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Medical, social and financial challenges that confront pregnant teens can appear overwhelming. But Seton Health's Mommy Project at St. Mary's Hospital in Troy offers hope and empowerment.

"Teen moms are looked upon as irresponsible and not ready yet," said Kelly Duheme, a registered nurse who co-directs the Mommy Project. "But give them opportunity and education, they do an outstanding job."

Ms. Duheme and Stephanie Lao, a social worker, are Certified Childbirth Educators who head the program that has been covering childbirth education, labor preparation, infant care and safety concerns since 2002. 

The seven-week course, funded by grants and community donations, is offered several times a year. It is free and open to pregnant women who are 22 or younger. 

"The philosophy behind it is that it is more than a Lamaze class," said Ms. Lao. "We focus on the pregnancy - how they feel about becoming parents; what are their fears, excitement, expectations."

Other topics include choosing a pediatrician, advocating for the baby's health, maintaining a job, staying in school and healthy vs. unhealthy relationships.

Stormy time
"The women are generally single and have a variety of issues," said Ms. Lao. "They are economically unstable, have limited education, or are struggling to complete their educations. The father might not be involved, or there is limited family involvement. And they have come into prenatal care late. It's an unplanned pregnancy, so there are lots of gaps. "

Duheme said the gaps are covered through Seton Health's many services. "Seton Health is a unique system and is all encompassing. It's a tight-knit group. They tend not to get lost."

She and Ms. Lao acknowledge that teen moms encounter different problems than those of married couples who have a home and are excited about their pregnancies.

"It is intimidating to sit in a room with adults when you don't consider yourself one," said Ms. Duheme. "If I were 17, I wouldn't want to go to a child-prep class with my boyfriend who might not want to be there. And I might be worried about paying my rent or getting my heat shut off. Priorities are different for adults."

Alone no more 
The Mommy Project offers a comforting alternative. "It is in a room with couples who are in the same boat as they are," Ms. Lao said, "such as with others whose partners are not available."

She said fathers are welcome. "In some groups, the dads do participate," she continued. "But the dads are often not that involved, or they come at first then stop coming."

She said some women bring their mothers or sisters.

"Usually when a teen becomes pregnant, she will be pregnant again within two years," Ms. Lao explained. "We are a Catholic hospital, so we don't discuss birth control."

They focus on goals. "Young adults have a difficult time and don't look beyond the moment. We ask, 'What is your concept of your future? How do you see yourself in five years?' We talk with them about how they are going to reach their goals."

Participants can earn points that can be redeemed for bassinets, car seats, baby clothes, smoke detectors and outlet covers.

All aboard
"We've had a great reaction," said Ms. Duhmere. A common comment is, 'What am I going to do next week?' They are eager to come back."

A new aspect of the Mommy Project is the Centering Program, made possible by a grant from the March of Dimes. 

"It is group prenatal care for people who have about the same due date" that provides education and fosters empowerment, said Ms. Lao. Participants choose topics of discussion, learn to take their own blood pressures and urine samples, and have private time with a midwife.

"A prenatal visit is usually 15 minutes," said Ms. Lao. "This is two hours. When it ended, we said, 'See you next week.' No one got up. They wanted to stay and talk."

"It gives them faith," Ms. Duheme added. "They are expected to fail, and we prove [that theory] wrong."[[In-content Ad]]

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