Hi everyone..

Today I am here with a post that is slightly different to what I usually post. This post is very personal to one of the most important people in my life.. My little sister Ana.

Ana became a mum for the first time when she was only a teenager. From the moment she found out she was pregnant Ana knew the difficulties that were ahead of her because of her age yet she still fought hard and gave it her all. She is now 21 years old and a wonderful full time mum to 2 lovely and cheeky little boys. Ana felt it was important to share her story and hopes that it helps people understand what it truly means to be a teen mum. Ana also hopes that this post helps someone not feel so helpless and so scared about becoming a teen mum.

With Ana’s permission I sat with her and asked her various questions about teen motherhood and what it was like for her. Please enjoy this post and share with anyone you think it may help.

How old were you when you got pregnant?

I was 16 when I got pregnant with Isaac and 19 when I got pregnant with Leo.

What were your career plans before you got pregnant?

Before I got pregnant I aspired to be a beautician and own my own beauty shop.

What are your career plans now?

I am hoping to return to college to finish my beauty course and still pursue a career as a beautician or a hairdresser.

Are you still with your children’s dad?

Yes. We are engaged and planning to get married soon.

Do you live with your parents?

No. I moved out when I was pregnant with my first baby.

What is the hardest part about being a teen mum aside from financial struggles?

Having someone relying on you and being dependant on you 24/7. Also being unable to be selfish and by that I mean putting my dream career on hold.

Do you work?

Yes. I work part time in the evenings at 2 different places.

How many friends do you have now compared to before.

I am no longer friends with anyone I was friends with before. I know only have a couple of good close friends. I find that the people I thought were my friends before didn’t understand my position and were unable to relate so we drifted apart.

Is your family closer now because of your situation?

We were pretty close before but now closer than ever. I appreciate my family a lot more for the help they give me and for being there for me when I need a should to cry on.

Do you wish you would have waited or want other girls to be more careful?

I wouldn’t have waited because I feel that having my children made me grow up and see life with a brand new set of eyes. But I would tell other girls to wait as it is hard to be a mother so young.

Name one misconception people have of most teen mums

That we are all bad mums. I feel this is disgusting because I do everything to ensure my children are brought up well and have everything they need. I work hard to make sure they grow up in a safe and secure environment. Myself and my partner have 4 jobs between us to make sure we can provide our children with the best life possible.

Do you think teen mom and 16 and pregnant glorifies teen parenthood?

Yes. I don’t think the shows portray what it actually is like to be a teen parent. It touches on certain topics but it’s mostly baby daddy drama. For example it doesn’t show the difficulties and pain you face whilst breastfeeding, the sleepless nights, c-section recovery and things like having to pee with your child in your arms because you can’t settle them.

How has your body changed from pregnancy?

Ohhh everything has just gone south. Literally. Boobs, tummy, etc… also my hair has just become flat with no life left in it. I also have a phobia of my c-section scar. Another thing is unfortunately I got Diastasis Recti which is where your abdominal muscles split so I’m left with a little tummy pooch.

Do you plan to have more children?

I have no plans to have more children. Unfortunately I had a lot of issues with of my pregnancies which has put me off having any more.

What is one thing you wish you knew before you got pregnant?

How difficult it truly is and how many friendships get broken because of it. I wish I had known how people wish bad upon you and your child and judge you just because you are young and also how financially straining it is.

What is your favourite thing about being a mum?

My favourite thing is hearing my children call my name and say I love you. I love listening to them laugh, the glow on their little faces when they look at me and I adore being their everything.

Before I finish this post I must say how damn proud I am of my little sissy.. she is an amazing mother to her children despite the challenges she faces on a daily basis and she is also an amazing godmother to my little princess…

Love you lots sissy

P.S. if anyone has any questions for Ana please write them in the comments or if you want it to be more private please email me on [email protected]hotmail.com

Until next time

XOXO