GET WHAT YOU NEED: A BILINGUAL GUIDE TO TEEN

Transcripción

GET WHAT YOU NEED:
A BILINGUAL GUIDE TO TEEN PREGNANCY AND PARENTING
Catherine V. Rivera
B.S., University of California at Davis, 1978
PROJECT
Submitted in partial satisfaction of
The requirements for the degree of
MASTER OF ARTS
in
EDUCATION
(Special Education)
at
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SACRAMENTO
SPRING
2011
GET WHAT YOU NEED:
A Project
By
Catherine V. Rivera
Approved by
__________________________________, Committee Chair
Jean Gonsier-Gerdin, Ph.D.
____________________________
Date
ii
Student: Catherine V. Rivera
I certify that this student has met the requirements for format contained in the University
format manual, and that this project is suitable for shelving in the Library and credit is to
be awarded for the project.
__________________________, Graduate Coordinator
Bruce A. Ostertag, Ph.D.
Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation,
School Psychology and Deaf Studies
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_________________
Date
Abstract
of
GET WHAT YOU NEED:
by
Catherine V. Rivera
California has a large teenage population and a high number of teenage
pregnancies. Predominately poor and low-income teens account for about 83% of
mothers who give birth and become unmarried adolescent parents. Teen parents face a
variety of complex health, education, and financial challenges. Additionally, their
children are at risk for poor health outcomes, increased educational concerns, and
behavioral problems. State and federally funded agencies and programs are available, but
many adolescent pregnant and parenting students and their families in rural areas may be
unaware of the support services. This project sought to develop a bilingual guide that
will inform, encourage and assist pregnant and parenting students to access
comprehensive support services. The guide has a focus audience that resides in a rural
school district spanning three counties in Northern California.
In the development of a constructive guide, eight adolescent parenting mothers
and one pregnant mother answered questions concerning how many of the California
Department of Education‘s nineteen allowable support services that they were receiving
at their educational sites, and how their academic coursework was progressing toward
high school completion. Nine support providers from pregnant and parenting school
programs and from local county agencies were also interviewed. Information concerning
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the best practice of service delivery for adolescent students, their families and support
providers was then arranged in an educational, teen-friendly, bilingual guide. The
content of the guide includes topics on making an informed choice, learning how to take
care of oneself while pregnant, things to learn before giving birth, important issues on
parenting, educational rights of school-age students and programs concerning continuing
education. In addition, internet links and phone contacts are provided to allow both the
students and the professionals who work with them to access the programs, services, and
the supports that they might require to meet their needs.
_______________________, Committee Chair
Jean Gonsier-Gerdin, Ph.D.
_______________________
Date
v
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I want to first and foremost thank Almighty God for opening my eyes to the needs
of childbearing students, adolescent parents and their families in my district; and for
giving me the passion to organize and share this information to help support them and the
adults who work with them. There were also many prayer warriors on my side; their
intercession gave me the confidence and perseverance to complete the task.
Next, I'd like to acknowledge Tom Anderson, Director of Special Education and
Educational Services for the River Delta Unified School District. He supported and
encouraged me throughout the process and found the resources necessary to translate and
produce the guide for pregnant and parenting students to use in our district.
I'd like to thank Mitzi Inouye and Rhonda Simpson-Brown from the Department
of Education for sharing their knowledge about the history of programs for pregnant
adolescents in California. They were always eager and more than willing to answer any
question, phone call, or email I sent their way. They knew things no one else did.
I gained great insight to the strong spirit of the pregnant and parenting students
and all the work support providers do for them through different agencies when they
willingly answered interview questions and gave their input. I thank them for helping me
see which issues were indeed important.
This project would not have seen completion without the advice, guidance, and
support of my advisor, Professor Jean Gonsier-Gerdin. She made me dig deep, ask the
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hard questions, and do the difficult tasks first. The expertise she offered me in organizing
the content of this report was invaluble. I can't thank her enough, but I will try.
It took many hours to translate the guide into Spanish, and I want to express my
sincere gratitude and affection to Evelyn Cairo and her dedication to the families I know
will benefit from her tireless effort.
Finally, where would I be without my family‘s understanding and optimism?
Their love helped me persevere through the trying times and gave me hope. My husband
and two daughters deserve a special note of appreciation for editing the report and guide
during different stages of the process and patiently teaching me how to use the computer
software when I didn‘t have a clue.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Acknowledgments......................................................................................................vi
List of Figures............................................................................................................ x
Chapter
1. INTRODUCTION............................................................................................... 1
Background of the Problem........................................................................... 3
Statement of the Problem............................................................................... 6
Purpose of the Project.................................................................................... 7
Significance of the Project............................................................................. 8
Limitations of the Project ............................................................................. 10
Assumptions....................................................................................... ........... 11
Definition of Terms....................................................................................... 12
Organization of the Remainder of the Project............................................... 17
2. REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE..................................................................... 19
Equality and Justice for All…………………………………........................19
Programs for Pregnant and Parenting Students in the U. S........................... 22
Programs for Pregnant and Parenting Students in California………............ 28
Research Recommendations on Best Practice............................................... 34
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3. METHODOLOGY………………....................................................................... 39
Factors Contributing to Choice of Project…………………......................... 39
Data Collection to Inform Creation of the Guide………………………...... 40
Analysis of the Interview Data…………………………………….............. 43
Student Responses……………………………………................................. 44
Support Providers Responses…………………………………......... ........... 54
Discussion of the Interview Findings............................................................ 58
Development of the Guide…………………………………………………. 61
4. PROJECT DESCRIPTION, IMPLICATIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS……............……................................................... 65
Project Description………………………………………….........................65
Dissemination of the Guide…………..………………………..................... 71
Implications for Practice………………………………...........……............. 73
Recommendations for Research………………………………………….... 75
Appendix A. Interview Questionnaire……………………………............. ........... 77
Appendix B. Get What You Need: A Guide to Teen Pregnancy
and Parenting……………………………………………................. 81
Appendix C. Logra lo que Tú Necesitas: Guía para Adolescentes
mbarazadas y el Cuidado de los Hijos……………………………... 148
References.................................................................................................................. 215
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LIST OF FIGURES
Page
Figure 1 Programs for Pregnant Teens in the United States (1840-2011)............... 23
x
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Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
Imagine, if you can, the physical, social, and emotional concerns that a pregnant
15 year-old student, would have to face on a daily basis if she attended a regular public
school. One day, you feel nauseated in the cafeteria and have to run to throw-up in the
bathroom. Another day, you feel extremely hungry or tired and unable to concentrate on
schoolwork at all. It is stressful facing the stares and unspoken comments of others,
when eventually you know that your belly is no longer going to fit into the school desk,
and you are going to have to sit somewhere else. If you already gave birth, you might be
late or unprepared for class a lot because the baby keeps you up at night. When your
usual sitter is unable to watch the baby, you worry about his or her needs being unmet by
the substitute. There will be many mornings, during the pregnancy and afterward, when
attending school will be an impossible choice. Then you can only hope that at least one
staff member will understand your needs as a student-parent and be ready to encourage
and support you through the tough times, so you can finish high school.
Now imagine being a 15 year-old father. The tension between you and your
girlfriend continues to increase as her belly grows in size. It does not feel so cool
walking down the hall or around campus together like it used to. The days of hanging out
with friends or partying late are over. Having a baby changed your life overnight. You
find a job paying minimum wage. It‘s a dead-end job and doesn‘t require a lot of
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educational skills, but it brings in a little money to help with the cost of diapers and
formula. The baby‘s mother has been good about letting you spend time getting to know
your son/daughter and you want to be a good father. Your mother has been supportive,
but what you really could use is a good fatherly role model. Unfortunately, that is
missing in your conflict-ridden relationship with your own father. So you just consign
yourself to working hard and hope that somehow, someway you will get through high
school with all the increasing responsibilities and pressures weighing you down. During
the tough times you wish there was someone to talk to or give you helpful suggestions.
You wonder, is staying in school until graduation worth all the trouble?
While these scenarios do not represent all cases of pregnant and parenting teens,
students who are pregnant or parenting a child in middle and high school, and the adults
that work with them need special attention and care in supporting their unique concerns.
These students are going through physical changes of adolescence, becoming parents,
and trying to stay in school. When they don‘t know where to turn and their teachers are
unsure of their options, a guide describing the student‘s rights and how to access needed
support services would be helpful. There are some school districts in California making a
positive difference in the lives of their pregnant and parenting students and families (CalSAFE Report to the Legislature, 2005). Nevertheless, students in other districts find
themselves unsupported or left out of programs that could help. Rural districts and small
schools, which do not have access to existing programs, must still provide the means to
support their pregnant and parenting students in ways that support them and their children
with healthy physical, emotional, and social development, as well as help them succeed
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toward their educational and career goals. If educators and health care professionals in
these school districts had an easy-to-use guide to offer to students, it would empower
both the students along their path toward success and the professionals who assist them.
Background of the Problem
After declining steadily from 1991-2005, birth rates for 15-19 year-olds increased
significantly in the United States. From 2005 to 2006, in 26 states from all regions of the
country, birth rates for pregnant teens went up to 41.9 per 1000 women (National Vital
Statistics Reports, 2009). This increase equates to 435,436 babies being born to teen
mothers between 15 and 19 years of age, the largest increase (3%) in a single year since
1989-1990 (Center for Disease Control Reproductive Health, 2009). This statistic of
birth rates to such young mothers remains disturbingly high. In comparison to other
countries, figures in the U.S. were twice the rate in England and Canada, four times the
rate in France, and nine times the rate in the Netherlands and Japan (Alan Guttmacher
Institute, 2006). Unfortunately, the trend seems to be continually increasing. In a recent
report from Thomson Reuters (2009), the U.S. teen birth rate rose for a second straight
year in 2007.
Interestingly, states with the largest number of teenagers also have the greatest
number of teenage pregnancies; California, the most populous state in the country,
reported the highest number of adolescent pregnancies (113,000), followed by Texas,
New York, Florida and Illinois (with approximately 37,000-80,000 each) (Alan
Guttmacher Institute, 2006). According to a report funded by the California State Library
Foundation (2003), a "youth quake" hit California between 1995 and 2005; during that
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ten year period, the state saw an increase in the adolescent population (ages 10-19) from
4.4 million to 6 million (Clayton & Brindis, 2000). This increase was predominantly in
areas of low-income families, where even more anticipated growth is expected. Poor and
low-income teens make up about 40% of the adolescent population and account for 83%
of teens who give birth, and 85% of those who become an unmarried parent (Berglas,
Brindis, & Cohen, 2003). With an increase in the state's Latino population, it is also
interesting to note that two of every three babies born to teens in California are born to
Latinas (Public Policy Institute of California, 2003).
The California State Library Foundation's report (2003) cited six complex issues
that address teenage pregnancy statewide: poverty, drop-out rates, family relationships,
negative media influences, social and economic status, and government dependency.
Poor teens are more likely to become pregnant and have children, and teens having
children are more likely to be poor. Young women who become teen parents tend to
have lower grade point average, more school absences, and more difficulties with
schoolwork, even before they become pregnant (Manlove, 1998; Kirby, 2001). This fact
should send "red flags" up in all school districts, for counselors and educators alike, to be
on the lookout for female students who need encouragement and tutoring to become more
academically involved inside and outside of school. Young girls who don't have future
educational goals and dreams, look at the benefits of having a baby---maturity, love,
responsibility, and a relationship with the father---and are less likely to abstain from
having sex or use contraception to prevent pregnancy (Zabin & Astone, 1993; Kirby,
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2001). In fact, 70% of teen mothers drop out of high school, making pregnancy the
primary reason young women drop-out early (Alan Guttmacher Institute, 1999).
Adolescents learn from and copy their parents' behavior (Whitbeck & Simons,
1994; Kirby, 2001). Unfortunately, 50% to 60% of teen parents have been abused
(Stevens-Simon & Boyle, 1995), or had parents who were teen parents themselves (Terry
& Manlove, 2000), perpetuating the cycle on to their children. The media (i.e., movies,
television, computer technology, and music) can have positive or negative influences on
teens‘ sex education and choices as well. Becoming engaged in sexual conduct is more
likely when there are few economic resources present, high unemployment, lower levels
of education, no family planning services available, few church activities offered, and
social disorganization in a community (Billy & Brewster, 1994; Brewster, 1994; Kirby,
2001).
The last major influence to note on teenage pregnancy is the governments'
involvement. Federal and state agencies oversee the availability of birth control, abortion
laws, sex education, and funding programs. Researchers Lundberg and Plotnick (1990)
found that welfare, Medicaid, and food stamps make single parenting an attractive lifestyle for some young women. Their study led to policy changes in federally funded
abstinence programs, pregnancy prevention programs, and tougher enforcement for
statutory rape laws. It is estimated that the cost taxpayers spend on teenage pregnancy
(females aged 15-17) each year is a staggering $7 billion dollars or $3, 200.00 for each
birth.
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Statement of the Problem
Costs and consequences of adolescent childbearing for the state and the mother
are many and complex. Pregnant students experience greater emotional stress, fear, and
guilt and are frequent users of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs. These unhealthy
behaviors put their infants at greater risk for low birth weight and pre-maturity (Fraser &
Brocker, 1995). Furthermore, research has found that the children of adolescent parents
are at greater risk for poor health outcomes, lower cognitive development, less
educational attainment, and more behavior problems (Centers for Diesase Control and
Prevention, 2009). Secondary, long-term health problems may be caused by any of the
earlier physical, social or emotional challenges in the teen mothers' pregnancy, including
blindness, deafness, chronic respiratory problems, mental retardation, cerebral palsy,
mental illness, and infant death (National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, 2002).
Children of young mothers also display more social and behavioral problems than
children born to older parents; these problems increase as their children grow older,
accounting for a high number of youths who become incarcerated (Hofferth & Reid,
2002). Abuse and neglect are twice as likely to happen in families headed by an
adolescent mother (National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, 2002). Because of
their circumstances, children of young parents are more likely to be victims of abuse and
neglect, and to be in foster care (Maynard, 1997).
The good news is that all of these negative outcomes for adolescent parents and
their children can be prevented before they happen. According to the Education
Development Center, Inc. (2001), six behaviors account for most of the serious illnesses
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and premature deaths in the United States: tobacco use, abuse of alcohol and other drugs,
poor eating habits, physical inactivity, behaviors that result in intentional injury, and
sexual behaviors that result in HIV infection, STDs, or unintended pregnancy. The key
to preventing these high-risk behaviors is through coordinated, school-based education
and comprehensive support services. If a school can effectively address the health of
their pregnant and parenting teens, they will improve their ability to learn (National
Governors' Association Center of Best Practices, 2000).
Purpose of the Project
The purpose of this project was to develop a bilingual guide to help inform,
encourage and assist pregnant and parenting students to access comprehensive support
services for themselves and their families in rural school districts in California.
Specifically, the guide has a focus audience that resides in a rural school district spanning
three counties in Northern California. In order to inform the development of this guide,
pregnant or parenting students who did and did not receive support services through the
California Department of Education‘s Cal-SAFE (California School Age Families
Education) program were interviewed about their different experiences and needs.
Practitioners from pregnant and parenting school programs were also interviewed from
the target school district and from county agencies within a 50-mile radius.
The primary goal of this guide is to help educate pregnant and parenting students
to make healthy choices and raise healthy families. They should not have to feel alone in
their attempt to have a healthy pregnancy, birth, and family relationships. There are tips
on important topics, like ideas on how to raise a child in a nurturing, healthy environment
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for brain and language development. Suggestions are available on what to do and who to
seek for help with depression, domestic violence, or drug-abuse. The guide directs
students, no matter what unique medical, psychosocial, or nutritional problems they face,
to the support service they need to be a successful parent.
In addition, the guide promotes the pregnant and parenting students‘ efforts to
achieve self-sufficiency and life-skills training. Both male and female students,
expecting or parenting a child, have reason to be highly motivated in their drive to
succeed and get ahead in life, but they need support services for completing academic
studies and developing their talents. If they are unable to balance schoolwork or job
training and family responsibilities, the guide will be able to assist them in choosing
alternative solutions, so they do not give up on the pursuit of their goals.
The hope is that this guide will have practical applications for any student who
needs extra support beyond what is locally available. It will be especially beneficial for
pregnant and parenting students, in rural school districts or areas without access to county
programs. While the guide has specific information and resources for the three counties
associated with the target rural school district in California, the majority of the guide
addresses general issues that all adolescent pregnant and parenting students would find
valuable. Health agencies and community outreach programs could distribute the guide
to adolescents seeking information and direction.
Significance of the Project
The Cal-SAFE Reference Handbook (October 2005) contains necessary
information and knowledge on the subject of educational support services for expectant
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and parenting students, but it is not written for students. This project is a ―how to‖ guide,
written specifically for pregnant and parenting students who want to have a healthy baby
and progress toward their career goals, but do not currently have the necessary support
services they need or know where to start.
The guide is bilingual, in English and Spanish, and will benefit a growing Latino
adolescent population, who tend to see their pregnancies through to full-term delivery
and raise their own babies. Unlike textbooks, an easy-to-use format and simple language
encourages self-sufficiency and self-esteem. The focus on making it understandable and
building self-esteem is intended to improve the relationship between mother and baby,
and increase parental competence. The end goal is that better parenting will result in
children who are ready to learn and are prepared to be successful in the school
environment.
In addition to a child‘s parents, their teachers can have a powerful influence on
them day after day. Schools are often a student‘s home away from home, and teachers
must wear many ―hats‖ when children come through the door. By being a positive
support model, teachers can have dramatic and long-lasting effects on student behavior,
attitude, and an ability to change their lives. With the help of a local resource guidebook, concerned staff members will be better equipped to support their pregnant and
parenting students, and have knowledge of which networking agencies to contact.
During this time of budget cutbacks and program reductions, our student‘s basic
needs will continue to grow. With the loss of so many jobs, homes, and the closing of
many businesses, significant numbers of parents are having financial difficulties.
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Everyone in the community will need to work together in collaborative and creative
ways. Unless everyone takes responsibility for reducing it, the link between poverty and
teen pregnancy will continue to be a rising problem. This guide may also assist teachers,
health workers, churches, and businesses to take the proper steps in meeting those
additional economic challenges.
Limitations of the Project
Time did not permit the author to interview support providers from each of the
three counties equally in person. Phone conversations did take place, but regretfully,
face-to-face interactions which may have yielded more thorough response, better results,
and further contacts were not possible between support providers in the northern most
county. Although the interviews conducted did consist of a small sample of consumers,
important issues were targeted that service providers had regarded as areas of concern.
Unfortunately, there was a lack of adolescent fathers responding to the interview process.
One father was present during an interview with the mother, but failed to add any input.
Another adolescent father was in prison and several were out of state and thus completely
unavailable. To fill the gap and make sure teen fathers‘ needs were accurate and not
overlooked, their issues and concerns had to be addressed through literature studies,
books, and online resources. Hopefully, the guide creates an awareness of the importance
of the teen father‘s role and inspires them to participate and get involved in the process of
parenting.
The guide is current for 2011, but will need updating as time goes on. Depending
on the county, programs and services of best practice, there may be major differences in
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how they do business from area to area. The names of specific programs and contact
information are helpful, but a local person may need to take the responsibility of inserting
into the guide an additional list specific to their geographical area and of keeping the
guide updated as well.
This guide will not fulfill its intended purpose unless it gets into the hands of
students, their families and their support providers. It will be imperative for schools that
want to improve their support services for pregnant and parenting students to appoint
personnel specifically for the task. Concerned individuals need to be willing to work
with the pregnant and parenting teen population, present the informative guide, review it
and help them with any questions or concerns that they may have.
Assumptions
Assumptions that direct this project include the following. Pregnant and
parenting adolescents are a vulnerable population deserving care and respect from all the
adults in their lives. They experience a variety of physical, emotional, and social
problems during pregnancy. After the birth of the baby, they must balance the difficult
roles of teenager, student and parent at the same time. Active discouragement or outright
discrimination, and stigmatization toward pregnant and parenting students by school
personnel, are illegal under federal law and Title IX. School administration and staff
must prevent discrimination, at a minimum, and would be wise to use their situation as an
example of natural life consequences, rather than try to exclude or ignore them.
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Definition of Terms
Aid to Dependent Children (ADC)
ADC (later renamed Aid to Families with Dependent Children, or AFDC) (P.L.
74-271, 49 Stat. 620) was Title IV of the Social Security Act of 1935. At first it
functioned mainly to provide federal grants to help the states maintain their mothers' aid
laws, which had been passed in forty states between 1910 and 1920. With the federal
government providing one-third of costs, the program offered aid to poor parents,
assumed at that time to be always women caring for children alone.
Adolescent Family Life Program (AFLP)
The AFLP is administered and funded by the California Department of Health
Services and available to all eligible students who do not qualify for Cal-Learn services.
Eligible clients include females younger than 19 years of age who are pregnant and/or
have one or more children. Male partners are also eligible if they are younger than 21
years of age and actively involved in the life of their child. It is a voluntary program.
The assigned case manager assesses the student‘s need for services and provides crises
intervention or makes appropriate referrals.
Alternative Education
Alternative education is a model of education services where attendance in a
regular school program is not appropriate or possible. Advantages include the ability to
provide small group and individual education as well as intensive individual services.
Some alternative forms of schooling include special resource rooms, home study, night
school, independent study, and links with community agencies or mentors.
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Cal-Learn
This program is administered and funded by the California Department of Social
Services. It is a mandatory program for Cal-WORKs participants, and those enrolled in
Cal-Learn cannot receive AFLP services. Eligible clients (under 19 years of age,
pregnant or parenting, and have not yet completed their high school education) receive
cash assistance, payments for child care, transportation and school expenses, and
assistance in obtaining education, health and social services.
California School Age Families Education (Cal-SAFE)
Enacted in 1998 by the California Legislature, and operational in July of 2000, the
program seeks to establish comprehensive, continuous and community-linked schoolbased support services that focuses on youth development and dropout prevention for
pregnant and parenting pupils and on child care and development services for their
children (Education Code Section 54742 [c]). The statute stipulated that if resources are
insufficient to serve all eligible pupils, the Cal-SAFE Program must target services to
pupils who are most in need or to pupils who are least likely to gain access to services on
their own (Education Code Section 54742 [c]). It is a voluntary program.
California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs)
CalWORKs is a welfare program that gives cash aid and services to California
families who meet certain basic requirements. It serves all 58 counties in the state and
operates locally by county welfare departments. Families may request immediate aid or
monthly, ongoing assistance. Other programs include: Food Stamps, Medi-Cal, Child
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Support, Welfare-to-work Program, Family Planning, Child Health and Disability
Prevention (CHDP), Social Services, and Child Care.
Case Management
Case management involves a single point of contact for the student in the
coordination of services (child day care, preventive health care, prenatal care, attendance
monitoring, etc.). A case manager will be a liaison between home and school and help
students develop skills to access community services, as well as build confidence and
capacity to be self-sufficient. An effective approach coordinates various agencies,
helping to reduce duplication of services and increase adherence to individual service
plans.
Childcare
For purposes of this project, childcare is defined as a licensed setting that meets
minimum quality and safety standards in caring for children. A reliable, quality childcare
facility will encourage the teen parent‘s school attendance, providing a safe and nurturing
environment for the child, help model appropriate child care practices and deter abuse
and neglect through daily observation and intervention with the young family.
Disability
Disability is a restriction or condition resulting from an impairment that qualifies
a student to receive services under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
IDEA defines a child with a disability as a child with intellectual disabilities, hearing
impairments, speech or language impairments, visual impairments, serious emotional
disturbance, orthopedic impairments, autism, traumatic brain injury, other health
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impairments, or specific learning disabilities; and who because of the condition needs
special education and related services.
Early Start
The Early Start Program is California's response to federal legislation ensuring
that early intervention services to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families
are provided in a coordinated, family-centered system of services that are available
statewide.
Even Start
The William F. Goodling Even Start Family Literacy Program is an education
program for the Nation's economically challenged families that is designed to improve
the academic achievement of young children and their parents, especially in the areas of
reading and language.
Low Birth Weight (LBW)
An infant born weighing less than 5.5 pounds (2,500 grams) regardless of
gestational age is considered low birth weight. A LBW infant is at risk for developing
lack of oxygen during labor and complications after delivery.
Local Education Agency (LEA)
A local education agency is a government agency which supervises the provision
of instruction or educational services to members of the community. People may also use
the term ―school district‖ to refer to a local education agency. Classically, local education
agencies include several schools, including grammar, middle, and high schools, along
with education support programs such as independent study programs. These
16
government agencies are responsible for ensuring that members of the public have access
to the free education which is guaranteed by the government, and that the standards of
education are high.
Pregnant and Lactating Students (PALS) Program
The PALS Program, operating through the Department of Education, assisted
students with nutrition, breastfeeding, and newborn care.
Pregnant Minors Program
Pregnant Minor Program (PMP) focused on the pregnant adolescent prior to birth
of the child and allowed teachers the opportunity to develop educational programs
providing academic instruction, perinatal education, family planning information,
nutritional education, and counseling. An eligible ―pregnant minor‖ was considered a
