Ounce doula guides young mother into parenthood
October 8, 2010
Michelle Henderson was a typical college freshman last year, playing tennis and taking a variety of classes before deciding on a major. But her life took an unexpected turn when she found out she was pregnant. Now her days revolve around her infant son, Jacob.
While being a parent wasn't something she had planned this early in life, Michelle, 19, wanted to be the best mother she could be. That's why she turned to the doula program at the Ounce of Prevention Fund. "I wanted a better understanding of what goes on in pregnancy and during the actual labor and delivery," Michelle says. "It's nice having someone who has experience, and who is literally certified, helping you."
Ounce doulas are trained mentors who guide a young, new mother through pregnancy, childbirth, and into the early months of a baby's life. They promote healthy prenatal practices and help mothers and fathers develop strong bonds with their infants.
"Being a mother is a challenging experience, but it's even more challenging when you're a teen," says Tammie Haltom, Michelle's doula. "Doulas support teen moms and gain their trust, so they can focus on their baby and remain positive."
Michelle is part of a new program that the Ounce started this past February with federal Early Head Start expansion funds. The doula program serves 30 women and their babies and is among the network of 23 community-based doula programs the Ounce oversees statewide.
Tammie helped Michelle create a birthing plan that outlined her labor and delivery preferences. She also attended the birth. "Tammie helped me lose my fear of asking questions and she made sure I knew what was going on," Michelle says.
Michelle was adamant about breastfeeding her son. "It's so much better for my baby than formula," she says. With Tammie's instruction, Michelle began breastfeeding Jacob an hour after his birth.
Tammie educated Michelle on the advantages of breastfeeding, including the strong emotional bond it establishes between mother and child. Nationally, only 43 percent of teen moms breastfeed their babies, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. By contrast, 77 percent of teens in Ounce-supported doula programs choose to breastfeed.
When Jacob was 13 weeks old, Michelle enrolled him in Educare, the Ounce's birth-to-five school that has become a national model for high-quality early care and education. Finding a top-quality early learning program was paramount for Michelle because she knows it will give Jacob a foundation for success.
While Jacob is at Educare, Michelle attends classes at a community college. While juggling school and parenting can be difficult, Michelle knows her education is essential. "Getting my degree is something I need to do because I'll be better able to provide for me and my child," she says.
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