So I’m going to be in Washington D.C. next week to discuss issues affecting young moms. I’m excited. I’m thrilled. I feel like all of the work on this blog is finally becoming something larger, something that I can use to create change on a wider level.
But I didn’t make it to this point alone and I never want to feel like I’m solely speaking from my experiences. (You guys know I love you, right?)
I want your thoughts. Tell me what I should say. Let me know what you think should be discussed. What do you think is THE most important issue facing young mothers? Quality, affordable education options? Relationship support? Dependable childcare? Stable housing? Desirable career choices?
I’ll be writing my remarks this weekend, and I’ll be taking whatever you all leave me in the comments as a starting point.
Please give your two cents. I’ll be meeting with a few Senators in a one-on-one meeting (I’m nervous!) so I want to be prepared. Let me know what you think is important.
high quality, affordable day care, policies on agism and discrimination, more support and services for young single parents.
Some help for those of us who are stuck in between … we dont financially make enough to really afford rents, daycares, childcare needs, bills, etc …. we make too much for government assistance (personally I was told I make $43 a month too much to receive foodstamps or government childcare) and unfortunately child support never shows up!
First of all, Tara, I just want to tell you how proud I am of you! I’m over here standing up and clapping for you. Know that I’ll be with you in spirit when you’re in DC speaking, and if I could I’d be right behind you cheering you on. We’re just going to have to settle for long distance cheering, though.
I know you’ve got a lot of great ideas, and the two notes above mine have great ideas as well. But if theres one thing I could wish for, it would be before the birth of a child. You already know my story well, and it has always been my hope that my experience can be used to prevent even just one other mother and infant from going through what my son and I did. I wish there was a way to make some sort of policy that states no matter the age or race of the mother to be, she should always recieve adequate medical care during her pregnancy. She should never be shoved aside and ignored and told her fears were unfounded. No matter her age, she should always be able to trust her doctor and the medical staff in the hospital. I’m sure theres a much more eloquent way to say all of that, but I’m just writing what I feel. I wish it could all change.
I know you know my story, but my friend’s sister in law has an even more terrible story than I do. I won’t name names, because its not my story to tell, but I will paraphrase. This woman was a young mom as well, who made it almost to term in her first pregnancy. She started having complications, and went to the same hospital I went to (my first 2 visits). The medical staff did not take care of her either, and her daughter died before she was born. The staff finally sat up and took notice when there was no longer a heartbeat, induced labor, and my friend’s sister in law gave birth to her deceased daughter.
My story and my friend’s sister in law’s story are not the only two that have ended badly in this particular hospital. There are many other stories of young moms and neglect from this particular hospital. And I wish I could do something to stop it. I really do.
Good luck in DC, Tara. I know you’ll do an amazing job. I have complete faith in you, and just remember, if you need some encouragement, I’m right there behind you, cheering you on.
@Katie – Thank you, Katie. Your support means a lot to me.
I definitely think you bring up some good points. I will make sure to take that with me to D.C.
the MOTHERS act- addresses PPD issues