student under age 18 who was pregnant, had not completed her high school education,
and had written pregnancy verification.
School-Age Parenting and Infant Development (SAPID) Program
This program was administered by the Office of Child Development (OCD), and
the focus of the program was two-fold: 1) to provide parenting education for school-age
parents and other interested high school students, and 2) to establish an infant center on
or near the high school attended by the parents, to serve as a lab for parenting education,
and provide necessary child care, so the student-mother could return to school.
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Support Services
Education Code Section 54743 (f) defines ―support services‖ as services that will
enhance both the healthy development of the student‘s child or children and the academic
ability for him or her to earn a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
Title IX of the Education Amendments of the 1972 prohibits discrimination based
on sex in education programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance.
Examples of the types of discrimination that are covered under Title IX include sexual
harassment, the failure to provide equal opportunity in athletics, and discrimination based
on pregnancy.
Teen
For purposes of this project, a teen will be defined as a male or female student, 19
years old or younger, who is pregnant or parenting a child.
Women, Infants, and Children
WIC provides Federal grants to States for supplemental foods, health care
referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and nonbreastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are
found to be at nutritional risk.
Organization of the Remainder of the Project
Following the project introduction in Chapter 1, a review of the literature is
presented in Chapter 2. This will include a brief review of the impact the civil rights era
had on programs for pregnant teens, the history of programs for expectant and parenting
18
students and the framework of the Cal-SAFE Program, which the California Department
of Education presently provides for pregnant and parenting students. Research studies
that highlight best practice for comprehensive, school-based support services will be
discussed. The rationale behind the multiple support systems necessary in best servicing
this student population also will be examined. Chapter 3 will provide a description of the
process used to develop the guide, including an analysis of the interview data collected to
inform its creation. Chapter 4 contains a summary of the completed guide, conclusions,
recommendations and implications for future practice and research on programs for
pregnant and parenting teens. The appendix includes the interview questionnaire and
copies of the guide in English and Spanish. References conclude the project.
19
Chapter 2
REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
This literature review will include a brief look back into the Civil Rights Acts
passed after the American Civil War to discuss how civil liberties were unfairly denied to
individuals of color, women, and persons with disabilities. It would take almost a
hundred years before a major shift happened in the laws and a change occurred in the
hearts and minds of the people in the United States with regard to human rights for these
groups of oppressed individuals. The review will also include a discussion of the impact
that legislation and its enforcement had on equal access to educational services for these
groups. Once legislation was not only passed, but also enforced these individuals, who
included adolescents who were poor, pregnant, and parenting a child, finally had services
open to them that were previously withheld. Within this context, the history of and
research in support of programs for pregnant and parenting students in the United States
are explored. Then more specifically, the history of support services and current
programs for California‘s pregnant and parenting adolescents is addressed.
Equality and Justice for All
The political and economic climate of the country (and the world) has a profound
impact on all its‘ citizens. There was no greater issue with respect to human rights in the
United States than the question of whether one individual could own another as a slave.
Moreover, there was no greater division between countrymen than when the Northern
states passed laws to abolish slavery and the Southern states didn‘t. The controversies
surrounding slavery exploded in the 1850s between the industrial North and the
20
agricultural South (Bruce, 1960). Both areas of the country felt strongly either for or
against slave labor; they disagreed whether slaves should have freedom, how it would
affect their different ways of life, and the impact it would have on the country as new
states were added to the Union.
Around the end of the Civil War, on January 31, 1865, Abraham Lincoln was
responsible for encouraging Congress to vote for the 13th Amendment to the Constitution,
which abolished slavery in the states that left the Union, and made emancipation
universal and permanent (McPherson, 2003). Despite the effort toward granting equality
for every citizen under the law, regardless of their nationality or religious preference,
controversy and debate continued in Congress and in the divided states (Messner, 2006).
On July 9, 1868, the 14th Amendment was passed into law and provided a citizenship
clause, a due process clause, and an equal protection clause into the Constitution. Yet, it
did not seem to make much difference in the lives of real people because laws were rarely
enforced (Gerber & Friedlander, 2008). Furthermore, the Civil Rights Act of 1875 was
signed by President Grant and guaranteed everyone, regardless of race, color, or previous
condition of servitude, entitlement to the same treatment in public accommodations
(Gerber, 2008), but it was declared unconstitutional by the United States Supreme Court
in 1883. Congress claimed that it had no power to regulate the conduct of individual
citizens since the 14th Amendment only prohibited discrimination by the state, not by
individuals (Gerber & Friedlander, 2008).
In the end, the realization of equality of services for each individual U. S. citizen
had to wait almost 100 years before another group of Civil Rights Acts would establish a
21
Voting Rights bill (1957), give authority to federal judges to protect voting rights (1960),
outlaw major forms of discrimination against blacks and women (1964), end segregation
(1964), and ensure equality at the polls by doing away with the poll tax (1965) (Finley,
2008; Nichols, 2007). It was a long, hard-fought road for the poor and oppressed
peoples, including those of color, women, and persons with intellectual and
developmental disabilities (Finley, 2008; Harrison, 1988; Hay, 1952).
Nevertheless, the struggle for equal rights and fair treatment was far from over.
While challenges continued to arise, once the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was implemented,
it became illegal to practice segregation and discrimination in schools, housing, or hiring
(Loevy, 1997). A major difference from one hundred years earlier was that the federal
and state governments were finally established to handle judiciary issues and impose the
law upon agencies receiving federal financial assistance. Powers given to enforce the act
were initially weak, but were supplemented during later years (Wikipedia, 2010).
After 1964, there was no turning back; U. S. citizens were no longer willing to
tolerate separate and unequal treatment in public schools. This implementation and
actual enforcement of the laws had key implications on available educational services and
programs not only for students of color, but also for individuals with disabilities and
pregnant and parenting teens. Important changes were on the horizon in regard to how
federal and state educational funding was to be appropriated for these students so that
they could access services that were previously denied to them.
A parallel history between the discrimination and lack of programs and services
for individuals with disabilities and young pregnant and parenting students exists. Both
22
groups were originally excluded from public schools; later homebound instruction
became available to both groups. Then special segregated schools or programs within a
school were developed (Payne-Smith, 1978). For example, in 1970, just 41 years ago,
U. S. schools educated only one in five children with disabilities, and many states had
laws excluding individuals who were deaf, blind, emotionally disturbed, or had
intellectual disabilities (U.S. Office of Special Education Programs, 2000). The nation
has moved from paying little to no attention to the needs of individuals requiring special
education services, to merely accommodating these individuals in separate facilities, to
eventually providing them inclusive programs and services. Likewise, pregnant and
parenting teens have gone from being excluded, to having their needs accommodated as a
―disability,‖ to providing comprehensive health, education and social services that better
meet their unique needs (Howard, 1968; Yeh, 1987; Larson, White, & Schilling, 1998).
Programs for Pregnant and Parenting Students in the U. S.
The history of special programs for pregnant students in the United States can be
traced back to the mid 1800s (see Figure 1). In 1880, the first ministry of The Salvation
Army began with several locations around the Los Angeles Area. In 1889, the YWCA
counseled 3,261 pregnant or parenting teens between the ages of 13-19 sponsored by the
Children‘s Home Society of Washington. These earlier programs and others like them
were in community agencies and churches dealing with crisis situations, like
homelessness or neglected children, and adoption services (Google Search, 1840-2011).
Between 1900 and 1940, several maternity homes for pregnant teenagers could be found
across the country providing a safe, secure environment for mother and baby, access to
23
health care, and social services. Some of them included: Florence Crittenton Services, in
North and South Carolina; Rosalie Manor, Milwaukee; Louise Wise Services, New York;
The Salvation Army‘s White Shield Center, Oregon; and Catholic Guardian Society‘s
Maternity Services Program. In Idaho, an actual school, the Marian Pritchett School for
Pregnant and Parenting Teens, was founded in 1921 at the Booth Memorial Campus.
Figure
2
Figure
1. Programs for Pregnant Teens in the United States (1840-2011)
After the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed into law, Marion Howard (with a
grant from the Children‘s Bureau, U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in
1968) conducted one of the first comprehensive investigations of programs and services
available nationally for pregnant school-age mothers. She surveyed alternative pregnant
school programs across thirty-five school districts of the United States. Out of the fifty
states, seventeen were represented. These programs were for girls who left school or
were being excluded from school because of pregnancy. Two thirds (24 of the 35) of the
school districts insisted that once pregnant, the girl must leave the general education
24
classroom immediately. The other third allowed girls to stay until arrangements were
made, or until the end of the semester. Only one school, at that time, allowed girls to
remain in the general education classroom until delivery.
Howard (1968) also found that most of the programs used more than one source
of funding. Organizations providing financial resources for the programs to operate were
city or county education departments, state offices of economic opportunity, city or
county health departments, the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare,
county welfare departments, religious organizations, and maternity homes. In most
cases, the agencies that funded the programs cooperatively participated in providing
coordinated services to the pregnant students within each of their selected specialties. In
addition, they provided the locations for the programs to exist.
Out of the thirty-five school districts that participated in the survey, five programs
were based in California (Howard, 1968). Of those five, four were located in the
northern California Bay Area. The Berkeley Health Department ran the Maternity and
Infant Care Project. San Francisco Unified School District had Special Service Centers
in operation for pregnant teens. Oakland had the Cyesis Program through the public
school system, and Richmond offered a continuation school through the Richmond
Unified School District. Throughout Southern California, the Los Angeles City Schools
operated Education and Medical Services to School-Age Expectant Mothers.
These thirty-five alternative programs described their services as being
comprehensive with a median of twelve different supports offered (Howard, 1968). The
most noted services were health care, prenatal care, group and individual counseling,
25
continuation of regular education, courses in personal and family living, postpartum and
pediatric care, welfare services, adoption, vocational training, homemaking and child care
training, family planning, and cultural activities. Services not offered were day care,
birth control, living facilities, and financial assistance.
Before expelling pregnant students, some of the general education school districts
in Howard‘s study (1968) had policies that took into consideration how a transition to an
alternative school was going to affect the student‘s studies and credit completion. On the
other hand, some school districts moved girls out with no regard as to how it would affect
their schooling. Also, some of the alternative programs made sure that before allowing a
pregnant student to enter, that they and their family were motivated to be successful.
Nonetheless, there seemed to be a disregard for the fact that once a student had their
baby, and if they chose to keep it, returning to school would be impossible if child care,
financial assistance, or living arrangements were not addressed. This lack of concern
might have been attributed to the fact that in the 1960s most mothers were getting
married, even at a young age, and not returning to school; and teen births of unmarried
women were only 14.8% of the population (Zachry, 2005).
Later studies found the number one reason most females dropped out of the public
school system was because of pregnancy and the need to parent their child (Anderson,
1993; McMillen, Kaufman, Germino, & Bradby, 1993; Rumberger, 1983). Rather than
finding that teen mothers left school totally of their own choosing, several researchers
(Luker, 1996; Kaplan, 1997; Kelly, 2000) pointed out how rigid policies previously did
not allow pregnant and parenting students on campus. With the passage of federal
26
legislation, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 guaranteed equal access to
education for all females, including adolescents who were pregnant. The amendment
states: ―No person in the U.S. shall, on the basis of sex be excluded from participation in,
or denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational
program or activity receiving federal aid‖ (Public Law 92–318, 1972). Thus, Title IX
prohibited the expulsion or exclusion of students from any program, course, or
extracurricular activity solely on the basis of pregnancy or parenthood, regardless of
marital status. This finally stopped schools from forcing pregnant teens to drop out.
Next, in 1979, the federal government passed a health bill that provided for core
services of primary and preventative health care, education services in sexuality, and
family life and family planning (Riles, 1979). The bill included childcare for the
adolescent parent to continue their education, consumer education, homemaking, and
counseling for extended family members. Then in 1981, the United States Department of
Health and Human Services created the Adolescent Family Life (AFL) Demonstration
and Research program using funds from Title XX of the Public Health Service Act. The
grants helped develop, implement and evaluate program interventions to promote the
delay from sexual activity among adolescents and provide comprehensive health care,
education and social services to pregnancy and parenting adolescents. These services
were offered through the county health departments and not associated with the schools.
From 1986 to 1991, Congress gradually extended Medicaid eligibility for pregnant
adolescents and the result was increased prenatal care access and improved birth
outcomes for the babies of young mothers (Hueston, Geesey, & Diaz, 2008).
27
By the 1990‘s, there was a concern that the U. S. welfare system may actually
encourage teen childbearing by providing Aid to Families with Dependent Children
(AFDC) (Wertheimer & Moore, 1998). The National Campaign to Prevent Teen
Pregnancy was founded in 1996 with the goal to reduce teen pregnancy by one third
(Hoffman, 2006). To reduce and prevent teenage pregnancy, welfare reform legislation
of 1996 dramatically shifted authority from the federal government to state governments
(U.S. Departmant of Health and Human Services, 1995). The federal government placed
restrictions on benefits to unwed teenage parents under age 18, bonuses were offered to
the 5 states that ranked highest in decreasing out-of-wedlock births while decreasing
abortion, an abstinence education program promised $50 million in federal funds
annually over five years and states were required to outline how they intended to prevent
and reduce the incidence of nonmarital and especially teen pregnancies. In addition, the
Department of Health and Human Services was required to establish national goals to
prevent teen pregnancy and the Attorney General was required to study the link between
statutory rape and teenage pregnancy as well as educate state and local law enforcement
officials on the prevention and prosecution of statutory rape (U.S. Departmant of Health
and Human Services, 1995).
Another concern in the last decade of the 20th century and the beginning of the
21st century related to programs for pregnant teens revolves around the teen‘s right to
decide to terminate the pregnancy without parental involvement. Currently, 37 states
require some type of parental involvement if a mother under 18 years of age decides to
28
have an abortion; the other 13 states, including California, do not require a parent‘s
consent (Planned Parenthood, 2011).
Programs for Pregnant and Parenting Students in California
In California, before 1958, there were no state funded programs for pregnant
students, but as previously discussed, some districts did provide educational options. The
first known class in California for pregnant students started in 1949 in Oakland
(Simpson-Brown, 1991); it was called the Cyesis (an obsolete term used for pregnancy)
program. By 1958, the special needs of pregnant and parenting adolescents were
partially recognized in the California Education Code Section 6802 (Simpson-Brown,
1991; Yeh, 1987); it allowed individual instruction for pregnant minors under ―Home‖
and ―Hospital Instruction‖ through the California Department of Education‘s Office of
Special Education (OSE). By calling the students ―other physically handicapped,‖
pregnant teens were eligible to receive special instructional services (Yeh, 1987). The
basis for this decision was the medically ―high risk‖ factor associated with pregnant girls,
eighteen years and younger and their babies (Gortmaker, 1979; Institute of Medicine,
1985; Strobino, 1987).
In 1968, California Education Code Section 6802 was again amended to allow
school districts to use special education funding to develop self-contained classes and
separate schools for pregnant minors (Riles, 1979; Simpson-Brown, 1991). The Pregnant
Minor Program (PMP) focused on the pregnant adolescent prior to birth of the child and
allowed teachers the opportunity to develop educational programs providing academic
instruction, perinatal education, family planning information, nutritional education, and
29
counseling. An eligible ―pregnant minor‖ was considered a student under age 18 who
was pregnant, had not completed her high school education, and had written pregnancy
verification. A girl could enroll as soon as a doctor diagnosed the pregnancy. She could
remain in the program to complete the semester during which the baby was born, and one
additional semester with approval. The recurring problem that many students faced was
there were no transition programs in existence to provide child care support after the birth
of the baby; most young moms would have to drop out of school, unless they could find
someone to care for their child. School districts had insufficient funding and inadequate
childcare facilities to provide young student parents the comprehensive health, education,
and social services they needed (Riles, 1979).
In 1972, after the passage of Title IX, school district administrators across the
nation were under scrutiny of losing federal funding if they didn't see to it that their
pregnant adolescent students attend school and graduate. So a second educational
program in California, the School-Age Parenting and Infant Development (SAPID)
Program, was established in 1974 to encourage parenting teens to remain in school after
the birth of their baby (Riles, 1979). It was administered by the Office of Child
Development (OCD), and the focus of the program was two-fold: 1) to provide parenting
education for school-age parents and other interested high school students, and 2) to
establish an infant center on or near the high school attended by the parents, to serve as a
lab for parenting education, and provide necessary child care, so the student-mother could
return to school. The availability of childcare enabled the student parents to continue
30
their secondary education, learn about positive parenting, and gain knowledge of child
development.
By 1979, both the PMP and SAPID programs for pregnant and parenting students
were in operation at the state level, but the services they provided were separate and
uncoordinated (Riles, 1979). The PMP was administered through the Office of Special
Education, and the SAPID Program was administered through the Office of Child
Development. When the directors of both programs on a particular site personally
cooperated with each other, services were complimentary. However, many districts did
not have personnel working together, or they did not have access to either one or the
other program (Simpson-Brown, 1991).
Additionally in 1979, The School-Age Pregnancy Prevention and Parenting
Steering Committee in California proposed to apply for funds provided by a federal
health bill and coordinate services to maximize their use. The federal funds would be
used for all potential sexually active students; the goal was to have both pregnant and
parenting students and non-parenting students benefit from understanding the
responsibilities associated with raising a child, how children grow and develop, and the
time and energy it takes to care for them (Riles, 1979).
In 1980, the PMP was removed from the Office of Special Education in order to
bring California‘s special education laws into compliance with federal regulations under
Public Law 94-142, which had been enacted five years earlier (Simpson-Brown, 1991).
Pregnancy was re-categorized as a ―temporary condition‖ not a disability, and pregnant
students and programs were no longer eligible for services or funding under special
31
education. In conjunction with this change of terminology, the PMP was re-assigned to
the Child Development Division (CDD), even though the division did not deal with
education issues. County Offices of Education received funding through a Pregnant
Minor Revenue Limit, but because of an oversight, money for school districts was
repealed by the State Legislature (Simpson-Brown, 1991). Even though not funded, most
school districts continued to run their programs for pregnant and parenting students
voluntarily, out of general education monies.
In 1986, yet another program through the state education department was
established for parenting teens and their children; it was called the Pregnant and
Lactating Students (PALS) Program, and it assisted students with nutrition,
breastfeeding, and newborn care. The three educationally-based programs: PMP, SAPID,
and PALS continued to be limited in their availability and operated under segmented
statutes and policies that prevented a comprehensive, integrated approach to learning and
support services. In addition, the birth fathers and other immediate family members were
still not being served.
Between 1986 and 1998, issues surrounding the disjointed support services for
pregnant and parenting schoolage students and their families, were discussed by the
California State Legislature. Attempts were made to change policies; several bills were
introduced, but none ever passed (Yeh, 1987; Simpson-Brown, 1991). In an internal
California Department of Education document, Alex Yeh (1987) presented the argument
for a comprehensive pregnancy program stating that: ―When these young girls are given
an intensive special education program including pre-natal care, there is a marked
32
reduction of handicapping conditions in their babies.‖ Hence, a comprehensive set of
support services by the Department of Education was offered as a way to assist teens
through their pregnancy and reduce the number of individuals born with disabilities in the
future, who would require special education and related services.
Around the same time the rapid increase in the adolescent population and teen
pregnancy hit California in 1995, the State Legislature required the California
Department of Education to make recommendations for improving and expanding statefunded education programs for pregnant and parenting students. A framework was set
forth, but it took three more years before a bill was passed. In 1998, the State Legislature
established the California School Age Families Education (Cal-SAFE) Program by
Senate Bill 1064 (Chapter 1078, Statutes of 1998) and it became operational in July 2000.
It replaced the Pregnant Minors Program (PMP), the School Age Parenting and Infant
Development (SAPID) Program, and the Pregnant and Lactating Students (PALS)
Program (Cal-SAFE Program Reference Handbook, 2005).
The Cal-SAFE Program was, and today remains voluntary and is designed to
improve the educational experience, increase the availability of support services for
enrolled students, and provide child care and development services for their children.
The intent was for school districts and county offices of education to connect with
existing program strategies and build upon existing local networks to provide a unified
integrated system of services to children, youth, and families. In July 2000, Eleven CalSAFE goals were established; they are as follows: A significant number of eligible
female and male pupils in need of targeted supportive services related to school success
33
will be served; 2) Pupils shall have the opportunity to be continuously enrolled in the
program through graduation from high school; Pupils served who receive program
services for one or more years will earn a high school diploma or its equivalent or
demonstrate progress toward completion of education goals; Pupils served who
graduate will transition to postsecondary education, including a technical school, or into
the world of work; Pupils served and their children will not become dependent on
welfare; Pupils served will demonstrate effective parenting skills; 7) Pupils served will
not have a repeat birth or father a repeat pregnancy before graduating from high school;
Pregnant pupils served will not have a baby of low birth weight; Children of
enrolled teen parents will receive child care and development services based upon an
assessment of the developmental and health needs of the child; Children of enrolled
teen parents will receive health screening and immunizations except when the custodial
parent annually provides a written request for an exemption pursuant to sections 49451
and 120365 of the California Health and Safety Code; and Children of enrolled teen
parents will have enhanced skills for school readiness or demonstrate progress toward
meeting their assessed developmental goals.
Since Cal-SAFE‘s inception, positive outcomes have been reported across all
areas (CDE Cal-SAFE Legislative Report, 2005). Over 75% of the students who finished
the program had successfully completed their high school education; a significant number
of students did not have a repeat birth or father a repeat pregnancy while enrolled in the
program; the vast majority of children born while their parents were enrolled in the
34
program were healthy; and over 75% of the children of Cal-SAFE students attended a
childcare center and received programming and services based on their assessed
developmental needs. Then, after only eight years of successful operation, the economic
recession of 2008 had a negative effect on the Cal-SAFE Program. In February 2009, the
California Legislature allowed local education agencies (LEAs) flexibility to determine
how their categorical funds for ―tier three‖ programs would be used in light of budget
cutbacks (National Women‘s Law Center, 2009). Since Cal-SAFE Programs are in that
tier, LEAs must decide which school programs to reduce or cut. The decision each
county office of education makes has a direct affect on the funding and availability of
Cal-SAFE Programs and the students they serve. As a result of determinations made thus
far, thirteen Cal-SAFE programs across the state have had to close their doors. With teen
pregnancy rates on the rise, elimination or reduction of these important programs means
no service for one or both sets of vulnerable children at the same time, expectant and
parenting students (female and male) and their babies. At the writing of this project,
there are no new funds on the horizon.
Research Recommendations on Best Practice
Research of statewide and national pregnant and parenting teen programs is vital
in order to identify best practices and to provide a blueprint for continued development of
innovative services that improve outcomes for teens and their children. Because of the
possibility of medical complications involved with adolescent pregnant and parenting
students, most health interventions have been naturally provided in hospitals or clinics
(Clark, Thomson, Mantell, & Hutton, 1986; Korenbrot, Showstack, Loomis, & Brindis,
35
1989; Piechnik & Corbett, 1985). Some successful prenatal and postnatal programs have
been offered in maternity shelters (LaGuardia, Druzin, & Eades, 1989) and through home
visitation nurses (Heins, Nance, & Ferguson, 1987; Olds, Henderson, Tatelbaum, &
Chamberlin, 1986). The results of a study by Seitz & Apfel (1994) showed that a
comprehensive program in a school setting, rather than at home or in a clinic, could be an
effective service delivery model for providing prenatal intervention. In contrast to the
pregnant school-age mothers who received early care while attending school, adolescents
who became pregnant in the summer months were significantly more likely to deliver a
preterm, low-birthweight infant (Seitz & Apfel, 1994). When students have daily access
to available services at school, not only teachers, but also professional health care
providers have daily access to the pregnant teens.
The Center for Assessment and Policy Development (CAPD) presented an
overview of their findings on school-based programs for adolescent parents and their
children. The evidence showed that interventions were again more effective during
school, before teens dropped-out (CAPD, 1997). The majority of adolescent pregnant
parents are young, vulnerable, and poor; they benefit greatly from a network of
community advocates and school role models. Comprehensive school-based programs,
including childcare and case managers on-site, helped program participants to have
higher educational aspirations, higher contraceptive use, more breast-feeding practice,
and better reproductive health and birth outcomes (CAPD, 1997; Sadler, Seartz, RyanKrause, Seitz, Meadows-Oliver, Grey, & Clemmens, 2007; Amin, Browne, Ahmed &
Sato, 2006).
36
Findings by the Office of Technology Assessment (1991) concluded that most
pregnant teens do not receive adequate support through the fragmented delivery systems
designed to deal separately with their educational, social, economical, psychological, and
health needs. The best approach is an interdisciplinary one between the triad (health,
educational and social) of agencies involved (Jekel & Klerman, 1982). Case managers
should be assigned to each individual student with an integrated range of multiple schoolbased services in one place. The CAPD (2002a; 2002b) also recognized the need for
comprehensive school-based programs that not only provide critical services and supports
to teens, but also shape healthy development, stability, productivity, and long-term selfsufficiency.
In order to achieve these outcomes, core elements that have been identified need
to be present in school-based programs (CAPD, 1997). Education programs need to be of
high standards and flexible. Quality childcare and child development programs need to
be available. The teen students need access to prenatal care and family planning services.
Case managers and support services, including transportation, need to be in place and
accessible. The student‘s curriculum needs to include specialized classes on parenting,
child development, and nutrition education. Transition support to post-secondary
education, vocational training, or employment services is also necessary for these young
parents to be successful.
As discussed earlier in Chapter 1, pregnant adolescent mothers are at a
statistically higher health risk for delivering a preterm or low-birth weight baby (Institute
of Medicine, 1985; Strobino, 1987) and then having secondary problems as a result.
37
Common adolescent health behaviors, such as failure to obtain adequate prenatal care,
poor compliance with medical recommendations, and poor nutritional habits can be
altered through onsite school programs, thus lowering the risk of poor birth outcomes.
What several researchers (Olds, Henderson, Tatelbaum, & Chamberlin, 1986; Seitz &
Apfel, 1994) have found to be of vital importance on positive birth outcomes is the initial
timing of pregnant intervention services before an adolescent mother‘s 20th week of
gestation. If the teen mother is attending school regularly, initial assessments and early
intervention can be offered to help avoid health problems for her and her baby.
It is becoming clear that there are improved outcomes for both teen parents and
their children if teen parents are able to remain in school and complete their high school
education which places them in a better position to prepare for college, specialized
training, or employment (Hofferth, Reid, & Mott, 2001; Seitz & Apfel, 1999). Most
pregnant students want to be with their peers and receive the same educational
opportunities; and it is within their rights to do so (Ducker, 2007). Teens need to be well
educated if they are going to become self-reliant. Adolescent parents who are able to
remain connected to their high schools have fewer subsequent births, better long-term
