to STI and HIV.
You need:
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1. Isange One Stop Center:
Covers all the medical treatment needed -
2. Youth Health Center:
Screens and treats STIs and HIV free of charge. It also offers health education on nutrition, pregnancy and motherhood.
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Birth Control
After giving birth, you need health education on birth control to avoid unplanned pregnancies
Where to find the help you need:
- 1. Isange One Stop Center
- 2. Youth Centers
- 3. Health Centers
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Employment
After giving birth, you need health education on birth control to avoid unplanned pregnancies
Where to find the help you need:
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Isange One Stop Center and Youth Center:
Gives vocational training and support initiatives that generate incomes
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Education
Pregnancy doesn’t mean that you have to drop out of school. With help you can get back to school and resume your studies
Where to find the help you need:
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Isange One Stop Center and Youth Center:
Supports and helps you get back to your studies
Important Notes for Teen Mothers
- Go to the health care as soon as you know that you got pregnant
- Visit your healthcare professional on every appointment for regular monitoring throughout your pregnancy to check your general health and your baby’s.
- Eat healthy and hydrate. Your maternal body still needs to grow. Eat well to avoid risks that goes with teen pregnancies
- Avoid alcohol and drugs. They compromise both your health and your baby’s health.
- Always ask your health care professional about any concerns you have. Don’t take unnecessary risks by doing what you heard from your friend
- Give birth at the hospital. It is not an option to deliver at home when you are a teen mom, when it’s time to give birth, go to the hospital to get the care and attention you need for you and your baby.
- Create your support system. Your support system could be family, friends, neighbors, and anyone who cares about you. Turn to them when you need help, don’t do it alone. You will be surprised by their willingness to help you