At 14 years old, Leanne* found out she was pregnant. “I felt blank. Probably in denial,” she said. While she wasn’t worried about what others would think, she felt sad for her unborn daughter, knowing the father didn’t want to be involved. “I started thinking about what I’d tell her when she’s older. But I knew I had my mum’s support, and I was just excited to meet my daughter.”
Leanne’s midwife referred her to St Michael’s, after she expressed she didn’t think she’d feel comfortable attending baby groups where most parents were a lot older than her. “I didn’t think I’d fit in. I wouldn’t have much in common with them.” Once referred to us, Leanne began working closely with Michelle, our Start for Life Practitioner.
School had become a challenging environment, with few members of staff showing support once Leanne had shared her pregnancy. At a time when she most needed the support of her community, she felt her school let her down. Michelle, keen not to let Leanne’s pregnancy impact her access to education, advocated for the school to provide her with a personal tutor.
Leanne shared that Michelle offered both emotional and practical support. “I can speak to her about everything.” Michelle helped Leanne secure essential baby items, accompanied her to appointments, and helped her to communicate her needs during labour, ensuring she got an epidural when she needed one. Michelle was one of the first people to meet baby Sienna. When Sienna was born, Leanne cried. “I was so proud and excited.”
Leanne and Sienna continue to attend Parents & Peanuts and Friday Group at St Michael’s. “Parents & Peanuts has taught me so much about breastfeeding, sleep and nutrition. I also didn’t know how important it is to talk to your baby” Friday Group is exactly what Leanne needed, a space to meet other young parents and feel less alone.
Later in the year, Leanne will return to school to continue studying for her GCSEs. One of her favourite subjects is Music. “It’s my escape. I might write a song that’s like a letter to my daughter for my final year project”.
Now 15, Leanne is focused on the future. “I just want to be the best mum I can be.” She plans to go to university to possibly study Criminology, Law, or Midwifery. “Becoming a mum has definitely made me interested in being a midwife one day.”
Her hope for Sienna? “To finish school, be successful, and just live her life.”
Leanne’s advice to other young parents:
“You can do it, trust your instinct.”
*name has been changed.
“It’s been a dream working with Leanne; she is my youngest client. Her journey has truly cemented my passion as a Family Practitioner. Being there through her antenatal care and labour was a privilege I deeply cherish. I’m so confident Leanne is on the path to becoming the wonderful mother she’s meant to be and I am grateful to support her every step of the way.”
Michelle, Start for Life Practitioner