economic outcomes for their family, and better behavioral, social, and academic
development of their children (Stephens, Wolf, & Batten, 1999). A key factor in
determining a teen mother‘s success or failure to attend high school after delivery of the
baby is the availability and cost of infant and toddler child care (Sadler, L., Swartz, M.
Ryan-Krause, P., Seitz, V., Meadows-Oliver, M. Grey, M. & Clemmens, D., 2007).
Besides transportation problems, the lack of access to quality childcare is often the
38
central issue that interferes with regular attendance and school completion (Sadler et al.,
2007).
In summary, research recommends a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach
providing support services to pregnant and parenting students within the school setting.
The supports should include the following: nutrition; breast-feeding counseling; quality
childcare and child development programs; access to family planning; social services and
referrals; high educational, yet flexible curricular standards; parenting education;
transition to post-secondary education; vocational training or employment services;
awareness of community resources; transportation; and life-skills counseling. The
current reality for the target rural school district is that these services are not school-based
and not easily accessible. In an attempt to improve current practice, this project presents
a bilingual guide for pregnant and parenting teens which will aid young school-age
parents and those assisting them to better access comprehensive support services that will
assist them to achieve success.
39
Chapter 3
METHODOLOGY
Factors Contributing to Choice of Project
Have you ever been with or seen a pregnant mother giving birth to her baby and
scared of the whole ordeal? Back when the author was in college and working on an
internship in a local hospital, that is what she saw. Why was the mother screaming and
thrashing about? Was that a helpful way for her to behave while in labor? How did it
affect her delivery and unborn baby? It was a troubling experience that left many
questions unanswered and created a passion for information concerning pregnancy, labor,
birth, and parenting. When the author noticed that young expectant students in the school
district that she worked didn‘t have the information or support services they needed to
make informed choices about the health of their bodies, their babies‘ well being, or how
to develop as self-sufficient parents, something needed to be done to correct the situation.
The author knew from her own experience that education and information about
pregnancy and parenting is a key component in replacing fear and lack of confidence.
Learning about nutrition, birth, the care of one‘s newborn, and the development of your
child is motivating in a personal and positive way for new mothers and fathers.
To help expectant and parenting students pursue their high school diploma, or its
equivalent, and be the best parent they can be, the author decided to develop a bilingual
guide as her project focus. The school district where the author works as an employee
serves the rural, agricultural communities within three counties in Northern California.
There are challenges to providing the best educational services for this population since
40
the driving distance between the two high schools in the district is about an hour one way
up or down the Sacramento River. The pregnant students or the independent study
teachers assigned to them have to travel many miles every week just to meet. County
support services and agencies available to students at one high school are inappropriate
for students at the other, since availability is based on residence. Unless students have
mentors or case managers to guide them, adolescent parents are unable or unlikely to
access the complex network of medical, educational, and vocational resources available
to them to promote success.
Data Collection to Inform Creation of the Guide
The driving force behind this project was a passion to help childbearing women
and specifically, the pregnant and parenting students in the target district. Clearly, there
was a lack of services, but it was unclear exactly what supports were offered and what
was not. The district didn‘t keep records on the pregnant students, so no one could say
whether any of them graduated. Stepping into their shoes, the author decided to find out
what pregnant and parenting adolescents would need to be effective students and parents.
The literature on adolescent mothers and parenting teens revealed many problems
associated with their pregnancies, births, and parenting behaviors that could be averted.
Statistics showed that Hispanic mothers usually choose to keep their babies, but a lack of
bilingual information limits their resources. The author also found that after civil rights
laws were amended more programs for minorities, including young pregnant girls, were
enforced by the court system. Because findings show that a comprehensive, school-based
approach is best practice for supporting adolescent pregnant and parenting students
41
(Flynn, 1999; Smith, 2001; Amin, Browne, Ahmed, & Sato, 2006), the author chose to
develop the guide to be used in the school setting.
While researching online, a useful Resource Guide of Best Practices for Pregnant
and Parenting Teen Programs produced by the Center for Schools and Communities
through the Pennsylvania Departments of Education and Public Welfare (2005) was
located. This resource guide describes eight areas of specialized services for schools and
outside agencies to be aware of in best supporting their pregnant and parenting teens.
These services correspond to the 19 allowable support services described in the
California Department of Education‘s Reference Handbook for the Cal-SAFE Program
(2005). The author decided to use the support services listed in both of the previous
documents to structure a questionnaire to use in interviews with key stakeholders.
Specifically, stakeholders were asked about the following: alternative educational
programming, school attendance and retention, child care, case management and family
support services, school-to-work programs, teen father services, pregnancy prevention,
school safety and violence prevention.
After receiving approval from the Special Education Director and the Human
Subjects Committee, principals at the two high schools in the rural school district were
alerted by email and phone conversation as to the intent of the interviews for the
development of the guide. Interview questions were designed to help gather information
about what type of support services expectant and parenting students were receiving in
their district, and who was assisting them in receiving such services. Several months
were spent sitting down individually with both groups to cover questions about
42
education, vocational goals, work experience, parenting and pregnancy. As previously
mentioned, other questions covered the 19 allowable support services available through
the Department of Education‘s Cal-SAFE Program as well as any additional advice
offered for the development of the guide. In addition to the students, their parents,
guardians, or other mentors, school personnel, health care professionals, case managers
through local agencies, and other support providers were sought out individually through
phone, email, or personal contact. Requests to participate in interviews were solicited
verbally and flyers with contact information and intent of the interview were delivered to
as many professionals as possible that had access to the student target population.
Incentives for the students to participate in the study included $30.00 gift certificates for
purchase of baby items at local Target stores.
Informed consent was obtained through written permission for all 18 participants.
There were no participants who required Spanish translation services. Interviews were
audiotaped on school sites, in the students‘ homes, and in the professionals‘ office spaces.
Anonymity and confidentiality guarded the participants‘ rights to privacy and protected
their safety by replacing all names and places with code numbers. Transcripts and notes
with any identifying information during the interviews were transcribed using code
numbers and then properly destroyed.
Semi-structured interview questions for students focused on who and what
services were assisting them and the services they still felt they needed to be an effective
parent and finish their high school education. The interview questions for the students‘
parents/guardians, mentors, and the professionals focused on what role they played or
43
were presently playing, and any other pertinent information that they might have felt was
important to include in the guide (See Appendix A).
Interviews began in the summer months with support providers first. Once school
began in the fall, the author visited two Cal-SAFE Programs and another Young Parent
Program where there were childcare facilities or labs on site. All of these alternative
schools were in different surrounding school districts. There were nine mothers between
16-18 years old who participated; four of them lived in the target school district. Nine
support providers offered their input, with two of them being direct staff members of the
target district. The author traveled approximately 1000 miles over five months to collect
data, and had numerous telephone conversations and email correspondence in regards to
the history of programs in California for pregnant students and eligibility requirements
for a variety of support agencies.
Analysis of the Interview Data
To analyze the data, individual voice recordings were reviewed and information
was tallied using yes and no responses regarding the available student services and
support providers services. The author looked for similarities and significant issues faced
by the pregnant and parenting students and their practitioners. Actual quotes and insights
by the students and support providers were recorded. The participants noted some
supports as being more important than others and they were highlighted as such. An
analysis of the students‘ responses will be discussed first, and then the responses of their
support providers will follow.
44
Student Responses
Nine female students from three different school districts were interviewed (4
from the target district); three students were 18 years old, five were 17 years old, and one
was 16 years old. Three of the nine students were married. One was pregnant, and the
other eight were parenting a child. Five of the teen mothers were enrolled in an
alternative education program for adolescent parents and their children. From the target
school district, three of the students attended independent studies and one was no longer
attending high school, but had not graduated.
The presentation of the interview findings is organized according to the following
topics: guidance and support received by the student; the students‘ educational
experience during and after pregnancy; the students‘ outlook on future college, vocation
and/or career aspirations; the students‘ work experience; and the students‘ experiences
with the 19 allowable support services through the Cal-SAFE program.
Guidance and support. Six out of the nine students mentioned their mothers as
being the most helpful person during pregnancy and parenting. Four of the five students
who attended an alternative educational parenting program mentioned how useful and
important the program had been to their educational success. Several moms mentioned
the childcare support essential in attending and completing their school credits. Another
student mom liked the small, personal class size. Three students stated that their husband
or boyfriend had been supportive. Other family members (e.g. grandmother, sister, and
cousins) an OB GYN doctor, the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program
45
representatives and teachers or school personnel were each listed by at least two students.
One student at the alternative program had a school counselor that was especially
supportive about encouraging her to stay in school and get as many credits completed as
possible.
Educational experience. Four of the five students enrolled in the alternative
pregnant and parenting programs will be graduating on time or early. The fifth student
was behind in her credits, and will have to attend Adult School to complete her GED.
Two of the three students attending Independent Study classes will be finishing early or
by the end of this academic year. One Independent Study student was already 18 years
old and will need to attend Adult Education classes to finish; and the other Independent
Study student has a lot of work to complete if she intends to finish by next June. Three of
the students mentioned how hard it was to be in a large public school when they had
issues surrounding their pregnancy that the other students didn‘t have. Maria, a 17 yearold mom stated, ―I felt weird walking through the hallways. I would feel bad, like other
people were talking about me.‖ Another teen mom felt depressed and isolated when she
was no longer able to attend school with her regular education classmates. Two of the
teen mothers enrolled in the alternative education programs for pregnant and parenting
students stated how much they enjoyed this school. One Independent Study student liked
how she was allowed more than just a couple of days to finish her assignments, and
another Independent Study student stated how doing work at home allowed her to
continue school, since child care was not available.
46
College, vocation, or career expectations. When asked about their plans for
secondary education, a career, or their interests after finishing high school, seven of the
nine students had some idea of what they wanted to do; two students weren‘t sure. The
jobs that they listed were nursing (registered nurse, pediatric, and neonatologist), an xray technician, being a mom and staying home with the baby, flight attendant, massage
therapist, and pharmacy training. Mary Jane, an eighteen year-old mom, without a
diploma or work experience said, ―Which ever job. It doesn‘t matter. A job‘s a job‖.
Work experience. When questioned about their job experience, seven of the nine
students had worked in a variety of different positions over the last couple of years. One
mother had volunteered with the Red Cross and had taken a class in school that involved
learning about child development. Another mother had worked in a clothing store and in
her aunt‘s jewelry shop. A mom had worked for a summer youth program and as an
office assistant with Net One which job enabled her to get the position she now has with
McDonald‘s. Another mom was working in the student store at her alternative school.
She had previously worked in the fruit cannery and at a mercado in Mexico. One of the
teen mothers living in the Sacramento delta area had packed pears and picked blueberries
during previous summers. A very industrious mom is presently working two jobs; she
waits tables at a café and helps her sister cook at another restaurant. Several of the girls
mentioned having babysitting experience. Only two of nine adolescent mothers had no
prior work experience.
Parenting. Analyzing the issues and feelings about parenting that were expressed
by these teen mothers was more complicated than expected. The challenges each mother
47
faced were as unique as each one of her and their babies. Out of the 8 students who had
given birth, 7 of them were willing to discuss details about their pregnancy and delivery.
The eighth mom denied knowing that she was pregnant until she went into labor and just
shared that it went quick. The teen mothers‘ parenting experiences exposed some
perceptive thoughts and helped portray a deeper, first-hand understanding about how
parenting was going for them at such a young age.
The responses in their own words are worth sharing; some of their thoughts are
very insightful and should be heard directly from them. All nine of these teen mothers
claimed they had a positive change of attitude upon accepting the role of motherhood.
When asked, how is being a mom going for you? The reply was twofold. All but one of
the teen mothers started by saying they loved it, or that it was going well. Then they
followed that response up with whatever might be an issue for them at the time. The
other teen mom went right into discussing her perceptions about child development and
some of the behaviors that her baby was exhibiting.
Here are some of the quotes about parenting by the adolescent mothers who were
interviewed:
―Being a mom helped me grow up. It helped me realize that I have
responsibilities. I can‘t just fool around through life...I don‘t have any regrets. Me
getting pregnant helped me, ‗cause before I would mess around and wouldn‘t care, and as
soon as I found out, my whole perspective on life changed. You realize other peoples‘
needs that you never realized before.‖ (Joan, 17 year-old mom)
48
―Every day that I spend with my daughter, I am trying to see what her personality
is like. ‗Cause I believe that even this small, they have their own personality. She throws
fits, she‘ll cry and she‘ll kick. I‘m trying to exercise my patience to get me prepared for
when she‘s older.‖ (Tina, 18 year-old mom)
―Classes [on parenting] have really helped a lot: we do scenarios of what you
could do instead of hitting, yelling, or cussing. Instead of saying ‗No‘ or using negative
words, you can give them another toy.‖ (Maria, 17 year-old mom)
―There‘s lots of joy because he‘s running and trying to talk. He‘s funny....[on a
more serious note....] It‘s hard at the beginning, ‗cause things don‘t turn out the way you
plan them most of the time. You know, sometimes I felt really sad that his dad wasn‘t
around. He didn‘t support me or see us both, what he (the baby) does. But it‘s pretty
good when you have other help—like my mom tries to take care of him together [with
me].‖ (Julie, 18 year-old mom)
―I‘ve changed. I don‘t look for stuff for me anymore.‖ (Jatzira, 16 year-old mom)
―I love it! He‘s such a motivation for me. He gave me a reason for doing things.
We do everything together.‖ (Yolanda, 17 year-old mom)
When asked if there was anything that they needed to help them do a better job of
parenting, the two teen moms who were married and parenting a child responded: ―I
don‘t think so‖ (Maria, 17 year-old mom) and ―I‘m doing a pretty good job on my own,
but could provide more if I had money‖ (Yolanda, 17 year-old mom). Two of the single
moms who lived with extended family members and depended on them for support
responded: ―Not right now‖ (Tina, 18 year-old mom) and ―No‖ (Alisha, 17 year-old
49
mom). Alisha, who had access to the Cal-SAFE program and its services added, ―This
program helps with discipline, and I know what to expect.‖ The other four single
mothers had concerns regarding their income, living arrangements, and job situation. ―If
I could move, that would be excellent! I can‘t childproof the house like I want [living
with my mother]. I wouldn‘t be telling her, ‗No‘ all the time‖ (Julie, 18 year-old mom).
Another stated, ―I wish I had a more stable (living) situation and supportive background
with my parents. My mom‘s kind of homeless, so I live with my baby‘s father‘s
mother.....What doesn‘t kill you makes you stronger‖ (Bobette, 17 year-old mom).
Another teen mother responded frankly, ―So many things. Not being dependent on
anyone else for transportation, money, diapers, and clothes. I‘ve been given things so
far.....My step-mom and I don‘t get along. I try to be civil and not ask her for help. I just
get out of the house and go to my aunt‘s place‖ (Jatzira, 16 year-old mom).
Allowables support services. Each of the pregnant or parenting students were
asked to discuss which if any of the following 19 allowable support services they were
receiving.
All nine mothers said they had or were receiving parenting education and lifeskills instruction. One of the independent study students said the same book was used for
parenting education and childbirth preparation. In her own words she said, ―Through
books, we talked about the baby getting hurt, and what to do not to hurt the baby‖ (Mary
Jane, 18 year-old mom). An independent study student said she remembered receiving
childbirth education classes through the hospital, but didn‘t mention discussing issues
regarding labor and delivery during her class time. Whereas all five of the mothers
50
attending alternative schools for pregnant and parenting students had classes and speakers
on pregnancy, labor, and delivery presented right at their school site. One teen mom said,
―The preparation (movies and classes) taught me how to handle contractions and I was
able to hold on and stay at home longer‖ (Joan, 17 year-old mom). Out of the eight girls
who had delivered a baby, one had an epidural, two had their labor induced, and five had
natural deliveries. Three of the seven teen mothers who spoke about their births said
their labors went quick (3 to 4 hours). Two teen mothers would have liked more support
during labor. One mom stated that she didn‘t have women who were helpful attend her,
and another teen mom felt her support during birth was good. Two of the first time
mothers admitted to being scared, and four claimed that they knew what to expect. One
teen mother shared the reality of her birth experience when she said, ―I was prepared the
best that I could be. I was ready for it [labor and delivery] and had a natural birth....Stuff
gets thrown at you. I did not expect it to go like that!‖ (Alisha, 17 year-old mom)
Subsidized childcare was available to all four mothers in the alternative parenting
programs, but available to none of the four mothers in the independent study classes.
Home-to-school transportation had been recently been cut from the Cal-SAFE budget
and was not offered to any of the students in the alternative parenting programs this year.
It had never been available to the mothers on independent study in the other school
district. Transportation solutions involved teen moms driving themselves, husbands
dropping off, their mothers driving them back and forth, and/or other family members
transporting them.
51
One student in a parenting and pregnant program and one independent study
student felt they were receiving case management services from Medi-Cal and Cal-Learn.
Four mothers claimed they did not have a case manager, two were unsure whether they
had one, and one felt they didn‘t need one. Under comprehensive health education,
including reproductive health care, three students said they did receive services. Five
students said they did not receive this service, and one felt she didn‘t need it. Even
though having to go through an abortion after her first baby was only a month old, a
parenting student stated, ―I can‘t remember to take a pill every day‖ (Mary Jane, 18 yearold mom). She was unaware that breastfeeding could keep her from ovulating, and no
one had instructed her differently or offered her any other suggestions.
All nine adolescent mothers stated that they received nutrition education,
counseling, and meal supplements through the Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
program. Two students of the alternative program and one independent study student
said they received school safety and violence-prevention strategies targeted to expectant
and parenting teens and their children. Three student mothers said they did not receive
this service and three said they did not need it. Academic support and youth development
services, such as tutoring, mentoring, and community service internships were also
mentioned as not being needed by seven of the nine adolescent mothers. The other two
students stated not receiving services, but one remarked, ―I wanted tutoring, but didn‘t
know if it cost money‖ (Joan, 17 year-old mom). Career counseling, pre-employment
skills, and job training support services were received by two of the nine students. The
other seven teen moms stated that they had not received such services.
52
Only two of the nine teenage mothers claimed receiving substance abuse
prevention education, counseling, and treatment services. Four students stated that they
had no need for them. One student was in a drug support group before she became
pregnant. One teenage mother admitted being bipolar and taking medication and she had
received mental health assessment, interventions, and referrals. Three students said they
did not need such services, and five students stated that they did not receive them. One
teen mother said, ―I should have had it while pregnant‖ (Julie, 18 year-old mom). She
explained how she didn‘t accept the fact that the father didn‘t want to see her or want a
family. Julie described their relationship as being unhealthy and obsessive, and that she
was unable to leave him alone. She also admitted lying to him about her health. Another
teenage mother stated receiving crisis intervention counseling services, including suicide
prevention. Another mom confided that she had tried to commit suicide before having
her baby because of family issues, but that now, she was happy. Six of the teenage
mothers did not receive such services, and two felt they had no need for them.
All five of the teenage mothers attending a parent and pregnancy alternative
program felt they had received peer support and counseling. One student mom described
it as ―our own little sisterhood over here‖ (Alisha, 17 year-old mom). Only one of the
independent study students felt she had some peer support through talking during class
times and texting each other. The other three independent study students stated not
receiving support in this area.
Only two teenage mothers in the alternative programs felt they had received
family support and development services, including individual and family counseling.
53
Seven mothers claimed not receiving such services, although no one stated not needing
them. All 5 of the teenage mothers in the alternative programs claimed to receive support
services in enrichment and recreational activities. None of the 4 independent study
moms could state the same.
Two parenting students received transition services to postsecondary education,
training, or employment. One alternative program parent stated her need for such
services. The other six teenage mothers had not received support services in this area.
Support services for grandparents, siblings, and fathers were not received by any of the 9
teenage moms interviewed, regardless of the program they attended.
Eight of the teenage mothers didn‘t think there was much being done in the way
of outreach activities to identify eligible pupils and educate the community about the
realities of teen pregnancy and parenting. One student mom mentioned a pregnancy
resource center in the alternative education community that was doing good work.
Another teenage mother said she goes online to search out information. Another student
mentioned that television now broadcasts a reality show of teenage mothers and the
issues they face in their relationships. One teenage mother hopes to speak to other teens
and share what she has learned about healthy relationships, what they look like, and safe
dating practices to follow when out with the opposite sex.
Advice for other pregnant teens from the teen mothers. When asked if they had
additional advice the following were noteworthy responses:
―Take advantage of what your school program has to offer. Stay in school and be
the best you can be for your child.‖ (Joan, 17 year-old mom)
54
―Get counseling and support to finish school. Think about your baby, and your
motivation will come from that.‖ (Bobette, 17 year-old mom)
―Truthfully, you have to be the one to look for stuff. Keep trying to make your
life better, ‗cause nobody‘s gonna do it for you.‖ (Alisha, 17 year-old mom)
―Think about it [having sex] twice. I know I was too young, but it‘s been a good
experience. I don‘t regret [having] her.‖ (Maria, 18 year-old mom)
―Get support; if not from your family, from someone else. Rely on someone with
experience to help you with any issues you have.‖ (Mary Jane, 18 year-old mom)
―Try to get as much help as you can, and don‘t be ashamed or scared to ask for
help.‖ (Jatzira, 16 year-old mom)
Support Providers Responses
Out of the nine support providers that were interviewed, four stood out as
representing agencies that offer the most comprehensible assistance to pregnant and
parenting teens. These four agencies had 80% or more of the nineteen allowable support
services the Department of Education encourages school districts to provide or coordinate
between local networking systems. The Planned Parenthood/Cal-Learn cooperative
program was able to meet 100%, or all of the needs their pregnant and parenting
adolescent population required. The Cal-SAFE program, which operated on the site of an
alternative high school campus, provided 90% of their students‘ needs. Transportation for
the students had been recently cut out due to budget constraints, and they did not have
case management services. Another school-based program, the Young Parenting
Program, emphasized assisting and encouraging young mothers (and fathers) to graduate
55
and offered child development credits for their students‘ time in the infant/toddler lab.
Like the other school-based site, this program did not offer transportation services, case
management, or family support counseling. The last of the four top programs was
entitled, It‘s About My Baby. This service was subcontracted through the county‘s First
5 Solano program and the California Hispanic Commission. This agency provided 80%
of the recommended services adolescent pregnant and parenting individuals needed. The
areas that they did not cover were childcare, health services, academic
tutoring/counseling, and school safety/violence prevention. Like the other agencies
though, whatever services they could not offer, they referred out to their collaborators
who could. This agency saw their number one goal as reaching young Latina mothers
early in their pregnancy and offering pre and postnatal support until two months
postpartum. The program manager expressed how huge an issue transportation services
were; it was often the key that allowed a young mother to obtain early intervention and
prenatal care.
The remaining five support providers interviewed (representing 5 different
agencies) offered their specific assistance anywhere from 11-58% of the allowable
nineteen services recommended. The Partnership for Early Access for Kids (P.E.A.K.)
and an alternative, independent study program of a school district both offered about 58%
or eleven of the nineteen services. P.E.A.K. did provide parent education, prenatal and
postpartum education, classes on safety/violence prevention and substance abuse, mental
health crisis issues, family support, peer support, and referrals to public health providers.
In contrast, the independent study program was academic based and offered most of their
56
services through textbook study, teacher assisted tutoring and career outlook. Some of
the major support services that were missing in the independent study program for young
pregnant and parenting students were childcare, transportation, case management, meal
supplements, family support, and identifying eligible students or educating the
community about the issues of teen pregnancy and parenting. The Women Infant and
Children (WIC) program offered 42% or eight of the nineteen services. Their program is
specifically focused on nutrition education for pregnant mothers and their children from
birth to age 5, encouraging breastfeeding, and supplying food vouchers. WIC also
offered enrichment opportunities for the families, cooking support, peer support, and
substance abuse. The Adolescent Family Life Program (AFLP) offered 32% or six out of
the nineteen services. Prenatal and postpartum services were included. Their program
takes over at two months postpartum, where other programs leave off. They offer case
management services, make referrals, and follow-up on their clients. They co-facilitate
enrichment activities with the other agencies and present guest speakers on issues related
to the needs of young parents. The last support provider interviewed was a school nurse
from the target school district. Of the nineteen services recommended for pregnant and
parenting students, she only provided two or 11%. She was involved with initial
assistance for the young mothers and helped them acquire connections to the resources
they needed to begin receiving prenatal care or financial assistance. She would be able to
initially help a student get to or make a doctor‘s appointment to determine whether they
were actually pregnant and keep their records confidential, if need be. Even though she
was skilled to teach or instruct a young mother about childbirth or pregnancy, it was not
57
her role to do so. She was also very limited with the time she could invest, having other
duties to perform; and felt that once a student was no longer part of the general education
system at the local high school, her job was done.
Below are some of the advice support providers offered for working with
pregnant teens and their suggestions for the development of the guide:
―The Self Initiated Program (SIP) is a part of Cal-Works. It is for students to
further their education after graduating or receiving their GED. In my opinion, it is one of
the best kept secrets in Cal-Works and I would empower your students, if they believe
they are eligible or would have been eligible to use the fair hearing process if needed [to
qualify for post-secondary educational support services].‖ (Program Manager, Planned
Parenthood)
―If a teen does not have transportation to go and even find out that she‘s pregnant,
by the time she goes, she might be 4 or 5 months pregnant and then you‘re missing the
most important part in that first trimester. You know, to eat well and not smoke
cigarettes or drink.....Being a part of a collaborative really helps.‖ (Program Manager, It‘s
About My Baby)
―We just really want to encourage moms to see this as a financial help plus an
educational help. It is not that hard to get on WIC; there is an income scale online to help
see if you qualify.‖ (Site Supervisor, WIC)
―Take advantage of the experts and listen to speakers on infant massage and
prenatal education. Use Planned Parenthood for birth control and the Public Health
58
Department for car seats, immunizations, SIDS and lead poisoning prevention.‖ (Program
Coordinator, Cal-SAFE Program)
―Early intervention is important, because it is already hard enough; when kids
have missed too much school it multiplies.‖ ―They need a support system all around them
and their family.‖ (Teacher, Young Parent Program)
―Our district is too small (the target district). It could partner with another one and
collaborate with regional agencies.‖ (School Nurse)
―The school district needs to make a point of presenting curriculum on
interpersonal relationships, reproduction, and the results of premarital sex before high
school.‖ (Teacher, Independent Study Program)
Discussion of the Interview Findings
The interviews with teen mothers and their support providers were very
informative. The author found out which services were lacking and the level of support
services that were being provided. Insight was gained into the passionate feelings both
groups had about the complicated issues involved with teen pregnancy. Two thirds of the
