| Name: | Julie I |
| Online Name: | Indigo1021 |
| Country: | US |
| State: | Texas |
| Age: | 18 |
| Your Birthday: | 10/21/81 |
| Your Due Date: | September 30, 2000 |
| Hobbies: | hanging out with friends, reading |
| Special Talents: | um...cross-stitching |
| Do you work? If so where/doing what? | not right now |
| What is your living arangement? | still with mom and dad, for the time being |
| Are you still in school? | nope, graduated class of 2000 |
| If your not in school what are your plans for continuing your education | community college at some point, probably January of 2001, as I am due in Sept, and that would interfere |
| Are you keeping your child? considering abortion or adoption?: | Well, I am obviously having the baby. (Although, I support the right to choose!) I am still somewhat considering adoption |
| Is there anyone else involved with making this descision? (your parent, child's father) | The father is involved in a sort of un-involved way. |
| Is the unborn child's father involved? How is he involved? | He is getting used to the idea still. He is getting his life in order, and I hope his son will be a part of that. |
| If he's not involved, why not? | |
| Was it the first time you had sex? | No, thank God. What a scary thing to have happen! |
| Were you and the father a couple? | yes |
| Are the two of you planning mariage as a result of getting pregnant? | No. I would rather not have a baby out of wedlock, but I would rather do that than be a divorcee at 19. |
| Were you using protection against pregnancy? If yes, what kind? | Yes. Luck and denial. Both failed. |
| Did either of your parents know the two of you were sexualy active? | Yes. This is my second pregnancy. |
| Were you trying to get pregnant? Please explain: | No. |
| Were you using protection against STDs? | See above. |
| Did you know how you would support this child? Support yourself? | Not totally, but I have a lot of options. |
| Have you been to a doctor for prenatal care yet? | Definitely |
| Any health problems during this pregnancy? | None so far. |
| Has this pregnancy been emotionally difficult? | Definitely |
| Do you have any support at home? (family, friends) | Yes. |
| What has been the most difficult experience as a pregnant young woman your age? | The baby's father's unpredictable ways. |
| Is your family being helpful/supportive? | They are strongly pushing for adoption. |
| Are you on public assistance? | No |
| If so, how does that make you feel? | |
| Is the father's family involved with the pregnancy? Emotionally, financially, or both? | Not right now. |
| Do you feel accepted by people your age since you've become pregnant? | Not really. I got stared at a whole lot at graduation. |
| Do you still have the same friends? | Yes. |
| What do you feel is the general public perception of your being pregnant at the age you are? | Most people can't tell yet. I know that when they can, I will be chastised, at least mentally, by them, because I look younger than my 18 years. |
| How are you treated in public? (doctors, grocery store, mall, etc..) | My doctor has been great. She is excited just like she would be about any baby. |
| How did you feel once you realized you were pregnant? | Lost, confused, depressed, sad, angry. |
| Any regrets? | I love my son, but I wish he was coming into my life at a different time. |
| What are your personal goals? (goals for yourself as an individual NOT as a mother) | College, a HEALTHY relationship. |
| Have your goals changed since you've become pregnant? | Yes. Everything has become more immediate. |
| Do you feel that reaching your goals will be more difficult now that your a teen parent? | Yes. |
| Do you know anyother young moms? | Yes |
| What would you tell a (school age) 12-18 year old girl that wanted to get pregnant? | WAIT!!! |
| How do you think being a Young Mother will change you? | I will develop a much different outlook on life. I will have to grow up more. |
| How do you think society looks upon teen pregnancy in general? | We are irresponsible, out of control sluts. |
| Why do you think there are so many teen parents? | People don't think it will happen to them. I know that I was much too caught up in the thrill of the moment to see the big picture. |
| List 3 Pro's to being a teen Mother? | Better able to relate to kids, keeps you out of trouble, being a mother is always a good thing |
| List 3 Con's to being a teen Mother?: | Not as much life experience, not as many resources to work with, social stigma |
| What do you expect to get out of being a member of Young Mothers?: | I would like to meet other people in similiar situations. |
| Today's Date: | June 16, 2000 |