Birth Stories: Navigating Pregnancy and Birth as a Teenager

Birth, Baby!

Summary
Kameryn Matranga shares her story of what it was like being pregnant and giving birth as a teen mom…TWICE. She shares the challenges she faced with friendships, balancing school and parenthood, and her ability to advocate for herself in the medical system. She also shares what postpartum and breastfeeding were like for her. She shares her journey as a teen mom and how it has led her to become a doula and support other young mothers.

Takeaways

• Teenage pregnancy can come with unique challenges and emotions
  It's important to have a supportive network during pregnancy and birth.
• Birth plans may change due to medical reasons.
• Postpartum can be challenging, especially with breastfeeding and reflux.
• Being a teen mom requires growing up quickly and juggling teenage wants with mature motherhood.
• Isolation and exhaustion are common challenges for teen moms in the early months of their baby's life.
• Support from family and a strong support system can make a significant difference for teen moms.
• Breastfeeding can be a challenge for teen moms, but education and support can help them succeed.

You can find Kameryn Matranga here:
Website: www.KamerynMatranga.com
IG: KamerynMatranga

This episode is sponsored by Cheryl Reeley LCSW.
Website: www.CherylReeleyLCSW.com to learn more and book your first session.
IG: @‌CherylReeleyLCSW

Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!

Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast
Email: [e-mail]
Website: https://birthbabypodcast.transistor.fm/

Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

• (00:00) - Introduction and Disclaimer
• (01:42) - Finding Out About the Pregnancy
• (06:24) - Pregnancy and Support
• (10:39) - Birth Plans and Induction
• (18:24) - Challenges and Frustrations During Labor
• (23:14) - The Magical Moment of Birth
• (24:43) - Postpartum Challenges
• (25:41) - The Challenges of Being a Teen Mom
• (28:29) - Isolation and Exhaustion in the Early Months
• (31:26) - Determination to Breastfeed Successfully
• (37:01) - Growing Up Early and Juggling Teenage Wants with Motherhood
• (43:14) - Supporting Other Young Mothers as a Doula