students realized that the typical system of education would not work in their
circumstances. They required more time to finish assignments and they needed childcare.
Otherwise, they had to have an educational program that would allow them to stay home,
watch their baby and continue going to school. Unfortunately, one young mom
expressed her feelings of isolation and depression when she could not go to school and be
with her peers. The five adolescent mothers in the alternative pregnant and parenting
59
programs had the benefit of peer support, enrichment activities and childcare, whereas
student parents in the independent study programs did not.
Most of the teen moms found their own mothers and other caring individuals most
helpful in supporting them through pregnancy and parenting. They were also very
appreciative of help from other adults and outside agencies and programs. When it came
to school, seven out of nine were going to be finishing on time or early. Two of the
moms would have to attend adult school to earn their GED. In regards to their plans after
high school, seven had an idea of what they wanted to study or pursue and two weren‘t
sure. Most of their career choices included plans to attend a college or vocational school.
Unfortunatley, the teen mothers felt transition services to post secondary education,
training, and employment were lacking. Several of the students knew they needed to be
talking to someone about their plans to go on to college, but had not done so. In regards
to working in a job, most of the young mothers were willing, but a few of them had no
experience and trouble finding a job.
The biggest obstacles that pregnant and parenting adolescents faced in attending,
finishing, and going on to further schooling were centered on the issues of childcare,
transportation, and not having a case manager to coordinate needed county services.
These issues seemed to keep coming up whether the students were in alternative
programs or independent study programs.
All of the teen mothers liked being a mom, and were striving to be good parents
to their child. They expressed a positive change of attitude and behavior when it came to
taking on the responsibility of parenthood. All of them were sincerely interested in
60
learning more about child development and how to handle situations with knowledge and
patience. The single mothers without extended family members were particularly
vulnerable. The young mothers who were married felt like they were doing a good job of
parenting. The unmarried mothers, on the other hand, expressed apprehension about
difficult living situations, transportation needs, lack of income, and job concerns.
Nutrition and childbirth education were two areas for which all nine mothers
stated they were receiving plenty of support. Nevertheless, two of the teens felt that the
support they received during labor was insufficient and a couple of the young moms
admitted to being scared.
Support services in the areas of school safety, violence prevention, mental health,
academic support, crisis/suicide prevention, and substance abuse all depended upon
whether the pregnant or parenting student had need of them; otherwise, it wasn't an issue
for the students. Interestingly, their support providers stated that most of these services
were accessible through referrals. One teen mother felt she could have benefitted from
tutoring services, but thought that it was going to cost her something. She did not ask if
that was the case. In retrospect, another student mom thought she should have gotten
mental health counseling while in an unhealthy relationship with her boyfriend. She
admitted doing a lot of things wrong and wanted to help educate other teens in the future
with regard to healthy dating practices.
Family support and education for the community were areas that pregnant and
parenting teens felt were lacking in their communities. After interviewing the support
providers on the same issue, the author found they agreed with the students.
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In regards to the support providers‘ responses, each agency or program had their
own goal or target area of funding, whether it was health, education, or welfare. The
programs that appeared to be making the biggest difference in the lives of pregnant and
parenting teens were the ones that contacted the teens early and then partnered with other
agencies in an effort to provide comprehensive services. However, young parents had to
be made aware that a program existed and wanted to help them. Effective programs had
an initial assessment which provided a true picture of what each individual mother or
father needed. Once needs were assessed, services were offered or referrals were made to
get the pregnant or parenting adolescent the support they required to be an effective
student or parent.
Collaboration between county and educational agencies made an enormous
difference in the success of these young parents to move smoothly through their stages of
pregnancy, delivery, and parenthood, especially when each agency had a different focus.
The school-based, comprehensive programs offered more supportive services for
pregnant and parenting students, but even they had key areas that were not being
addressed (i.e., transportation, case management, family support, and transition services).
The independent study program offered many support services, but failed to offer major
support in the areas of meal supplements, child care, transportation, case management,
family support, peer support and outreach to identify eligible students.
Development of the Guide
Information for the development of the guide about critical issues for pregnant
and parenting teens and their support providers was obtained through the previously
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described interviews and by using the evidence of best practice from the Cal-SAFE
program goals (2000) and the Resource Guide of Best Practices for Pregnant and
Parenting Teen Programs from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Public
Welfare (2005). From these sources, the author determined that school-based programs
were making a difference in students‘ attitudes toward learning and further education and
in their ability to finish high school in a timely manner. Not all of the students were
fortunate to attend an alternative education site that offered a childcare provision and
first-hand parenting education labs. Therefore, the guide for rural school districts would
need to include specific ways for pregnant and parenting students to coninue their
education while learning to be an effective parent to their child.
During the interviews, many issues for the teen mothers centered around the topic
of parenting and how to do it better. Students who were a single parent often felt like a
burden to their parents while living at home and guilty about being unable to fully
provide for their child. If they were married to the father of their baby, they tended to
feel better about their parenting ability. Unfortunately, the author found that fathers and
other immediate family members were unsupported by the programs offered only to the
pregnant mother. From these findings, it was determined that the guide needed a section
to encourage self-sufficiency and access to community resources and that fathers need to
be included in the process to learn about their rights as dads.
The logical order in which the author decided to discuss the topics in the guide
was a step-by-step process, beginning with the realization of the pregnancy and then
moving on through childbirth and parenting. In designing the format and layout of the
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guide, the author chose to visualize herself in the position of being a pregnant or
parenting student and ask, ―What would I need?‖ That is the reason the title for the guide
is simply, ―Get What You Need: A Guide for Teen Pregnancy and Parenting.‖
Starting at the beginning of the process, pregnant and parenting students seem to
need questions answered about how to know if they really are pregnant and then what to
do about it. Before informed decisions can be made, all the options must be explained
and helpful resources need to be available. Even though the situation is difficult to work
through, hard choices need to be made about whether to keep the baby, arrange for an
adoption, or have the pregnancy terminated. Next, the issues that need to be addressed
revolve around the young mothers‘ health and nutrition while pregnant, both parents
(mother and father) learning about childbirth, child development and parenting. Finally,
the subject matter of continuing education, vocational goals and work opportunities is
covered.
Realizing that most adolescent students would not be interested in reading long
sections of text, the author decided to be as brief as possible and use lists or bullet points
that were straightforward and easy to understand. Chapters of the guide are coded with
different colors. The same corresponding colors are located in the table of contents and
help lead the reader directly to the area of interest or page they need. Throughout the
guide, there are plenty of pictures to stimulate curiosity and awareness. The printed
version of the guide will be spiral-bound and have space inside the front and back covers;
there will be tips about when to call their medical provider, a list of items to pack to be
ready to go to the hospital or birthing center, suggestions for what they can do to help
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when a baby cries, and for fathers, what they can do to help the mother during labor and
delivery. In addition, there will be spaces for important phone numbers.
The author found through researching the literature on pregnant and parenting
teens in Califronia that many are from Hispanic homes. The target school district is
located in an agricultural area with a high migrant population so there is a great need for
information to be translated into Spanish. Therefore, the guide was translated into
Spanish by a co-worker one chapter at a time, to be presented side-by-side with the
English version in printed form.
Once the guide was ready for viewing, it was sent out via email to the Director of
Educational Services of the target school district, support providers who participated in
the interview process, informants of the history of the Cal-SAFE program, family
members, and friends to solicit feedback. Suggestions and comments continued to help
the author make necessary changes to improve the content and format of the guide.
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Chapter 4
PROJECT DESCRIPTION, IMPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Project Description
The bilingual guide, entitled ―Get What You Need: A Guide for Teen Pregnancy
and Parenting‖ is organized as follows: Introduction; Part 1: I think I‘m pregnant. What
should I do?; Part 2: I think I‘m a father. What should I do?; Part 3: I‘m going to keep
the baby. Now what?; Part 4: What about school?; and References. Throughout the guide,
there are pictures to stimulate interest and actual quotes from adolescent mothers. In
addition, there are ―Did You Know?‖ boxes that state significant facts that teen parents
should find fascinating.
The guide begins by briefly explaining how the guide will direct and help solve
medical, educational, or financial problems that a pregnant or parenting teen might face.
It also delineates how the guide offers assistance in helping them find the support
services they need to be a successful and effective parent. A disclaimer follows with a
warning for the pregnant and parenting teens to contact their health provider if they have
any specific questions or concerns.
In the hopes of making a dramatic affect on adolescents when they pick up the
guide, the introduction shares teen pregnancy facts about the common health risks that
young mothers and their babies encounter and the regrettable statistics on teen parenting.
Then, these young parents are challenged to change the numbers because they are not
inevitable. They are encouraged to be proactive by addressing their problems right away;
finding the support they need regardless of their situation; getting prenatal care early;
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eating nutritiously; learning about childbirth, child development, and parenting; staying
in school; and setting goals and taking the necessary steps to attain them.
In Part 1, adolescent mothers are encouraged to be aware of the most common
symptoms and signs of pregnancy. They are urged to take a home pregnancy test and
then confirm with a medical provider. If any irregular symptoms occur, such as unsual
bleeding, they are prompted to contact a doctor immediately. Once their pregnancy is
confirmed, the next step would be to share the information of what is going on with a
trusted individual right away. Since waiting or hiding the truth is a poor choice, this
guide offers suggestions for what to say, tips on how to discuss their pregnancy with
others, and ways to bring up the topic under calm conditions. Because an informed
decision is always a better one no matter what the issue, all the information and options
available to pregnant adolescents concerning what to do about the pregnancy are
included. The choices of parenting, adoption, and abortion are discussed. Most
frequently asked questions are covered under each of the three options to increase an
awareness of the realities and issues that young parents will need to address. No matter
what, the decisions that need to be made concerning an unplanned pregnancy are not easy
or uncomplicated, but the guide attempts to inform about the facts, so that the final choice
is not one of regret.
In Part 2, the guide states the unfortunate fact that all too often adolescent fathers
get left out of the equation when they should be included. It explains how a father has a
right to know if the baby really belongs to him. Next, the responsibilities of the father to
the child are discussed in simple fashion. This section also includes a discussion of teen
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marriage, the legalities involved if either parent is less than 18 years of age, and the basic
options of an unplanned pregnancy (i.e., parenting, adoption, or abortion) in which
adolescent fathers have a right to be involved. A helpful hotline phone number is offered
for adolescent fathers or their families to call if they have questions about their rights and
what actions they can/need to take.
Part 3 is the longest portion of the guide because once he or she decides to keep
and raise the baby, the guide then shares what adolescent parents need to do. This part is
divided into four sections: 1) Where to live; 2) Tapping into resources; 3) Taking good
care of yourself; and 4) Learning how to be an effective parent. The first two sections
and the fourth section are geared to both male and female expecting and parenting teen
parents. The third section is directed specifically toward teen mothers.
In the first subsection regarding where to live, if a teen mother cannot safely stay
at home, alternative arrangements (e.g. in a shelter for homeless pregnant mothers) are
suggested. Not only can shelters provide a safe environment for both mother and baby,
they can also offer counseling, health, and education programs. The goal is a healthy
mother and baby regardless of where they end up living. The advantages of living with
parents are discussed next. If they are going to live at their parents‘ home as a new
parent, a list of questions to consider about rules and responsibilities, their education
goals, finances, work, and health insurance are reviewed.
In the second subsection on tapping into your resources, helpful websites are
listed so adolescent parents and their support providers can access necessary services.
The list contains services for abortion, adoption, addiction, childcare, financial assistance,
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health, nutrition, spiritual guidance, teenage parenting and pregnancy. After this section
of online information, teen parents are given suggestions on how to look-up resources
available in their own specific county of residence by detailed search terms.
The third subsection concerning taking care of yourself, written specifically for
adolescent pregnant mothers, covers the important topics of eating well and taking good
care of their bodies. Suggestions about nutritious foods they should eat everyday are
integrated into the visual food pyramid and are contrasted with which foods to limit.
Exercises for strengthening their heart, easing back pain, and preparing for labor are
included. Teen mothers are encouraged to avoid alcohol and illegal street drugs so that
their babies have a healthy start and their labors are not complicated. The section closes
with recommendations for natural remedies and simple solutions for the common
discomforts of pregnancy.
The fourth subsection deals with how adolescent mothers and fathers can be effective
parents. It is not about age, but their openness to learning, their willingness to listen to
others, not giving up, being connected to their baby, and trusting in their true self to do
the job. They are encouraged to find and observe a good role model through support
groups and then practice doing what they have observed on their own. Parenting is about
giving and sacrificing of oneself. Teen parents are reminded that it takes a promise to do
what is right, not easy, every single day to keep their baby safe all the time, emotionally
and physically. Tips are presented in an easy to remember, ABC fashion (e.g., Always
stop- Don‘t take another step in the same direction, Breathe- Consider the consequences
of your actions, Choose carefully- Make your choice, but check back in with your
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intuition, and change your mind if you feel unsafe). Simple stress busters that can make a
big difference in the life of a teen parent are incorporated and include: getting enough
sleep, putting your child on a regular daily routine, trading babysitting with a trusted
friend, or just being better organized by doing things the night before.
Facts about children who grow up with a dad are listed in this fourth subsection.
Dads matter and they need to show up in their children‘s lives. To support and stimulate
an interest in learning about child development, pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting,
many books and videos are cited. Teen parents are also given a list of birth stories from
actual mothers and fathers who have been through the process and have written down
positive details for the benefit of others. There is a list of ten questions from The MotherFriendly Childbirth Initiative for expecting parents to ask for and anticipate in their birth
experience. Four parenting options: getting married, joint parenting, single parenting
with visitation, and single parenting alone are then briefly discussed. Regardless of the
parenting option decided upon, bonding is essential for both fathers and mothers from the
start; it is the first job a parent must do for their child. Luckily, it is easy, and four steps
are listed to accomplish this necessary task. Finally, the decision to breast feed or bottlefeed the baby and the advantages and benefits of both are put forth.
In Part 4 of the guide, the importance of completing high school is impressed
upon adolescent parents so that the cycle of adult poverty and teen pregnancy can be
broken. There are four subsections: 1) Know your rights; 2) How can I become an
effective student and self-sufficient adult?; 3) If you are a teen father; and 4) If you are a
teen mother.
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In order to finish high school and obtain a diploma or General Equivalency
Diploma (GED), pregnant and parenting students need to be aware of and advocate for
their rights. The guide explains that it is illegal to discriminate against pregnant teens or
young parents under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Four important
rights are guaranteed. Under federal and state law, pregnant students have the right to
make an informed decision without being harassed about whether to stay in their home
school or voluntarily attend an alternative setting. Second, they also have a right to
obtain equal access to all the academic and extra-curricular opportunities available to
other students. Third, they have a right to confidential leaves of absence and excused
absences concerning family planning, reproductive health services, and other types of
health care. Fourth, they have a right to take physical education classes and be provided
an alternative curriculum if deemed necessary.
The next area covered in the guide asks and then helps answer how these young
student parents can be effective students and eventually self-sufficient adults. Most
young mothers and fathers have a change of attitude and behavior once they become
parents. Making life better for their child is the best motivation for them to work hard
and be successful. Both teen fathers and mothers need to take positive steps toward their
goals and dreams. Advice is given to young dads to seek male support groups, mentors,
role models, internships, and school to work programs. Teen mothers are advised to
obtain quality, flexible educational programs and an environment that encourages
success. There are many options available for young mothers to gain school credits.
Childcare and financial assistance are both obtainable through state and federal programs.
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Through listed contacts, the guide will direct student parents or the adults who work with
them to case management services. It is important for adolescent mothers to work with a
case manager so that support services which they are entitled to can be coordinated. A
brief, but thorough description of the key programs enacted for pregnant and parenting
students and their children are listed at the end of this subsection. They include the
California School Age Families Education Program (CalSAFE) run through the
California Department of Education; the Cal Learn Program which is part of the
California Work Opportunity and Response to Kids (CalWORKs) handled through
county welfare departments; the Adolescent Family Life Program (AFLP) under the
California Department of Public Health; Early Start funded through the Department of
Developmental Services; and Even Start administered through the Child Development
Division of the California Department of Education. References conclude the guide.
Dissemination of the Guide
A plan to distribute the guide was proposed to the target school district which
included a list of the stakeholders that would benefit from receiving hard copies in print.
This list consists of school nurses, independent study teachers, high school and middle
school principals, P.E. teachers, counselors, librarians, family resource centers, migrant
education centers, specific childcare centers or family day care providers, pregnant or
parenting students and their family members all in both the northern and southern areas
of the target district. The plan also recommends that concerned staff members be
assigned at each of the target high school sites to be in charge of circulating the guide to
the appropriate students and their families. Additional copies of the guide will be held at
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the district office for dissemination. In addition to the local education agencies (LEA),
Family Resource Centers, licensed day care providers, libraries, church groups, health
care providers, local mentors, migrant program representatives and other concerned
individuals in the target school district‘s catchment area could distribute the guide and
CD.
This bilingual guide, written for pregnant and parenting adolescent student
success, will also be a constructive tool for school nurses, counselors, teachers, and other
family members. School personnel could review areas of interest or concern with
individual students or in small groups. The guide is visually stimulating and may be used
as a preventative measure to talk with middle grade and high school non-pregnant
students about some of the issues surrounding teen pregnancy. The guide is printed in
simple to use language, so other family members wanting to be of assistance to the teen
parent would be encouraged to get involved and increase their understanding and
knowledge on the subject as well. The bilingual aspect makes it a unique and a useful
instrument for families who speak Spanish and don‘t speak English as their first
language. Side-by-side versions of the content in English and Spanish will provide
readers with a more thorough understanding of the information if they need it.
In addition to the printed version, CDs of the guide will be made available for
students, their family support providers, and other professionals who work with them.
With internet access, the CDs could be used as an efficient and quicker method of linking
up to online information about programs and resources available locally or further away.
With the approval of the target school district‘s Board of Education, the guide could be
73
accessible on the school district‘s home website and be an additional, up-dated resource
for students, teachers, family members, and the community.
Implications for Practice
A natural consequence of getting this guide into the hands of young parents and
the adults that work with them would be improved birth outcomes for adolescent mothers
and their children. The hope is that the guides‘ provision of specific programs for early
intervention and prenatal care will greatly benefit young mothers, fathers, and their
babies. With an increased circulation of the guide, adolescent pregnant mothers could be
less afraid of coming forward to receive support services early in their pregnancy.
Furthermore, middle grade and high school teachers could use the information and
electronic links in the guide to supplement their curriculum. If a school district doesn‘t
offer the support services needed to be effective students or parents, other resources listed
in the guide will be at the teens‘ fingertips to assist them.
When adolescent parents take advantage of the services available to them at the
state and county level, more opportunities will present themselves. County agencies offer
a host of support services, but teens need to follow-up with a case manager. By going to
the contacts listed in the guide, adolescent pregnant and parenting students will connect
with key individuals who can advise and place them in the exact programs they need. It
is an unfortunate situation when support services are available to help young mothers and
fathers finish their high school diploma, qualify for child care, or get a school-to-work
job, and yet the young parents don‘t know they exist or they don‘t know how to take
advantage of the programs. The guide provides a wide range of information in an open
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and accessible way and points teenagers in the direction to get the advice and help they so
desperately need. For those individuals who don‘t have family or friends around them, it
could be a lifeline for the mother, father, and new baby.
The guide will help these students and their families understand their individual
rights in the areas of health, education and welfare. The information should enable and
empower them to take the proper steps in attaining their goals. As more male students
gain an understanding of their rights as fathers and female students learn what it means to
have equal rights to educational programs, perhaps a transformation will take place
within the school system and in the local community. At first, the changes for pregnant
and parenting teens may be small, but with the determination of concerned individuals
collaborating together to help these families, the ripple effect should continue to grow
and grow.
Recently, the economic climate has caused many beneficial programs intended for
pregnant and parenting students to close. Yet, it is programs such as these that help stop
the multi-generational cycle of teen pregnancy, dropout, and poverty. In order for
schools and communities to continue to serve and encourage this vulnerable population
and break the cycle of teenage pregnancy, welfare dependency, and infant health risks, it
will involve a network of concerned and caring individuals and agencies working
persistently together across federal, state, and county lines. How this will look in each
community will be different, but observing effectual programs, implementing proven
strategies and sharing cost-effective approaches will continue to be necessary.
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Recommendations for Research
Research on the effectiveness and impact of the guide for both English and
Spanish speaking students and their families will need to be investigated. Once the guide
is in the student‘s possession, an examinination will need to be performed as to whether
comprehensive services for pregnant and parenting students were achieved and whether
improved outcomes such as easier deliveries, healthier babies, effective parenting
behaviors, and high school completion was the result. If positive outcomes arise, other
rural, Spanish speaking school districts in California might be interested in improving
their own support services to pregnant and parenting students through the use of a similar
guide.
A longitudinal study could be done to follow-up on the outcomes for teenage
parents in terms of their vocational or post-secondary education goals. In addition,
research could be obtained on the development and school readiness of the teen parent‘s
children. The most effective assessments for young fathers, mothers and their babies will
need to be continually researched.
The guide should have an impact on teen mothers and fathers to be more selfsufficient. Being a parent is a motivating experience on its own, but young parents need
guidance to become self-sufficient, adequate providers for their children (Werner &
Smith, 1992). More research is needed in the area of using successful teen parents as
positive role models and mentors for other teen parents, in conjunction with the guide.
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APPENDICES
77
APPENDIX A
Interview Questionnaire
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Interview for Expectant and Parenting Students and Their Support Persons
Date______________________
No.______________________
Code
Sex: __________Male __________Female
For Students: Age _______________
Grade Level _______________
For Others: Role/Title_________________________________________
Purpose of the Interview
These questions are designed to help improve support services for expectant and
parenting students by asking the students and adults who work with them open-ended
and probing questions about their personal experiences and perspectives on the matter.
Education Code Section 54743 (f) defines “support services” as services that will enhance
both the healthy development of the student’s child or children, and the academic ability
for him or her to earn a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Guidance and Support
If you are a student, tell me about which individuals might be assisting you and what
services you are receiving? (Examples would include the allowable support services
listed below.)
If you are a parent or professional, tell me about your role in providing assistance or
supplying information to the expectant or parenting student. (Areas of interest include
those mentioned below.) What other helpful insights would you like to add? Is there
anything else you think would be important to include in the guide?
Educational/Vocational/Work Experience
Students, tell me about your school experience.
Has the school worked with you on getting your credits completed?
Has anyone assessed your need for support services?
When will you finish high school?
What are your plans after high school?
Tell me about your work experiences.
Parenting
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Students, how is being a father or mother going for you? Is there anything you need
that could help you do a better job of parenting?
Allowable Support Services
If we have not already discussed it, which, if any, support services are you receiving?
Have they been helpful?
Parenting education and life-skills instruction
Perinatal education and care, including childbirth preparation
Subsidized childcare
Safe home-to-school transportation
Case management services
Comprehensive health education, including reproductive health care
Nutrition education, counseling, and meal supplements
School safety and violence-prevention strategies targeted to expectant and
parenting teens and their children
Academic support and youth development services, such as tutoring, mentoring,
and community service internships
Career counseling, pre-employment skills, and job training
Substance abuse prevention education, counseling, and treatment services
Mental health assessment, interventions, and referrals
Crisis intervention counseling services, including suicide prevention
Peer support groups and counseling
Family support and development services, including individual and family
counseling
Enrichment and recreational activities, as appropriate
Transition services to postsecondary education, training, or employment
Support services for grandparents, siblings, and fathers not enrolled in the CalSAFE Program
Outreach activities to identify eligible pupils and to educate the community
about the realities of teen pregnancy and parenting
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In supporting your efforts to be the best parent and student you can be, is there
anything else that would be helpful?
Thank you for your time and assistance in completing this interview.
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APPENDIX B
Get What You Need: A Guide to Teen Pregnancy and Parenting
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Get What YOU Need:
A Guide to Teen Pregnancy
and Parenting
By Katie Rivera
Spring 2011
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Author Contact:
Katie Rivera
Isleton Elementary School
412 Union Street
Isleton, CA 95641
Email: [email protected]
This guide was developed for a masters‘ project in special education at California State
University Sacramento.
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Introduction
You should not have to feel alone in your attempt to have a healthy pregnancy. This
guide will direct you to solve any medical, educational, or financial problem you face,
and get the support services you need to be a successful parent, if you so choose.
Disclaimer: The medical and health information contained in this guide is
for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to take
the place of professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You need
to consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions or
concerns.
Teen Pregnancy Facts
Unfortunately, it is a fact that pregnant teens and their babies are at higher risk of health
problems. Some of the complications that can occur are:





Premature labor --- Delivering the baby before the 37th week
Anemia--- Low count of red blood cells, which provide oxygen
High blood pressure --- The blood force against your arteries and heart
Premature birth --- Baby being born before it‘s fully developed
Low birth weight --- An infant weighing less than 5.5 lbs. (2500 grams)
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Realize that these conditions usually happen when expectant teens don‘t get the loving
support and prenatal care they need early in their pregnancy. That is why it is so
important to seek help as soon as possible---ASAP!
Here are a few other statistics on pregnant and parenting teens:





Teen mothers are less likely to graduate from high school, more likely to live in
poverty, and are at risk of domestic violence.
Teen fathers tend to finish fewer years of school than do older fathers. They‘re
also less likely to earn a livable wage and hold a steady job.
Children of teen parents are more likely to have health and cognitive disorders
and are more likely to be neglected or abused.
Girls born to teenage parents are more likely to experience teen pregnancy
themselves.
Boys born to teenage parents are more likely to serve time in prison.
YOU can be proactive and turn the numbers around:








Address whatever challenges you face head-on. Don‘t wait!
Find a support team or group of friends and family who will encourage and help
get you through any challenge you face.
Get prenatal care early and eat nutritious foods (or encourage and help feed the
pregnant mother).
Take parenting classes and learn about child development.
Look for special programs available to help you remain in school or complete
course work from home.
Discuss your goals for the future and how you might go about achieving them.
Prepare to financially support and raise your child.
If you‘re expecting or already a parent, let your child be
the motivation and drive you need to succeed and get ahead in
life. Support services are available. The purpose of this guide is
to give you important information about pregnancy and
parenting while continuing your education. If you are unable to
balance schoolwork, job training and family responsibilities, this
guide will help you choose alternative solutions, so you do not give up your goals and
dreams.
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Table of Contents
Part 1. I think I’m pregnant. What should I do?



Check for signs of pregnancy...................................................................... 1
o Complete a home pregnancy test....................................................... 3
Talk to someone about your pregnancy.....................................................
4
Decide what to do about being pregnant................................................... 5
o Parenting ........................................................................................... 5
o Adoption ........................................................................................... 7
o Abortion ............................................................................................ 10
Part 2. I think I’m a father. What should I do?





What are your rights as a father? .............................................................
13
How can you know if you are the father? .................................................
13
Is teen marriage the answer? Know the laws............................................
13
Questions you need to answer about being a father.................................
o Parenting
o Adoption
o Abortion
14
Who can you call for help? ......................................................................... 14
Part 3. I’m going to keep the baby. Now what?



Decide where you are going to live............................................................. 15
o Alternative arrangements
o Living with your parents ................................................................... 16
Tap into your resources............................................................................... 17
o If you live in Sacramento County ..................................................... 20
o If you live in Solano County ............................................................. 23
o If you live in Yolo County ................................................................ 26
Take good care of yourself.......................................................................... 27
o Eating Well ....................................................................................... 27
o Exercise ............................................................................................. 28
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o
o
o

Rest ................................................................................................... 29
Avoid Smoking, Alcohol, and Drugs ................................................ 30
Natural remedies for common side effects ....................................... 30
Nausea and vomiting .........................................................................30
Headaches ......................................................................................... 31
Frequent peeing ................................................................................. 31
Heartburn .......................................................................................... 31
Learn how to be an effective parent........................................................... 32
o Facts about growing up with a dad ................................................... 33
o Pregnancy and child development .................................................... 34
Books on pregnancy and child development .................................... 34
o Childbirth .......................................................................................... 35
―Having a Baby? Ten Questions to Ask‖ ......................................... 36
Birth Stories ...................................................................................... 39
Books on Childbirth .......................................................................... 39
Videos on Childbirth ......................................................................... 40
o Parenting ........................................................................................... 41
Parenting Options ..............................................................................41
Bonding with Your Baby: it‘s essential for fathers and mothers ...... 42
Deciding between Breast and Bottle ................................................. 43
Books on Parenting ........................................................................... 44
Part 4. What about school?




Know your rights......................................................................................... 45
How can I become an effective student and self-sufficient adult? ..........
46
If you are a teen father ............................................................................... 46
If you are a teen mother ............................................................................. 46
Education Options ......................................................................................... 47
Flexible Scheduling ...................................................................................... 47
Ways to get school credits ............................................................................ 47
Childcare support ......................................................................................... 47
Educational resources and support services .................................................. 48
o California School Age Families Education Program (Cal-SAFE) ... 48
o Cal-Learn Program ............................................................................49
o Adolescent Family Life Program (AFLP) ........................................ 50
o Early Start ......................................................................................... 50
88
o
Even Start .......................................................................................... 50
References
89
I think I’m pregnant.
What should I do?
Check for Signs of Pregnancy
The symptoms of pregnancy are unique for each mother-to-be and for each pregnancy.
While some mothers develop these signs in a week or so, others may never notice them.
It is important that you tune into your body and note the changes taking place, because
some of the symptoms can be related to other health issues.
Are you wondering if you are pregnant? Do not be afraid. Pregnancy is a
natural process. Your body knows what to do instinctively. The only thing you
need to do is eat nutritious foods and
―Try to get as much help as you can,
get plenty of rest and lots of fresh
air and exercise; in other words, take
good care of yourself.
and don‘t be ashamed or scared to
ask for help.‖ – 16 yr. old mom
If you are scared or feel guilty about being pregnant, don‘t hide the fact, instead, talk to
someone you can trust who can help you.
Here is a look at some of the most common signs of pregnancy:
Changes or Delay in Menstruation:
Probably the most common thing that may show that a woman is pregnant is the
delay of menstruation. Usually women miss the period right after getting pregnant.
Sometimes you can still bleed, but usually it is light and short, much different than a
normal period.
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There are other things that can cause you to miss a period though, such as hormonal
issues, stress, weight loss or gain, fatigue, and more. If you're not pregnant, please, see
your medical provider.
Low Back Pain:
In some cases, women may begin to deal with low back pain when they are in the first
weeks of pregnancy. This pain, which is associated with ligaments stretching, may
continue throughout the rest of the pregnancy as the uterus and baby grows.
Low back pain can also be a sign of other serious problems, so find out if you are
pregnant and see your medical provider if you are not.
Cravings of Certain Foods:
Cravings of certain foods or just feeling the need to eat, is one of the early signs of
pregnancy. Some women have cravings through the rest of their pregnancy as well.
If you are not pregnant, food cravings can be caused by stress, lack of specific nutrients,
and poor diet.
Implantation Bleeding:
Implantation bleeding is a symptom that occurs early in a pregnancy, usually from 6-12
days after conception. This happens in many cases when the embryo implants itself into
the wall of the uterus. Be aware that there can be other explanations for bleeding as well,
such as abrasion, menstruation, changes in birth control, or even infection.
Here are some additional physical signs of pregnancy you might experience:

Breast become tender and swollen as a result of increased hormone levels.

Rise in Progestosterone levels during pregnancy cause you to feel more tired than normal.

Fatigue is a common factor among all pregnant women.
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
Nausea and/or vomiting. Morning sickness affects most women about a month following
conception and usually stops by the end of the second trimester.

Frequent urination. Extra fluids produced by your body presents more of a load for your
kidneys to process, as well as the pressure of the growing baby on your bladder creates
the urge to urinate.

Heightened sensitivity to odors. You may notice that certain odors cause you to feel sick
or trigger a gag reflex, even if they normally had no affect on you. Increasing levels of
estrogen in your body may cause this.
A mother‘s body goes through many physical changes in support of the growing fetus.
Follow your body‘s lead. If you are tired, lie down and take a nap. If you are hungry, eat
something with protein and lots of vitamins. Remember, each woman may experience
things a little differently, so not to worry. If you are dealing with some of these
symptoms, it may be a good idea to get a pregnancy test or make an appointment with a
doctor or nurse midwife to see if you are indeed pregnant.
If you aren't pregnant, you could be dealing with other health issues, so it's important that
you let your medical provider know about the issues that you are experiencing.
Complete a Home Pregnancy Test
The pregnancy kits available at your nearest pharmacy
store measure a particular type of hormone called
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG). There are two types of pregnancy tests. One
tests the blood for HCG, and the other checks the urine for this hormone. The home
pregnancy test enables you to do a urine test at home. The blood tests need to be done by
medical personnel. Most frequently, women use home pregnancy tests first to find out if
they are pregnant. You can buy pregnancy tests online and at most drugstores or grocery
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stores over-the-counter. Home pregnancy tests are personal, reasonably priced and simple
to use.
About 2 weeks after ovulation, these tests can tell if you're pregnant. The reliability of
home pregnancy tests as compared to blood pregnancy tests has always been a cause of
concern for all pregnant ladies. Home pregnancy tests are around 97% accurate, when
done correctly. To complete the test and get an accurate result, it is important to follow
the instructions on the kit carefully.
Once a home pregnancy test shows that you are pregnant, you should
make an appointment with your doctor or midwife right away.
Talk to Someone About Your Pregnancy
The thought of sharing the news of your unexpected pregnancy can be
overwhelming. How do you choose the right time, the right words, the right person, or
the right response? Despite your fear, you need to talk to others who love you and can
help. Don‘t carry both your baby and your secret by yourself. You need guidance and
support now more than ever. There are steps you can take to deal with the situation. No
matter what you eventually decide is the best plan for your baby, you will need support,
and there are many concerned individuals willing to help.
Sharing Your Pregnancy
An unplanned teenage pregnancy can stir up
many different emotions and everyone may need
time to calm down. Common reactions to the
news include anger, guilt and denial. You may
feel anxiety, fear, shock and depression. Just as
you were in shock when you first learned you
were pregnant, the people you tell may be
stunned too. But just as you eventually moved from shock to planning, so will other
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people. Give them time to process their initial emotions. Don't make any lifelong
decisions based on their first response.
Only you know the best approach for the important people in your life, but here are some
general tips:
1. First, confirm your pregnancy with a doctor. Be sure you didn't get a false
positive from a home pregnancy test.
2. Practice telling someone supportive, but be prepared for the range of reactions
you might get.
3. Take a supportive person with you.
4. Don't break the news at work or school or immediately after someone comes
home from work or school.
5. Start with how you are feeling, what you need, and why you are telling them. This
may help them empathize with you.
6. Write a letter if talking is too difficult. (Don't use e-mail or text messaging.)
7. Don't ask for any immediate decisions. Wise solutions are not made in haste.
8. If you are worried about getting physically hurt, first plan for a safe place to go
and arrange for a way to get there.
Decide what to do about being pregnant
So, you're pregnant and you didn't plan it or don't want to be. Now what?
For many women, if they don't believe in abortion, or see it as an option that they could
live with, the only other choice in the event of an unplanned pregnancy is parenting.
Parenting
Parenting may be the best choice for you and your baby. You may feel ready and know
that you will have the support you will need. You may have always wanted to be a mom,
and even though your unexpected pregnancy didn't offer the best timing, you know you
can do it. Or, it may be that you just know you couldn't carry your baby for nine months
and then "give it away."
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Make an Informed Decision
The best decision is an informed decision, so you need to think your unplanned
pregnancy through. After all, you want to be the best parent that you can be and be as
prepared as possible. As you are making your plans, there are some things that may be
helpful for you to think about. There are some questions that only you can answer, and it
will be good for you and your baby's
future if you think them over.
―Being a mom helped me grow up. It helped me
realize that I have responsibilities. I can‘t just
fool around through life.‖ ―I don‘t have any
Parenting Questions
Is parenting the right choice for my child
regrets. Me getting pregnant helped me; ‗cause
before I would mess around and wouldn‘t care,
and me? How can I make a plan that will
and as soon as I found out, my whole perspective
meet my needs and my child's needs?
on life changed. You realize other peoples‘ needs
that you never realized before.‖ – 16 yr. old mom
10 Most Asked Questions About Single
Parenting
16
Here are some questions that can help you plan for you and your child's future. If you
don‘t have the answer, find someone who does.
1. How will I support my child and myself?
Can I keep my job or get a job?
Can I stay in school?
Who will take care of my baby when I work or am in school?
Is there financial assistance available for childcare?
2. Where will I live?
Can I still live with my parents?
Can I live with other relatives or friends?
Can I afford an apartment?
Are there other housing resources in my community?
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3. How will being a parent affect my time for me?
What are the things that I like to do that I can't do with a baby?
How do I feel about a baby's need to have a regular schedule?
Who will babysit when I want to go out?
4. What resources are available to help me?
Who can help me find out what resources are in my community?
5. Is my baby's father going to be involved?
Is the father of my baby going to help me parent?
Do I want him to be involved?
How will we share parenting responsibilities?
6. What rights does my child's father have?
What are the laws in my state regarding the rights of fathers?
If I make an adoption plan, does he need to be notified and express his
wishes?
If I decide to parent, what kind of rights does he have to visit the child?
7. How do I get support from my child's father?
Will my baby's father pay child support?
8. What role will my extended family play?
What kind of role will my family members play in my child's life, and what
kind of relationship do I want to have?
How much will I be able to talk to my extended family both before and after
the baby is born to ensure that our parenting expectations are the same?
9. How do I know what is the best decision for me?
Because the best decision is an informed decision, do I have all the
information about each of my choices?
What will my decision mean for my baby and me now?
How about in two years? Five years? Ten years?
10. Can I still choose adoption later, if I decide that I can't parent after all?
Yes, deciding to parent when your child is first born doesn't stop you from
reconsidering adoption later.
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Adoption
Adoption may be a choice that you are seriously considering. On the other hand, you may
just be wondering what adoption is like, or you may feel that you could never choose
adoption. Whatever your thoughts, start processing information about all of your choices
before making a final decision.
Adoption might be the right choice for you and your baby, especially if you don't feel
ready to be a parent just now. When you consider making an adoption plan, that doesn't
mean you don't love your baby. It also doesn't mean that you are taking the easy way out,
because it is not an easy choice. What it does mean is that you are carefully considering
how to best meet your needs and the needs of your child today, and well into the future.
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Adoption today may not be what you think it is. Openness has changed adoption. Today,
adoption is not about severing relationships; it's about changing them. While it's true that
with adoption, your parental rights and responsibilities are given to another set of parents,
but that doesn't end your ability to have a personal relationship with your child. Open
adoption involves an ongoing, dynamic relationship between you, the adoptive parents,
and your child.
There are different types of openness to meet individual needs and levels of comfort. You
owe it to yourself and your baby to get information about the options available in the
adoption process. Then whatever you choose, your decision will be thought through and
based on facts.
There is no easy solution to an unplanned pregnancy. Each decision is hard and has its
own challenges. You can empower yourself by getting as much information as you can
get about your options. Give yourself time to consider carefully and weigh each option,
then you will make the right decision for you and your baby.
You can make an adoption plan for your baby. In the United States there are about 50,000
of such cases per year. This decision, based on love, is often made by women, who were
initially thinking about abortion. "I could not give all necessary things for my baby. The
best decision in my life was to find a loving family for her, which could grow my
daughter. She loves her family and she loves me too. I did not betray her. I gave her the
best. "- Dana
10 Questions Expectant Mothers Ask About Adoption
Is adoption the right choice for my child and me? How can I make a plan that will meet
my needs and my child's needs?
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Here is one website where you can listen to stories from the mother‘s perspective on
adoption:
http://impregnant.bethany.org/pregnancy-resources/videos
Here are some questions and answers that can help you plan for you and your child's
future. This list can get you started in the right direction.
1. How can adoption be a good choice for my baby and me?
If you're not ready to be a parent, you can still give your baby the gift of life by
choosing adoption.
2. Can I choose the family for my baby?
Yes! Most agencies have many adoptive couples that have been studied and
approved. You might also want to choose a friend or someone who has been
recommended to you.
3. How much contact can I have with my baby after the birth and after
adoption?
You can spend as much time with your baby at the hospital as you choose. When
you are planning your child's adoption, you can choose an open adoption plan that
allows ongoing visits, or you can choose a less open adoption that keeps you
informed through letters and photos. If you prefer not to have any contact,
confidential adoption is also possible.
4. How soon after birth can my baby be placed with the parents I choose?
The timing of your child's placement depends on your preference, legal aspects,
and the role of the birthfather. Many mothers want their baby placed with the
adoptive family directly from the hospital, while other mothers choose interim
care while they consider their adoption decision.
5. How much will my child know about me?
Regardless of the type of adoption plan, you will want to provide a thorough
social and medical history for your child. If you develop an adoption plan that
includes ongoing contact, your child will know about you directly.
6. Does the expectant father have any rights?
Both you and the expectant father have rights. If you disagree about adoption or
you no longer have a relationship with him, your agency will work with him
and/or the courts to determine his rights.
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7. Can my child find me if he or she wants to search someday?
Searching might only be necessary if there has not been ongoing contact. The law
in your state determines when and how your child may access the information in
the adoption file, which your caseworker can explain.
8. How can I be sure that my child will be well cared for?
There are standards that every prospective adoptive family must meet which are
set by both the agency and the state in which they live. Families are thoroughly
assessed before being approved, and a caseworker will make visits to the adoptive
family after placement to ensure your child's well being.
9. Do I need an attorney, or do I pay my agency to assist me with the adoption?
In many states, you will not need an attorney, and most agencies provide services
to you at no cost. If you do need an attorney, usually the adoptive family pays
those costs.
10. Can I get help with medical and living expenses while I'm making an
adoption plan?
Assistance with medical and living expenses is available through many agencies.
For details about how your agency can help you in your particular circumstances,
contact your caseworker.
Abortion
In the panic of learning of an unplanned pregnancy, teen mothers and their families often
think immediately of abortion as their only choice. For some, dealing with an unexpected
pregnancy in this way is something they would normally disagree with. For others, it
conflicts with their core values, but now it seems like the best or only way out of a
difficult situation. Oftentimes, someone is trying to force young parents into an abortion
decision. If this sounds like your situation, you're not alone.
Learn about Your Options
You need to know what all your choices are before making a wise decision. Taking the
time to look at those choices may prevent you from making a move you will later regret.
It is your decision to make, but you need to take an honest look at the full scope of
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alternative options to abortion that will give your child life and allow you the
encouraging, rewarding feelings that come with parenting and adoption.
Abortion Questions
Know the Facts Before You Decide to Have a Pregnancy Terminated.
You're sure you're pregnant, and this was not what you planned. Now you feel afraid,
ashamed, confused, and absolutely unaware of what to do next. It's hard to face an
unplanned pregnancy, but if that is what you must deal with, do it with all your heart.
You must search out all the facts about abortion before you come to a conclusion. The
law gives you the right to be informed about such an important decision. Learn about the
new life developing inside of you and the different abortion processes in more detail.
Remember, there are always a variety of constructive ways to approach this situation.
Should I Worry About The After Effects Of Abortion?
Abortion is not a simple medical procedure. For many women this is an event, causing
serious physical, emotional, and spiritual changes. The majority of women, suffering
from the after-effects of past abortions, say that they were not told about all the facts
before they made their decision to have a pregnancy terminated.
How Should I Treat People Who Want Me To Have An Abortion?
Be aware that many of your family members will want to do what is best for them, not
you. Remember that the basic burden of the after-effects of abortion will ultimately fall
on you. If your boyfriend or parents want you have your pregnancy terminated quickly,
explain to them that you need time to think about everything thoroughly. Then go about
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doing just that. Don‘t wait. Try to involve them in the process of learning about the
situation, and finding a positive way through it. If they see you are determined to do the
best thing possible for all involved, they will be more inclined to help and not hinder you.
And remember, you have a right to keep this pregnancy, even if no one else around you
agrees.
Can I Have A Baby And Keep On Living My Usual Life?
Depending on what you choose to do, you probably see this unplanned pregnancy as an
obstacle in your life, but you should realize that there are many ways to solve a problem.
Seek the answers you are looking for and you will find them. Sometimes it will be
necessary to reach out and get assistance. Don‘t be afraid to ask for help. There are so
many concerned individuals who want to encourage and assist you.
Every Problem Has a Solution
Sometimes it seems facing an unplanned pregnancy is extremely difficult. That is why it
is so important to know where to go for help. Try to talk to a person, whom you trust:
priest, father of your baby, parents or, if possible, just with a good friend.

Go to: Tap into your resources, page 17, and look under the section entitled
“Abortion”.
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I think I’m a father.
What should I do?
There is a lot of advice out there for girls who find themselves facing an unwanted or
unexpected pregnancy but there is very little information out there for guys. All too often,
when the pregnancy is announced, the guy gets lost in the confusion.
Teen fatherhood is not something to be taken lightly and along with responsibilities to the
mother and the child, you have rights that you need to know about.
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What are your rights as a father?
1. First and foremost you have the right to know for sure that you are the father. This
is not only a right you have but it is a right that the unborn child is entitled to as
well. Understandably, a pregnant girl may be upset when the subject of DNA
testing comes up, but it is not something you should ever feel guilty about
requesting. You are simply exercising your right to know for sure that you are the
father and this is important because fatherhood is a lifelong commitment.
2. If you are the father you have the right to know your child and to participate in
your child‘s life. You have rights of custody and access. You also have
responsibilities.
3. You have the responsibility to financially and emotionally care for your child.
4. You have a responsibility to be present in your child‘s life and ensure that your
child‘s needs are met.
5. You have the responsibility to ensure that your child is safe and well cared for and
is free from harm.
6. You have the responsibility to make decisions that are in the best interest of your
child.
How can you know if you are the father?
There are two ways to determine if you are the father, blood type matching and DNA
testing. Blood type matching is the cheapest and simplest test but it does not determine
paternity it only tells you if it is possible that you are the father. If the blood types don‘t
match up there is no possible way you are the father and no other tests are needed. If the
blood types do match up it only means that you could be the father and a DNA test will
be needed to know for sure.
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Is teen marriage the answer? Know the laws.
As a teenager considering marriage, you should know the legalities and
requirements concerning teen marriage in the city where you want to get married. Many
states' teen marriage laws are making it harder for teens to marry.
There are recent studies that indicate that teen marriage is simply not a good idea.
Marriage license laws in the United States are reflecting that belief.
The laws in California state that if either of you is under eighteen (18) years of age, you
will need to make an appointment with a counselor, appear before a superior court judge,
show certified copies of your birth certificates, and have one parent appear with you
when you apply for the marriage license.
Questions you need to answer about
being a father:
Parenting



Am I required to pay child support?
What custodial rights do I have as the father?
How is the situation affected if paternity is
questionable?
Adoption



Does the state require my signature to complete the adoption process?
Can I participate in the selection of the adoptive couple?
In an open adoption, am I able to maintain contact along with the birth mother?
Abortion



Am I required to assist with expense of an abortion?
Do I have any rights if I do not support the decision to terminate?
Can I force my partner to terminate the pregnancy if I‘m not ready to parent?
Who can you call for help?
To know what rights and responsibilities you
have as a father, or if you have any questions, get the answers you need! Call the
American Pregnacy Helpline at 866-942-6466. They will hook you up with
professionals who can help.
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I’m going to keep the baby.
Now what?
First, you will need to find a
good place to live with your
child. Here are the options:
1.
Live with a friend or in
a group home.
2.
Live with a relative or
your parents.
3.
Live in subsidized
housing, or find an inexpensive
apartment of your own.
Alternative
Arrangements If you are
pregnant and find yourself homeless or
living in a dangerous situation, a
shelter for pregnant teens may be able
to provide a safe environment and
support as you strive to care for
yourself and your baby. Chances are
you will have a healthier pregnancy
and you and your baby will benefit
from the shelter‘s counseling, health,
and education programs.
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Most pregnant teen shelters are run by city or state governments or by non-profit groups,
especially religious organizations. The services they are able to offer, as well as the rules
for living at the shelter and the criteria for admission vary by shelter (Check the county
options for homes in your area, page 20-26).
Living with Your Parents
Living at home with one or both of your parents during your pregnancy offers many
advantages. Their love, support, and experience will be available during difficult times.
They may also be willing to pay living expenses that would otherwise fall on your
shoulders (rent/mortgage payments, utilities, transportation, health insurance, groceries,
etc.). Those expenses can
have a big impact on the
―If I could move, that would be excellent! I can‘t
family, so it is imperative
childproof the house like I want (living with my
to have an honest, open
discussion about
expectations and consider
mother). I wouldn‘t be telling her, ‗No‘ all the time.‖ –
17 yr. old mom
everyone's needs.
Here is a list of questions to consider if you're going to live at home as a new parent:
1. Parenting Roles and Responsibilities
Who will be the "go-to parent" for feedings, diaper changes (especially the ones at
night), doctor's visits, care when the baby is sick, bedtimes, and discipline? The
amount of parenting responsibility your parents want to have may be less or more
than you expect, so be sure everyone is on the same page.
2. Education
Do you plan to return to school? Who will take care of your child when you're in
school or doing homework? How will you pay school expenses? Some
scholarships and loans take your parents' income into account.
3. Finances and Work
How will you support yourself and your baby? Are there costs of parenting that
your parents will cover?
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4. Insurance
Your healthcare may be covered, at least partially, by your parents' insurance.
How does living at home affect your eligibility for public assistance?
5. Alternative Housing
If you and your parents decide that it is not best for you to continue living at
home, is there a friend or relative you can live with? What about a maternity
home? States have different laws regarding the age when you can legally live
apart from your parents. You'll want to learn what laws apply to you if you cannot
live at home.
If you or your family need help answering these or other questions, pregnancy counselors
are available (Check your county resources for contacts in your area, pages 20-26).
Tap into your resources
Helpful Websites
―Get support; if not from your family, from
In this information age where so
someone else. Rely on someone with
much knowledge is at our
experience to help you with any issues you
fingertips, searching for what we
have.‖ – 17 yr. old mom
need can be overwhelming and
confusing. If you cannot find the
answers locally or in your county area, here is a list of online addresses that can help you
get what you need!
Abortion
http://www.optionline.org – or call: 800-395-4357. Someone is available 24/7 to answer
questions about pregnancy, abortion, and emergency contraception. They can help you
find a pregnancy resource center or help a friend know what to do in the situation.
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Adoption
http://impregnant.bethany.org – 60 years of Christian-based service working with
mothers and families waiting to adopt. Helps pregnant mothers make fully informed
decisions at no cost and under no pressure. They listen and provide help and guidance.
They can help with medical and living expenses, referrals to prenatal care and
government assistance.
http://www.adopthelp.com – or call: 800-637-7999
http://www.adoption.org – or call: 415-350-2494
http://www.parentprofiles.com – A resource of couples wanting to adopt.
Addiction
http://www.teenchallenge.usa – Since 1958 Teen Challenge USA has been offering hope
and healing for those dealing with life-controlling problems.
Alcohol & drug Helpline – 800-527-5344 or www.aca-usa.org
National Crisis Hotline – 800-448-4663 or 800-422-0009
Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator – 800-662-HELP or
www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov
Child Care
http://www.nccic.org/poptopics/families.pdf- Child Care Assistance
http://www.headstartingo.org/recruitment/child_hs.htm- Head Start
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Financial Assistance
http://singleparents.about.com/od/financialhelp/a/2_1_1_help.htm Find help in locating community assistance (Food, Utilities, Housing, Child Care, Etc.).
http://singleparents.about.com/od/financialhelp/p/TANF.htm - TANF (Temporary
Assistance for Needy Families
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/opa/fact_sheets/cse_factsheet.html- Child Support
http://www.hud.gov/apps/section8/ - Housing assistance through HUD (Department of
Housing and Urban Development.
Health
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/aflp/Pages/default.aspx - The Adolescent Family Life
Program (AFLP) is designed to enhance the health, social, economic, and educational
well-being of pregnant and parenting adolescents and their children in California. AFLP
promotes positive pregnancy outcomes, effective parenting, and socioeconomic
independence.
http://www.communitycouncil.org/ - Health and Human Services information.
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/MCAH/Pages/default - Maternal Child Adolescent
Health programs and resources.
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicaidGenInfo - Medicaid
http://imprengant.bethany.org/pregnancy-resources/helpful-links=TopofPage – State
Children‘s Health Insurance Programs
Nutrition
http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/ - Food assistance through WIC (The Special Supplemental
Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children).
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Spiritual Guidance
http://www.usa.church.com/ - Locate churches in your area.
Teenage Parenting
http://www.teenageparent.org/ - Life in the fast lane! What it is really like to be a teen
parent. This site is available in English or Spanish. There are actual stories from teens
and links to resources.
http://www.parentsasteachers.org – Evidence-based home visiting program that is
achieving their goals and making a difference in the lives of children and families
Teenage Pregnancy
http://www.thehelpline.org – This site contains information for teen fathers and mothers
on every topic you would want to know. The American Pregnancy Helpline is also
available at: 866-942-6466.
http://www.teenpregnancy.com – This site will help you explore the issues surrounding
the emotional crisis of an unplanned pregnancy. It offers many resources and links so you
can decide on the best options.
http://www.pregnancycenters.org/- Find a Pregnancy Resource Center in your area.
http://www.baby-health.net - Visit this friendly resource and read information on
pregnancy and parenting, childbirth, growth and development of a baby, baby health,
safety, and signs of pregnancy.
http://www.mypregnancyplace.com – A free Pregnancy Journal helps to make pregnancy
more fun and enjoyable while providing information and resources.
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If You Live in Sacramento County
http://www.211sacramento.org/ - Helpful round-the-clock
resources. If you can‘t dial 2-1-1, call: 916-498-1000 or
800-500-4931.
http://www.onefatherslove.com – Sacramento Family
Resources - ―Helping Individuals and Families Achieve
Self Sufficiency‖
http://www.womens-empowerment.org - Women‘s Empowerment is a nonprofit that
works with homeless women to help them build the skills they need to go back to work
and find a home.
http://wwwfirst5sacramento.net – Their first
priority is ensuring children‘s healthy
development and well being (prenatal to 5
years of age and their families). First 5
Sacramento supports a variety of programs
and services to help parents and caregivers practice appropriate parenting skills. These
supportive services also include emergency childcare services, crisis intervention
resources and home visitation services. Ask about the Nurse Family Partnership (NFP);
moms must be expecting their first baby and be less than 28 weeks pregnant for services.
Sacramento Crisis Nursery - (www.crisisnurseryonline.org) 4533 Pasadena Avenue,
Sacramento, CA 95821 (916) 679-3600 or (866) 856-2229. Crisis Intervention and
Safe/Emergency Child Care Services. Contact: Chris McCarty, Director of Community
Programs, (916) 679-3600.
Child Action Inc. - (www.childaction.org) 9800 Old Winery Place, Sacramento, CA
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95827 (916) 369-0191. Childcare resource and referral, childcare subsidies, recruitment
and training of child care professionals, parent education and support.
Beanstalk - (www.beanstalk.ws) 3325 Myrtle Ave., North Highlands, CA 95660 (916)
344-6259. Child care, school readiness (preschool), academic enrichment, and recreation
(school age) provided in licensed centers and family child care homes; full day and part
day programs; USDA Child Care Food Program.
Head Start & Early Head Start Programs-SETA - 925 Del Paso Blvd., Suite 200,
Sacramento, CA 95815 (916) 263-3804. Early Head Start serves families with children
birth to age 3. Preschool Head Start serves families with children 3 to 5 years of age.
Children from families receiving public assistance (TANF and SSI) are eligible for SETA
Head Start/Early Head Start services regardless of income. There are more than 30 sites
throughout Sacramento County. For eligibility information & locations, call (916) 2633804 or visit the website at http://www.headstart.seta.net/
Birth & Beyond - (www.birth-beyond.com) Program focuses on pregnant women and
infants up to the 6th month of age, to encompass the needs of the whole family. In-home
visitation program for pregnant women that focuses on nutrition, prenatal health,
developing birth plan and connection to health insurance resources (Medi-Cal); program
focuses on child development, bonding and attachment between the mother and the child,
and identification of other resource needs; parenting classes and play groups available.
Cover The Kids - (www.coverthekids.com) 1331 Garden Highway, Sacramento, CA
95833 (866) 850-4321; (916) 808-3838. Application assistance for Medi-Cal, Healthy
Families and other no-cost and low-cost health insurance programs for children & teens
ages birth - 18 years, and pregnant women. Information and referrals made to local health
services. All arrangements made by appointment only; several sites available in
Sacramento for application assistance. Contact Cover the Kids for site availability.
Healthy Families Program - (www.healthyfamilies.ca.gov), (800) 880-5305. Low-cost
113
health, dental, and vision coverage for children birth - age 19. Emergency day respite and
24-hour shelter for children; helps prevent child abuse and neglect of children by offering
support to families who are experiencing a crisis; safe, caring place where parents can
temporarily leave their children while they seek help and long-term solutions. Counseling
and support services to family, information and referral to other agencies, and parenting
classes. Shelter licensed for 20 children.
Department of Human Assistance - (http://dhaweb.saccounty.net), (916) 874-2072.
Administers various programs designed to provide cash assistance, food stamps (EBT
Card), health insurance, & job training/placement services for eligible low-income
Sacramento County residents.
WIC Program - (www.sacdhhs.com), (916) 427-5500. Women, Infants and Children
(WIC) nutrition program site. Supplemental food vouchers available. Breastfeeding
―warmline‖, answers WIC and WIC-eligible breastfeeding women's basic questions
about breastfeeding and gives referrals to community resources.
Sacramento County Food Bank - (www.sfbs.org) 3333 3rd Ave., Sacramento, CA
95817, (916) 456-1980. Emergency Food Lockers, Sunday Lunch Program, Clothes
Closet, mother-baby Programs, Adult Community Learning Centers, Transitional
Housing Program, Intel Computer Clubhouse, After-School Program, Women's Wisdom
Project, Resource Central, Senior Bridge-Builders Program, and the Network Cafe. All
services provided free of charge; telephone or walk-in for information and agency
referrals.
Employment Development Department - (www.edd.ca.gov), (800) 300-5616. The
EDD administers unemployment & disability insurance. It matches qualified job seekers
with employer job listings on Cal JOBS (www.caljobs.ca.gov) an online job and resume
bank. There are numerous service points located throughout Sacramento. Please visit
http://www.servicelocator.org/ to find the nearest location.
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Sacramento Employment and Training Agency (SETA) - (www.seta.net) 925 Del
Paso Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95815, (916) 263-3800.
Sacramento Workforce Investment Board – (www.cwib.ca.gov) 916-324-3425.
Solano County Family Resources 2010
For more information about First 5 Solano contact us at:
601 Texas Street, Suite 210, Fairfield, CA
94533
Phone: 707.784.1332 • Fax: 707.784.1345
[email protected]
www.first5solano.org
HELP AVAILABLE 24-HOURS A DAY
Child abuse and neglect: 800.544.8696
Domestic violence and sexual assault services and counseling:
866.4-UR-SAFE (866.487.7233) or Hotline 707. 557.6600
Emergency mental health/crisis line: 707.428.1131
Mental Health Access: 800.547.0495
2-1-1 Solano County community services helpline! Fast, free, confidential and
available in 150 languages. (outside Solano County 800.273.6222)
COMMUNITY MATTERS IN SOLANO COUNTY!
Many other community resources are available. Visit The Children‘s Network of
Solano web site at www.childnet.org for a calendar of children‘s events in
Solano County or to use their free, searchable database of parenting programs
and community resources.
HEALTHY BABIES, TODDLERS AND YOUNG CHILDREN
Baby First Solano
WIC Program
A partnership committed to creating a
Provides checks for healthy foods,
system of care in Solano that supports
nutrition education, breastfeeding
and educates pregnant and parenting
information and support for pregnant
women to deliver healthy and drug free
women, postpartum women, infants
babies.
and children up to the age of 5 years.
877.680. BABY (877.680.2229) ·
Fairfield/Rio Vista/TAFB 707.784.2200
www.babyfirstsolano.com
Vallejo/Benicia 707.553.5381
Vacaville 707.446.6346
Dixon 707.678.0717
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North Bay Regional Center
Coordinates and purchases services
for persons with developmental
disabilities and their families or infants
and toddlers at risk for developmental
disabilities.
707.256.1100 · www.nbrc.net
SKIP -Solano Kids Insurance Program
Links uninsured kids with health care
coverage.
800.978.7547 or 707.863.4444 ·
www.skip.solanocoalition.org/skip
PEAK Solano
Offers free developmental screenings
for children 0-5 and refers children and
families to appropriate services.
707.422.BABY (707.422.2229)
www.peaksolano.org
Text4baby
Sends free tips and messages to cell
phones about pregnancy and baby‘s
first year.
Text Baby to 511411Y (707.422.2229)
www.peaksolano.org
HELPING PARENTS AND FAMILIES THRIVE
The Children‘s Network of Solano
A united voice for the children of
Solano County.
707.421.7229 · www.childnet.org
Solano County Libraries
Unlock the doors to your mind!
866.572.7587 · www.solanolibrary.com
Office of Family Violence Prevention
Aims to further the success of family
violence prevention and intervention
efforts in Solano County.
707.784.7789 ·
www.solanocounty.com
Solano Workforce Investment Board
www.solanowib.org
Agency gets jobs and training for teen
parents.
Food Bank of Contra Costa and
Solano
Provides free groceries for low-income
families and children at locations
throughout Contra Costa and Solano
counties.
707.421.9777 · www.foodbankccs.org
Safe Quest Solano, Inc.
Advocates for and supports victims of
domestic violence and/or sexual
assault.
866.487.7233 ·
www.safequestsolano.com
Solano Child Abuse Prevention
Council (CAPC)
Protects children by informing, training
and advising the community about
keeping children from harm.
707.421.7229
www.childnet.org
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CHILDCARE AND GETTING CHILDREN READY FOR SCHOOL
Provides effective leadership and
Solano Child Care Planning Council
services that support the community in
Works to improve the accessibility,
its effort to provide equal access to the
affordability and quality of child care in
highest quality education for every
Solano County.
Solano County student.
707.421.7229 ·
707.399.4400 ·
www.childnet.org
www.solanocoe.k12.ca.us
Child Start (Head Start)
Solano County Licensed Family Child
Children and family services agency
Care Association
serving Napa and Solano counties;
Promoting quality childcare by
provides the Head Start program.
supporting family child care providers.
866.573.4274 or 707.252.8931 ·
707.428.3180 ·
www.childstartinc.org
www.sclfcca.net
Solano Family and Children‘s Services
Your childcare connection.
Solano County Office of Education –
707.863.3950
SCOE
www.solanofamily.org
SOLANO FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER NETWORK
Provides parent education, home visiting programs, connections
to health care,
housing, food, counseling and other services.
707.642.6999 ·
Benicia Family Resource Center
www.fight707.746.4352 ·
back.org
Dixon Family Services
707.678.0442 ·
www.dixonfamilyservices.org
North Vallejo Fighting Back
Partnership and Family Resource
Center
707.553.7346 · www.fight-back.org
Greater Vallejo Fighting Back
Center
707.648.5230 · www.fight-back.org
Sereno Village Fighting Back
Center
Rio Vista
CARE Family Resource
Center
707.374.5243 · www.riovistacare.org
Fairfield Family Resource Center
707.421.3224
Suisun Family Resource Center/
Healthy Start
707.421.4398
Vacaville FIRST Office/ Family
Resource Center
707.469.6600
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If You Live in Yolo County
http://www.first5yolo.org – ―It‘s
all about the kids.‖ Yolo First 5 has
four main priorities:
1. To ensure that children are
Ready to Learn
2. Improved Physical Health
3. Improved Social & Emotional Health
4. Increased Access to Affordable Quality
Childcare
You can access parent, community, and provider
information by clicking on their resource link at
the same site.
http://www.yolocounty.org/index.aspx?page=1111 – YoloLINK Community Database &
Directory contains up to date information on services for residents of Yolo County.
YoloLINK holds greater than 900 listings on subjects related to housing, healthcare,
counseling, recreation, mental health, senior services, legal matters, rehabilitation. You
can also call: 530-666-8150. Information is available in Spanish.
Yolo County Department of Employment and Social Services – 800-735-2922 Inquire
about job and training opportunities for teen parents under programs with the Workforce
Investment Board.
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Take good care of yourself
Every pregnant mother wants to
have a healthy baby. Your physical
and mental health determines the
development and outcome of your
baby, the progress of your
pregnancy, and the ease or
difficulty of your baby‘s birth.
Eating Well
Good nutrition is the best way to prevent the most common complications of pregnancy.
Scientists have found that what a mother eats in pregnancy is so important to the health of
her baby that it may affect his or her future development and happiness. If you eat the
right foods EVERY day and avoid medication and drugs, you can help your baby to be
healthy.
If you do not eat right in pregnancy, your baby may be small at birth, you may be less
healthy and your baby may be less healthy. Your baby may even fail to develop all the
brain cells he or she needs to do well in school.
If you are a pregnant teen, you are still growing, as well as your baby. Be good to
yourself and to your baby by doing each of these things:
 Eat 3 meals every day.
 Choose food from each of the Four Food Groups for each meal.
 Don‘t lose weight! Your baby needs to grow. If you don‘t want to gain too much
weight, don‘t eat foods that are high in sugar and fat such as candy, soda, and
greasy, fried foods. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.
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 Drink a lot of water, milk, juice or broth—at least 6 cups a day!
 Take your prenatal vitamins everyday!
Suggested foods you can eat EVERY DAY:
 6 cups of milk (whole, non-fat, buttermilk, or yogurt)
 3 or more servings of meat, fish, poultry, cheese, dried peas or
beans.
 1 or 2 eggs.
 4 servings of vegetables, including at least one serving of dark
green vegetables, one serving of deep yellow vegetables, and some
raw vegetables each day.
 1 serving of high vitamin C fruit such as an orange, ½ grapefruit,
½ cantaloupe, 1 cup fresh strawberries, ½ cup citrus juice.
 1 other fruit, use fresh or canned juice-pack fruit.
 4 or 5 servings of grains (bread or cereal) preferably whole grains.
Enriched white bread, enriched macaroni are acceptable for
occasional use.
 Use butter, margarine, and oils as necessary for calories.
Be sure everything you eat is a NUTRITIONAL PLUS not just ―empty calories‖.
The foods you should not eat include those which have no nutritional value for you and
your baby.
Limit these foods while pregnant:





Potato chips and other snack chips
Pastries
Candy and sugary snacks
Coke, soda, and Kool-aid
Alcoholic beverages
Exercise
Exercise is very important to do while you are pregnant. It can increase the blood flow to
your baby, so the baby will get more oxygen. If you exercise during your pregnancy, you
will feel better, stronger and have more energy! You will also be in better physical
condition for your labor. Get your medical practitioners‘ approval before beginning any
kind of work-out.
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Exercise For Your Heart
Walk, swim, or ride a bicycle 3 times a week for ½ an hour.
This can improve your strength and stamina, which you will find helpful during
labor. Start out slowly, and then increase the amount of time that you exercise
each week.
Exercise For Your Back
Pelvic Rocking
Do Pelvic Rocks 3 times a week, 40 times each.
Lie on your back with your knees bent. Try to push the lower part of your back
against the floor, then let it go. Do it again so that you are rocking. Near the end
of your pregnancy do this standing up with your back against the wall.
Angry Cat
Do Angry Cats 3 times a week, 15 times each.
Go down to the floor on your hands and knees. Make your back flat. Arch up your
back like an angry cat, and pull in your tummy muscles. Then relax your back to
make it flat.
Exercises For Labor
Squatting
Do Squats whenever you can.
Squatting may feel good to you during labor and delivery. Practice squatting by
holding onto a chair or leaning against a wall with your legs bent about a foot
apart. Keep your feet flat on the floor, a foot away from the wall. You can squat
like this while you watch T.V.
Kegel Exercises
Do Kegels 5 times a day, 5 times each.
By doing Kegels, you will know which muscles you will need to relax during
labor. Next time you have to pee pee a little, then stop. Remember which muscles
you used to stop the pee. Then when you are not peeing, practice tightening then
relaxing these muscles.
Rest
You need more rest and sleep now. Take time to sit down, put your feet up, and close
your eyes for a few minutes once or twice a day. If you sit a lot, get up and walk around
for a few minutes each hour.
If going to sleep is hard, sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees.
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Avoid Smoking, Alcohol and Drugs
If you smoke, so does your baby!
Smoking can cause your baby to be
born too early, or to be born small and
sickly.
If you drink alcohol, so does your
baby! It can make your baby retarded
or deformed.
Stay away from ―street drugs‖. These
drugs are not safe for you and your
baby.
Check with your medical provider
before you take ANY medicine. Some
medicines can harm the baby.
Drink and eat less caffeinated items
like coffee, tea, sodas, energy drinks,
and chocolate.
If you drink or take drugs and want to
stop, talk to someone right away.
There are individuals who can help.
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Did you Know? You can get an
infection called toxoplasmosis from
handling Cat Litter? So if you have cats
in your home, let someone else change the
litter box!
Natural Remedies for Common Side Effects
There are natural things you can do if you don‘t feel good.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common in the first few months of pregnancy. They are usually
caused by chemical changes in your body.
It may help to:
1. Stay away from eating fried, greasy and spicy foods.
2. Eat smaller meals more often during the day. Never let your stomach get too
empty.
3. Eat protein foods (meat, eggs, cheese, nuts) before going to bed at night.
4. Nibble on toast or crackers between meals, during the night and just before
getting out of bed in the morning.
5. Take your prenatal vitamins after dinner, on a full stomach.
6. Take Vitamin B6 (100 mg.) once after breakfast and once after dinner.
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Headaches
You may have headaches because there is more blood in your body now that you are
pregnant, or because you are tired, tense, hungry, or thirsty.
It may help to:
1. Lie down and try to relax all the muscles in each part of your body (this is good
practice for labor, too).
2. Eat more protein-rich foods.
3. Try to rest and relax more often.
4. Stroke your forehead gently and put a cold cloth on it.
5. Take a walk outside.
Frequent Peeing (urination)
Most pregnant mothers need to pee more often than usual. The growing baby presses on
your bladder, making you need to urinate more often.
It may help to:
1. Pee when you feel the need to. Holding it in can cause more problems.
2. Drink less after dinner so that you won‘t have to pee as often after you go to bed.
3. Be sure to tell your medical provider if you have any burning when you are
peeing. This can be a sign of infection.
Heartburn
Heartburn is a burning feeling between the stomach and the throat. The growing uterus
pushes a little food and acid out of the stomach and back up into the throat.
It may help to:
1. Eat small meals more often (5 times a day or so). Avoid greasy, fried, or spicy
foods.
2. Sleep with two or three pillows under your head. Do not lie down right after
eating.
3. Wear loose-fitting clothes around your stomach.
If any of your problems do not go away or become worse, be sure to call your
midwife or doctor immediately.
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Learn How to be an Effective Parent
Being an effective parent, or raising your child the best way you can, is not about your
age.
It is about:





your openness to learning
a willingness to listen to others
not giving up
being connected to your baby
trusting in your true self
Parenting is like any other new skill that you want to learn--you have to follow someone who is doing it right and then
practice doing it yourself. As parents, we all benefit from the
wisdom of mothers and fathers who have been through it before. Find the best role model
you can, and then copy what they do.
Being an effective parent requires that you make a promise to do what is right, not
what is easy, every single day. No one is too young to hear the inner voice of wisdom
that tells you when something is wrong.
When you are angry, stressed, or need to make a tough choice, practice these
ABCs:
1.
2.
3.
Always Stop- Don‘t take another step in the same direction.
Breathe- Consider the consequences of your actions.
Choose carefully- Make your choice, but check back in with your intuition, and
change your mind if you feel unsafe.
Being a parent is the toughest job in the world. Being a young parent makes situations
even more intense. Don’t let anger or resentment rule your thoughts.
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Practice these Stress Busters:








Get enough sleep, eat nutritous food, not junk.
Put your child on a regular feeding/sleeping schedule.
Trade babysitting with a trustworthy friend.
Meditate or pray.
Don‘t bring stressful and unhealthy relationships into your life.
Be organized.
Let people help you and thank them. Don‘t be too proud to accept acts of
kindness.
Do healthy things that make you feel good and are fun.
Now that you are a parent, it is not about you or what you are getting, but about
giving and sacrificing for your baby. Keep your baby safe all the time, emotionally
and physically. Never bring someone into your life if they are unsafe to you or your
child.
Becoming a parent is the perfect time to create a new identity. There might be some
friends you want to keep, but you might also need to make new ones. What unsafe
behaviors do you need to stop? What kind of environment do you want your baby to
grow up in?
Here are a few facts about children who grow up with a
dad:





They are more likely to be active,
healthy, and strong babies,
toddlers, preschoolers, and schoolaged children
Most of them do better than
average on tests that show how
they are growing and learning
Girls do better in math
They are less likely to run away
They are much less likely to be
violent, dangerous, and even
criminal
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




Boys and girls are better at doing things without help, keeping control of
themselves, and being better leaders. They are more successful in life
Teens wait longer before they start having sex
Children are more likely to go to school, stay in school, and not repeat a grade
Girls have healthier relationships later in their lives, especially with men.
Remember that Dad is the first man they get to know
Boys who grow up without a father are 300% more likely to be put in a state
juvenile institution
(Healthy Families San Angelo, 1992)
Being a dad means showing up emotionally, physically, and financially.
You don’t have to be perfect, because you will have plenty of chances to
learn from your mistakes.
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Pregnancy and Child Development
You might still be developing yourself if you are an adolescent, but if you are pregnant,
you will also need to learn about how your baby is developing on the inside. Once the
baby is born, he or she will continue to develop at a rapid pace during the first few years
of their life.
Research shows that the brain develops dramatically during the first five years of
life. What parents do during these years to support their child’s growth will have a
significant impact. If you need help, don‘t wait; ask someone who has experience, or
learn as much as you can on the subject yourself.
Books on Pregnancy and Child Development
A Guide to Effective Care in Pregnancy and Childbirth Murray Enkin, Marc J.N.C.
Keirse, et al.
Pregnancy: The ultimate week-byweek Pregnancy Guide Dr. Laura
Riley, OB/GYN
Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy
Pregnancy Mayo Clinic
The Pregnancy Bible Keith
Eddleman, M.D. (Editor), Joanne
Stone (Editor)
A Child is Born Lennart Nilsson
Hey! Who’s Having This Baby Anyway? : How to take charge and create a safe
environment for your baby’s birth Breck Hawk, RN & Midwife
How to Behave So Your Children Will, Too! Sal Severe
The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two
William Sears and Martha Sears
What’s Going on in There? Lise Eliot, PH.D.
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Did You Know?
Things that help open your birth canal are:

Familiar people and privacy

Gentle, loving touches

Laughter and singing

Slow deep breathing and low pitched “animal sounds”

Relaxed jaw and mouth or “horse lips”
Benefits of upright positions in labor:

Better use of gravity and alignment of the baby through the
pelvis

Maximum oxygen delivery for mother and baby

Stronger contractions and increased pelvic opening when
squatting or kneeling
Gaskin, 2003
Childbirth
Wherever and however you intend to give birth, your experience will impact your
emotions, your mind, your body, and your spirit for the rest of your life. There are
two distinct ways of thinking about pregnancy and birth in the United States: the
midwifery or humanistic model of care and the techno-medical model of care. You will
need to look carefully for answers to your questions to find out whether a maternity
129
service is closer to the midwifery or techno-medical model of care, or somewhere in
between.
Having a Baby?
Ten Questions to Ask
A group of experts in birthing care came up with this list of 10 things to look for and ask
about. Some of this information was taken from The Mother-Friendly Childbirth
Initiative written for health care providers. You can get a copy of the Initiative for your
doctor, midwife, or nurse by mail, e-mail, or on the Internet
(http://www.motherfriendly.org).
Medical research supports all of these things. These are also the best ways to be
mother-friendly.
Here‘s what you should expect, and ask for, in your birth experience:
1. Ask, ―Who can be with me during labor and birth?‖
It is your birth and you need to be supported by those you love and those who love
you. It is also important to have an experienced birth assistant (someone who has
been there and done it many times before) stay with you for encouragement and
support throughout your labor and birth.
2. Ask, ―What happens during a normal labor and birth in your setting?‖
Here are some numbers we recommend you ask about.

They should not use oxytocin (a drug) to start labor for more than 1 in 10 women
(10%).

They should not do an episiotomy (ee-pee-zee-AH-tummy) on more than 1 in 5
women (20%). They should be trying to bring that number down. (An episiotomy
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is a cut in the opening to the vagina to make it larger for birth. It is not necessary
most of the time.)

They should not do C-sections on more than 1 in 10 women (10%) if it‘s a
community hospital. The rate should be 15% or less in hospitals which care for
many high-risk mothers and babies.
A C-section is a major operation in which a doctor cuts through the mother‘s
stomach into her womb and removes the baby through the opening. Mothers
who have had a C-section can often have future babies normally. Look for a
birth place in which 6 out of 10 women (60%) or more of the mothers who have
had C-sections, go on to have their other babies through the birth canal.
3. Ask, ―How do you allow for differences in culture and beliefs?‖
Mother-friendly birth centers, hospitals, and home birth services are sensitive to the
mother‘s culture. They know that mothers and families have differing beliefs, values,
and customs.
4. Ask, ―Can I walk and move around during labor?
What position do you suggest for birth?‖
In mother-friendly settings, you can walk around and move about as you choose
during labor. You can choose the positions that are most comfortable and work best
for you during labor and birth. (There may be a medical reason for you to be in a
certain position.) Mother-friendly settings almost never put a woman flat on her back
with her legs up in stirrups for the birth.
5. Ask, ―How do you make sure everything goes smoothly when my nurse,
doctor, midwife, or agency need to work with each other?‖
Ask, ―Can my doctor or midwife come with me if I have to be moved to another
place during labor? Can you help me find people or agencies in my community who
can help me before and after the baby is born?‖
6. Ask, ―What things do you normally do to a woman in labor?‖
Here is a list of things we recommend you find out about your birth place, because
too often these procedures are being done unnecessarily on healthy mothers:
 Do they keep track of the baby‘s heart rate all the time with a machine (called an
electronic fetal monitor)? Instead, it is best to have your nurse or midwife listen to
131
the baby's heart from time to time, so you can move freely and use gravity to your
advantage.
 They should not break your bag of waters early in labor.
 They should not use an IV (a needle put into your vein to give you fluids).
 You should be able to eat or drink during labor for energy.
 You should not have to be shaved.
 You should not have to have an enema.
Remember, these routines may be necessary for special medical reasons, but they
should not be done routinely during a normal delivery.
7. Ask, ―How do you help mothers stay as comfortable as they can be?
Besides drugs, how do you help mothers relieve the pain of labor?‖
Comfort measures help you handle your labor more easily and help you feel more in
control. The people who care for you will not try to persuade you to use a drug for
pain unless you need it to take care of a special medical problem. All drugs affect the
baby.
8. Ask, ―What if my baby is born early or has special problems?‖
Mother-friendly places and people will encourage mothers and families to touch,
hold, breastfeed, and care for their babies as much as they can. They will encourage
this even if your baby is born early or has a medical problem at birth. (However,
there may be a special medical reason you shouldn't hold and care for your baby.)
9. Ask, ―Do you circumcise baby boys?‖
There is no medical indication for routine circumcision, or the surgical removal of a
male infant‘s foreskin. The decision to have a circumcision may involve cultural and
religious considerations, as well as personal preferences.
10. Ask, ―How do you help mothers who want to breastfeed or bottle feed?‖
The World Health Organization made this list of ways birth services support
breastfeeding:

They tell all pregnant mothers why and how to breastfeed.

They help you start breastfeeding within 1 hour after your baby is born.

They show you how to breastfeed. And they show you how to keep your milk
coming in even if you have to be away from your baby for work or other reasons.

They encourage you and the baby to stay together all day and all night. This is
called ―rooming-in.‖
132

They encourage you to feed your baby whenever he or she wants to nurse, rather
than at certain times.

They should not give pacifiers (―dummies‖ or ―soothers‖) to breastfed babies.

They encourage you to join a group of mothers who breastfeed. They tell you how
to contact a group near you.

They have a written policy on breastfeeding. All the employees know about and
use the ideas in the policy.

They teach employees the skills they need to carry out these steps.
If you have made the decision to bottle feed your baby, ask how they will
help support you.
Birth Stories
Listening to positive, actual stories about birth can be inspiring and
psychologically beneficial. The best way to counter the effects of frightening
stories is to hear or read empowering ones. Don‘t let anyone put fear into
you about the process. All women wonder whether they will be able to
accomplish such a seemingly impossible act. Remember, women’s bodies
still work, and your closest friends, sisters and mothers have been able to
do it. You can, too! Then share your story.
Books on Birth Stories
Birth Stories for the Soul: Tales
from women, families and
childbirth professionals Denis
Walsh & Sheena Byrom
133
Home Births: Stories to inspire and inform Abigail Cairns
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth Ina May Gaskin
Spiritual Midwifery Ina May Gaskin
Journey into Motherhood: Inspirational Stories of Natural Birth Sheri L. Menelli
Birth Stories: Mystery, Power, and Creation Jane Dwinell
Jessica Lost: A Story of Birth, Adoption & The Meaning of Motherhood Bunny
Crumpacker & Jil Picariello
Books on Childbirth
Childbirth Without Fear, 5th ed. Grantly Dick-Read
The Five Standards for Safe Childbearing David Stewart, Ph.D.
The Thinking Women’s Guide to a Better Birth Henci Goer
In Labor: Women and Power in the Birthplace Barbara Katz Rothman
Birthing from Within Pam England, CNM
The Natural Pregnancy Book Aviva Jill Roman
134
Videos on Childbirth
Spiritual Midwifery Video Farm, 41The Farm, Summertown, TN 38483.
www.inamay.com
Born in the U.S.A. Independent Television Service, 51 Federal St. 1st Floor, San
Francisco, CA 94107. www.itvs.org Fanlight Productions www.fanlight.com
Birth Day Sage Femmes, Inc. PO Box 1006, Essex, MA 01929.
www.homebirthvideo.com
Giving Birth: Challenges and Choices Produced and directed by Suzanne Arms, PO Box
830, Durango, CO 81302. (877) BIRTHING www.birthingthefuture.com
135
Parenting
The option of parenting itself is accompanied
by a variety of options. Different
responsibilities and challenges are associated
with each one.
Option 1 – Getting Married:





Some couples choose to get married following the discovery of an unplanned
pregnancy.
This option may prove to be a benefit. Ask yourself how long have we been
dating, how well do we know each other, and if you were already talking about
marriage?
Most couples are not encouraged to get married just for ―sake of the baby.‖
Marriage has enough challenges when you are entering into it for the right
reasons.
If you are in a good relationship, this parenting option is the easiest because it has
two people committed to meeting the needs of the new baby.
Getting married doesn‘t always solve problems, seek premarital counseling to see
if this option could work.
Option 2 – Joint Parenting:




This option is often referred to as joint custody.
You may be choosing this parenting option because the two of you are interested
in having the baby.
You recognize, at least for now, that the two of you are not ready to enter into a
marital relationship.
This parenting option often has two people committed to meeting the needs of the
child, but it comes with additional challenges such as schedules, commuting and
communicating.
Option 3 – Single Parenting & Visitation:




This may be the parenting option used because one of you is fully committed to
the baby.
This option is more challenging because most of the parenting responsibilities fall
on one individual.
Child support is still expected to make meeting the needs of the child easier for
the single parent.
This parenting option also has the challenges of schedules and commuting.
136
Option 4 – Single Parenting:





Single parenting is usually chosen by individuals who want the baby but their
partner has exited the relationship and does not want to be a part of yours or the
baby‘s life.
When choosing this parenting option, it is best to proceed with the expectations
that the partner will not participate in any matter.
Things may change, the other parent may want to become more involved through
seeking visitation, providing financial support and helping out. If this happens,
then you and the baby get more than you expected.
In most cases, child support is still expected and lawfully required. However, his
disinterest often makes collecting a challenge.
This is the most challenging parenting option because it means meeting most of
the parenting responsibilities yourself. Friends and family usually become your
best support.
Bonding With Your Baby:
It’s Essential for Fathers and Mothers
Your first job as a mother or father will be to bond or make an attachment
with your baby. You must make your baby feel that he or she can trust you
completely. Feeling safe with you is absolutely necessary for your baby‘s
ability to learn and develop in emotionally healthy ways.
Bonding is incredible important and easy to do:




Pick her up when she cries (always smile first)
Feed him when he‘s hungry or change him when he‘s soiled
Soothe and rock her gently and sing in a low, quiet voice
Touch him gently, with softness and tenderness
You will never spoil your baby by responding to and meeting their need
137
Deciding Between Breast and Bottle
Most medical professionals will advise you to breastfeed based on the health benefits for
you and your baby. However, the decision isn‘t simply a medical one. The decision about
how to feed the baby is a personal one that every mother must decide for herself. If you
have decided that bottle feeding is the best decision for you, your baby, and your
circumstances, don‘t feel guilty about it.
Whatever your decision, make it before you deliver, so that you have plenty of time to
prepare for the moment when your baby starts feeding.
Advantages of breastfeeding:
Human breast milk can strengthen the baby‘s immune system and help prevent
allergies, asthma, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).










Mother‘s milk contains nutrients that are ideally suited to a baby‘s digestion
system.
Human milk also contains substances that help protect a baby from infections
until his own immune system matures.
Babies are more likely to have an allergic reaction to cow‘s milk than to mother‘s
milk.
Breastfeeding is emotionally rewarding. Many women feel that they develop a
special bond with their baby when they breastfeed, and they enjoy the closeness
of the whole experience.
Breastfeeding is convenient. You never have to carry bottles or formula with you.
Mother‘s milk is cheaper than formula and bottles.
You don‘t have to warm up breast milk; it is always the perfect temperature.
Breastfeeding helps to immediately shrink the uterus and controls ovulation which
provides a limited form of birth control (you must be nursing only for the first
year of your baby‘s life).
Lactation (milk production) causes you to burn extra calories and may help you
lose weight.
Some studies suggest that women who breastfeed may reduce their lifetime risk of
breast cancer.
Benefits of bottle feeding:


Bottle feeding may better fit your
lifestyle.
You‘ve tried breastfeeding, and you
cannot commit to it or you didn‘t
produce enough milk.
138




Bottle feeding enables others to feed the baby.
Bottle feeding ensures that you don‘t pass on an infection to the baby.
Bottle feeding may be your only option if you or your baby are very sick after
delivery. A mechanical pump can be used to keep the supply of breast milk
flowing, and milk can be frozen for later use.
If you take certain medications, bottle feeding may be best. Medications can pass
through the breast milk and affect the baby.
Books on Parenting
After the Baby’s Birth: A Complete Guide for Postpartum Women. Robin Lim
Fathering Your Toddler Armin A. Brott
Mothering the Mother. Marshall Klaus, M.D., John Kennell, M.D., and Phyllis Klaus
Natural Health after Birth. Aviva Jill Romm
Power Source Parenting: Growing up strong and raising healthy Kids Bethany
Casarjian
The Mother of All Baby Books: The ultimate guide to your baby’s first year Ann
Douglas
The New Basics : A-to-Z Baby & Child Care for the Modern Parent Michel Cohen
Understanding Your Newborn And Infant (Simply Parenting) Mary Ann LoFrumento
Understanding Your Toddler (Simply Parenting) Mary Ann LoFrumento
139
What about school?
Completing high school is an important first step in breaking the cycle of teen pregnancy
and adult poverty. For too long, schools have
neglected the rights of teens who choose to parent.
Don‘t let it happen to you or someone you love.
Know Your Rights
It is illegal to discriminate against pregnant teens and young parents. Title IX of the
Education Amendments of 1972 is the primary federal statutory guarantee of equal
education opportunity for pregnant and parenting students
(www.ed.gov/policy/rights/reg/).
These amendments prohibit the expulsion or exclusion of students from any program,
course or extracurricular activity solely on the basis of pregnancy or parenthood,
regardless of marital status. What this means is that you have a right to be going to the
same school and classes as your peers, whether you are pregnant or not.
Under Federal and State Law, Your Rights are Guaranteed:



Non-discrimination – You have a right to make an informed decision without
being harassed, whether to stay in your home school or attend a school for
pregnant and parenting teens. If you chose a program other than the regular
education classroom, it must be completely voluntary; no one should be urging
you to do so against your will.
Full Access to Educational Opportunities – You have a right obtain equal
access to all the academic and extra-curricular opportunities available to other
students, including advanced-placement and college preparatory classes, sports
programs, after-school activities, and enrichment programs.
Right to Leaves of Absence and Excused Absences – You have a right obtain
full, confidential family planning and reproductive health services, as well as
140

other types of health care, at school-based health clinics and affiliated community
providers. In California, teens under 18 years of age may consent to all medical
care related to pregnancy, pregnancy prevention, and pregnancy termination
without the knowledge or consent of their parent or guardian.
Physical Education – You have a right to take physical education classes and be
provided with an alternative curriculum if you are unable to meet the
requirements of the regular class.
If you have further legal questions or need help contact Nancy M. Solomon, Senior
Staff Attorney at the California Woman’s Law Center @323-651-1041.
How can I become an effective student and
self-sufficient adult?
 Let your child be the motivation you
need to succeed.
 Know the steps you need to take to
achieve your goal for a high school
diploma, General Equivalency
Diploma (GED), or an alternative
training program.
 Attend school regularly.
 Complete your assignments.
If you are a teen father
You will transition quickly into adulthood. One of
the most important things a new parent must learn is to take responsibility for oneself and
one‘s children (See Learning to be an Effective
―Truthfully, you have to be the
Parent, pages 32-34). Parenting skills, life skills
and pre-employment skills can be acquired
through:
 Male support groups
 Mentors and internships
one to look for stuff. Keep
trying to make your life better,
‗cause nobody‘s gonna do it for
you.‖ – 17 yr. old mom
141
 Role models
 Schools and curriculum
 School to work programs
If you are a teen mother
Your school needs to provide quality, flexible educational programs and an environment
that encourages success, in order for you to graduate. Don‘t put it off; talk to your school
counselor or nurse right away to get the help you need for your special circumstances.
The sooner school staff knows about your situation, the sooner they will be able to help
get your needs met.
Find out what your education options are:


School-Based
Alternative School
Ask for flexible scheduling and attendance policies that help
you stay in school:






Altering hours
Flexible starting times
Ending the school day later
Providing space and time for social service agencies to conduct appointments
onsite
Reducing class schedules to include only courses necessary for graduation
Incentive programs to help increase attendance (personal recognition or
monetary)
Check out all the ways you can gain school
credits:





Standards-Based Education
Online school
Night School
Summer School and Saturday Classes
Home Study or Homebound Instruction
142






Makeup Classes during Lunch or Before/After School
Links with Other Institutions
Independent Study
Mentoring
Seminars, Life Skills Training, and Field trips for credit
Summer Camps
Childcare funding is available
Childcare is an obvious necessity for you to stay in school. Programs or home day care
providers who are licensed have access to the financial assistance available for teen
parents, and funding is available while you are going to school (see county pages and
programs below). Licensed providers will provide a safe and nurturing environment for
your child, help model appropriate child care practices for you, and deter abuse and
neglect through daily observation and intervention.
Educational resources you need to tap into:




Local Churches and Community Centers
Licensed Child Care Providers (funding is available for teen parents)
Mentoring Programs
Children, Youth and Family Services supporting Pregnant and Parenting Teens
(Family Resource Centers, Cal-Learn, Adolescent Family Life Program, First 5,
Medi-Cal, Cal-SAFE, Early Start, and Even Start)
You are entitled to support and assistance. It is important to find a case
worker that will help coordinate all the services you need. Cooperation and
networking between your school district and local community agencies will ensure your
success as a pregnant or parenting student.
The Department of Education’s programs (such as Cal-SAFE, Early Start, and Even
Start) are encouraged to collaborate with other programs and agencies (such as CalLearn, First 5, Family Resource Centers, and AFLP) that serve teen parents. Such
collaborations provide greater resources and result in more comprehensive services than
any one of the programs could provide alone.
143
Not all programs will be available in your area, but the more support services you
can obtain, the more successful and effective you will be as a parent, student, and
community member.
Here‘s more information on some of the key programs that can help you be an effective
student and the best parent possible:
The California School Age Families Education (Cal-SAFE) Program is a
comprehensive, integrated, community-linked, school-based program that serves
expectant and parenting students and their children. The Cal-SAFE Program is designed
to improve the educational experience, increase the availability of support services for
enrolled students and provide child care and development services for their children.
When the program is available, it provides students the opportunity to access all the
resources they need in a seamless, cost-effective service delivery system from time they
enter the program until graduation.
Female and male students age 18 and younger who have not graduated from high school may
enroll voluntarily in the Cal-SAFE Program if they are an expectant parent, or a parent
taking an active role in the care and supervision of their child. If a student is continuously
enrolled in the program and has not graduated before reaching age 19, the student may be
enrolled for one additional semester.
As long as teen parents are enrolled in the Cal-SAFE Program, their children are eligible for
services until age five or entry into kindergarten, whichever comes first. You can review the
eleven Cal-SAFE Program Goals online: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/cg/pp
For more information on programs near you Contact Nancy Christophel, Analyst 916319-0541 [email protected] or Mitzi Inouye, Consultant 916-319-0546
[email protected] California Department of Education, Cal-SAFE Program, 1430 N
Street, Suite 3410, Sacramento, CA 95814 Telephone: 916-322-6233.
Cal-Learn Program helps pregnant and parenting teens to attend and graduate
from high school or its equivalent. It serves 15,000 teens each month. As a strategy for
reducing teen pregnancy rates and long-term welfare dependency, the Cal-Learn program
was designed to assist teen parents receiving California Work Opportunity and
Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs).
This effort consists of three coordinated services designed to help you become a selfsufficient adult and a responsible parent:
144
1. Intensive case management assists teen parents to obtain education, health and
social services.
2. Payments for necessary child care, transportation and educational expenses
enable pregnant/parenting teens to attend school.
3. Bonuses and sanctions encourage school attendance and good grades. Four
$100 bonuses/sanctions per year may be earned/applied based on report card
results, plus a one-time $500 bonus for graduating or attaining an equivalent
high school diploma.
Pregnant/parenting teens who are receiving CalWORKs are required to participate in CalLearn if:


They are under the age of 19.
They have not graduated from high school or its equivalent.
Effective January 1, 1998, an otherwise eligible teen who is 19 years of age may continue
to participate in the Cal-Learn Program on a voluntary basis until he/she earns a high
school diploma or its equivalent or turns 20 years.
Ask for a Self Initiated Program (SIP) Packet from an employment resource specialist
if you have graduated from high school or received your GED and plan to attend further
schooling. Financial assistance is available for childcare, transportation, books, and
parking.
Pregnant/parenting teens may apply for Cal-Learn services at any welfare office located
in the county where they live. To find a nearby office, contact the county welfare
department listed under the County Government Section of the telephone book.
Adolescent Family Life Program (AFLP) is designed to enhance the health,
social, economic, and educational well-being of pregnant and parenting adolescents and
their children in California. Built on a comprehensive case management model, the
AFLP works to assess client strengths and to link clients to services in an effort to
promote positive pregnancy outcomes, effective parenting and socioeconomic
independence.
Some of the services this program provides include:
 Assisting teens and their children to access appropriate services including:
 Medical Care (including prenatal and postpartum care)
 Family Planning
 School Support Services
 Social Services
 Substance Abuse Intervention
 Mental Health Services
145
 Parenting Education
 Health Education
 Domestic/Relationship
Violence
 Legal Assistance
 Employment
Opportunities
 Housing Assistance
 Nutrition Counseling
 Oral Health
These programs provide services in
county health departments, county
departments of social services,
hospitals, schools, and community-based organizations. Adolescent Family Life
Programs are located in over 40 counties in the State. To locate assistance in your area,
please see the AFLP Coordinator Directory at
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/AFLP/Pages/AFLPcoordinatorDirectory.aspx
The Early Start Program is California's response to federal legislation ensuring
that early intervention services to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families
are provided in a coordinated, family-centered way statewide.
The first step that parents may take is to discuss their concerns with their health care
provider/doctor. Anyone can make a referral if there is a concern about a child‘s
development. You can also call the local regional center or school district to request an
evaluation for the child.
After contacting the regional center or local education agency, a service coordinator will
be assigned to help the child's parents through the process to determine eligibility. Parentto-parent support and resource information is also available through Early Start Family
Resource Centers.
Teams of service coordinators, healthcare providers, early intervention specialists,
therapists and parent resource specialists evaluate and assess infants or toddlers and
provide appropriate early intervention and family support services for young children
from birth to three years of age.
There is no cost for evaluation, assessment and service coordination. Public or private
insurance is accessed for medically necessary therapy services including speech, physical
and occupational therapies. Services that are not covered by insurance will be purchased
or provided by regional centers or local education agencies.
146
Call your local family regional center, local education agency, or family resource center
for resource information or a referral to Early Start services.
If you need additional information about how to get Early Start services call (800) 515BABY or e-mail us at [email protected].
Even Start is a specialized program run by the California Department of Education
(CDE); with funds received from the federal government, the CDE supports local
educational agencies (LEAs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) to plan and
coordinate services to help parents gain the skills needed to become full partners in the
education of their young children.
Even Start integrates (1) early childhood education, (2) adult literacy or adult basic
education, (3) parenting education and (4) parent-child interactive literacy activities into a
unified, four-component family literacy program.
The purpose of the William F. Goodling Even Start Family Literacy Program (Even
Start) is to help break the cycle of poverty and illiteracy by improving educational
opportunities for low-income families. For more information about Even Start programs
in your area contact the Child Development Division at 916-319-0275.
147
References
Am I pregnant? Retrieved February 17, 2011, http://impregnant.bethany.org
Gaskin, Ina May (2003). Ina May’s guide to childbirth. New York: Random House, Inc.
“Having a Baby? Ten Questions to Ask” Retrieved February 23, 2011
www.motherfriendly.org
Help Your Teen Handle Pregnancy Retrieved February 25, 2011,
http://www.bing.com/health/article/mayo-127293/Teen-pregnancy
Rothman, Barbara Katz (1972). In Labor: Women and power in the birthplace. New
York: W.W. Norton.
Solomon, Nancy M (1992). The civil rights of pregnant and parenting teens in California
schools. Retrieved March 3, 2011,
http://www.cwlc.org/files/dosc/policy_brief_civil_rights_ppt.pdf
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Retrieved March 3, 2011,
http://www.ed.gov/policy/rights/reg/ocr/edlite-34cfr106.html
The Healthy Families San Angelo Curriculum (1992). Healthy Babies, healthy families.
San Angelo, Texas.
148
APPENDIX C
Logra lo que Tú Necesitas:
Guía para Adolescentes Embarazadas y el Cuidado de los Hijos
149
Logra lo que Tú Necesitas:
Guía para
Adolescentes Embarazadas y el
Cuidado de los Hijos
Por: Katie Rivera
Traducido por: Evelyn Cairo
Primavera 2011
150
Autor: Katie Rivera
Escuela Elemental de Isleton
412 Unión Street
Isleton, CA 94561
Email: [email protected]
Esta guía fue desarrollada como un proyecto de maestría en Educación Especial de CSU,
Sacramento.
151
Introducción
Usted no se debe sentirse sola, el propósito es de tener un embarazo saludable. Esta
guía te ayudara a resolver cualquier problema de salud, educación, o financiera que está
enfrentando así también encontrara servicios de apoyo para poder ser un buen padre, si es
eso lo que desea.
Advertencia: la información médica y de salud contenida en esta
guía es solamente con propósitos educacionales. No tiene la
intensión de remplazar lconsulta médica tratamiento o
diagnóstico de un profesional. Usted necesita consultar con su
profesional de salud si usted tiene alguna pregunta o preocupación.
Datos de los Embarazos en los Adolescentes
Desafortunadamente, es un hecho que las
adolescentes embarazadas y sus bebés
están en un mayor riesgo de problemas de
salud. Algunas de las complicaciones que
pueden ocurrir son





Parto prematuro --- Nacimiento del
bebe antes de las 37th semanas
Anemia--- Bajo conteo de glóbulos
rojos, que proveen oxígeno
Presión alta --- Fuerza de la sangre
contra las arterias y el corazón
Nacimiento prematuro --- Nacimiento del bebe antes que es plenamente
desarrollado
Bajo peso al nacer --- un bebe con peso menos de 5.5 lb. (2500 gramos)
Darse cuenta de que estas condiciones suelen ocurrir cuando las adolescentes
embarazadas no reciben el apoyo amoroso y la atención prenatal que necesitan al
principio de su embarazo. Por eso es tan importante buscar ayuda tan pronto como sea
posible ---ASAP!
152
Aquí están algunas estadísticas negativas en adolescentes y madres
embarazadas:





Las madres adolescentes tienen menos probabilidades de graduarse de la escuela
secundaria, más probabilidades de vivir en la pobreza, y estar en riesgo de
violencia doméstica
Padres adolecentes tienden a terminar unos años más de escuela que los padres
mayores son también menos probables que ganen un salario digno y mantener un
trabajo estable.
Los niños de padres adolescentes son más propensos a tener trastornos de salud y
cognitivas y tienen más probabilidades de ser abandonados o maltratados
Las niñas nacidos de madres adolescentes tienen más probabilidades de
experimentar embarazos en la adolescencia ellas mismas.
Los niños nacidos de madres adolescentes tienen más probabilidades de ir a la
prisión
TÚ puede ser proactiva y cambie esos números.







Enfrente cualquier desafío que se le venga. No
espere!
Buscar un grupo de apoyo o un grupo de amigos y
familiares que ayuden y contribuyan a cualquier
desafío que usted enfrenta.
Obtenga cuidado prenatal y coma saludablemente
(alentar o ayudar con la alimentación a la madre del
bebe).
Tome clases para padres y aprenda sobre el desarrollo
infantil.
Busque programas especiales disponibles ayudarla a continuar en la escuela o
seguir estudiando de su casa.
Discutir sus metas para el futuro y como puede obtenerlas.
Prepararse financieramente y como criar a sus hijos
Si usted está esperando o criando un niño, tiene una motivación muy importante en
su impulso hacia el éxito y sobresalir en la vida. Servicios de apoyo estan disponibles Lo
que pueda faltar son los servicios de apoyo que necesita para terminar la escuela y el
desarrollo de sus talentos. El propósito de esta guía es darle a usted importante
informacion acerca de embarazo, crianza de hijos mientras continua con su educación.
Si tú no puedes balancear tú la escuela, entrenamiento de trabajo y responsabilidad
familiares, esta guia te ayudara a escoger una solución alternativa, asi norenuncias a
tus metas o sueños.
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Contenido
Parte 1. Creo que estoy embarazada, ¿Qué debo
hacer?



Confirmar si hay signos de embarazo……………………………………… 1
o Nota cualquier cambio físico……………………………………… 1
o Hacer una prueba de embarazo en casa…………………………… 3
o Confirme el resultado con un profesional médico………………… 3
Hable con alguien acerca de su embarazo………………………………… 3
Decida que hacer acerca de su embarazo; considere sus opciones con cuidado y
prudencia…………………………………………………………………… 4
o Crianza de los hijos………………………………………………… 8
o Adopción…………………………………………………………… 10
o Aborto……………………………………………………………… 12
Parte 2. Creo que voy a ser padre, ¿Que debo
hacer?





¿Cuáles son sus derechos como padre?......................................................... 15
¿Cómo puedes saber si tú eres el padre?....................................................... 15
¿Es el matrimonio la respuesta? Conoce las leyes………………………… 15
Preguntas que debe contestar acerca de ser padre…………………………. 16
o Crianza de hijos……………………………………………………..16
o Adopción…………………………………………………………… 16
o Aborto……………………………………………………………… 16
¿A quien puede llamar por ayuda?.................................................................16
Parte 3. Me voy a quedar con mi bebe. ¿Ahora
qué?


Decida donde va a vivir…………………………………………………… 17
o Vivir con sus padres……………………………………………… 17
o Arreglos alternativos……………………………………………… 17
Explore sus recursos……………………………………………………… 18
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

o
o
o
Si vive en el condado de Sacramento……………………………… 21
Si vive en el condado de Solano…………………………………… 23
Si vive en el condado de Yolo…………………………………… 25
Cuídese bien usted mismo………………………………………………… 26
o Coma bien………………………………………………………… 26
o Haga ejercicios…………………………………………………… 27
o Descanse…………………………………………………………… 28
o Evite fumar, el alcohol y usar drogas……………………………… 29
o Remedios naturales para los efectos comunes…………………… 29
Náuseas y vómitos………………………………………………… 29
Dolores de cabeza………………………………………………… 29
Frecuencia urinaria………………………………………………… 30
Ardor de estómago………………………………………………… 30
Aprenda cómo ser un padre efectivo……………………………………… 31
o Hechos acerca de crecer con un padre…………………………… 32
o Embarazo y el desarrollo del infante……………………………… 33
Libros de embarazos y del desarrollo del niño……………………. 33
o Nacimiento………………………………………………………… 34
¿Va a tener un bebe? Diez preguntas que
hacer‖………………………………………………………………. 35
Libros en historias de nacimiento………………………………… 38
Libros de nacimientos……………………………………………… 38
Videos de nacimientos…………………………………………… 39
o Crianza de los hijos………………………………………………… 40
La vinvulacion con su bebe: es esencial para padres y madres…… 41
Decisión entre pecho y el biberón………………………………… 42
Libros en crianza de hijos………………………………………… 43
Parte 4. ¿Qué pasara con la escuela?




Conoce sus derechod……………………………………………………… 44
¿Como puede ser un estudiante efectivo y un adulto autosuficiente?........... 45
Si tu eres un padre adolescente…………………………………………… 45
Si tu eres una madre adolescente………………………………………… 46
Opciones educacionales.…………………………………………………… 46
Horarios flexibles…………………………………………………………
La manera de obtener creditos escolares………………………………… 46
Apoyo con el cuidado de niños…………………………………………… 47
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o
o
o
o
o
California School Age Families Education Program (Cal-SAFE)… 47
Cal-Learn Program………………………………………………… 48
Adolescent Family Life Program (AFLP)………………………… 49
Early Start………………………………………………………… 49
Even Start………………………………………………………… 50
Referencias
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Creo que estoy Embarazada,
¿Qué debo hacer?
Confirme si hay signos de embarazo
Los síntomas del embarazo son únicos para cada madre a ser y en cada embarazo.
Mientras que en algunas madres desarrollan estos síntomas en una semana o más, los
demás no pueden pasar desapercibidas. Es importante tomar en cuenta los síntomas de
en su cuerpo y observar los cambios que tienen lugar, porque algunos de los síntomas
puede estar relacionado con otros problemas de salud.
¿Se está preguntando si usted está embarazada? No tenga miedo. El embarazo es un
proceso natural. Su cuerpo sabe qué hacer por instinto. Lo único que tienes que hacer es
comer alimentos nutritivos y descanse lo suficiente, tomé bastante aire fresco y haga
ejercicios, es decir, cuidar bien de sí mismo.
Si estas asustada o te sientes culpable de estar embarazada no lo esconda al contrario
hable con alguien de us confianza que puesa ayuarla
Estos son algunos de los signos más comunes del embarazo:
Cambios o retraso en la menstruación:
Probablemente la más común que puede pasar cuando una mujer está embarazada es el
retraso de la menstruación. Por lo general, las mujeres pierden el periodo
inmediatamente después de quedar embarazada. A veces todavía se puede sangrar, pero
por lo general es ligero y corto, muy diferente a un período normal
Sin embargo, hay otras cosas que puede hacer que usted pierda el período como: las
cuestiones hormonales, el estrés, la pérdida o ganancia de peso, fatiga, y mucho más. Si
usted no está embarazada, por favor, consulte a su médico
Dolor de Cintura o de Espalda:
En algunos casos, las mujeres pueden empezar a lidiar con el dolor de espalda o de
cintura cuando están en las primeras semanas de embarazo. Este dolor está asociado con
el estiramiento de los ligamentos y puede continuar durante el resto del embarazo debido
al crecimiento del útero y del bebé.
El dolor de espalda también puede ser signo de otros problemas graves, averiguar si
usted está embarazada o no consulte a su médico.
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Antojos de Ciertos Alimentos:
Antojos de ciertos alimentos o simplemente sentir la necesidad de comer, es uno de los
primeros síntomas del embarazo. Así, algunas mujeres tienen antojos durante el resto de
su embarazo.
Si usted no está embarazada, los antojos pueden ser causa del estrés, por la falta de
nutrientes específicos, y de la mala alimentación.
Sangramiento:
Sangrado de implantación es un síntoma que ocurre temprano en el embarazo, por lo
general de 6-12 días después de la concepción. Esto sucede en muchos casos, cuando el
embrión se implanta en la pared del útero. Tenga en cuenta que puede haber otras
explicaciones para el sangrado, así como la abrasión, la menstruación, los cambios en el
control de la natalidad, o incluso una infección
Estas son algunas señales adicionales físicos del embarazo es posible que lo
experimente:
 Los pechos más sensibles e hinchados como consecuencia de niveles hormonales.
 Aumento en los niveles de progesterona durante el embarazo esto causa que
usted se sienta más cansada de lo normal.
 La fatiga es un factor común entre las mujeres embarazadas
 Náuseas y / o vómitos. Las náuseas matutinas afecta a la mayoría de las mujeres
durante el mes siguiente de la concepción, por lo general se detiene al final del
segundo trimestre.
 Orinar con frecuencia. La producción extra de fluidos producidos por su cuerpo
es un carga grande para sus riñones al procesarlo le conlleva a ir con frecuencia
al baño, así también la presión del bebé en su crecimiento sobre la vejiga crea la
necesidad de orinar.
 Mayor sensibilidad a los olores. Usted podrá notar que ciertos olores le causan
náuseas, si normalmente antes no le afectaban a usted. Esto puede ser causado por
aumento de los niveles de estrógeno en su cuerpo
El cuerpo de la madre pasa por muchos cambios físicos en apoyo al feto en crecimiento.
Seguir los requerimientos de su cuerpo. Si usted está cansado, acostarse y tome una
siesta. Si tienes hambre, come algo de proteínas y también tomé sus vitaminas. Recuerde,
cada mujer puede experimentar los síntomas un poco diferente, no debe preocuparse. Si
tiene algunos de estos síntomas, puede ser una buena idea en obtener una prueba de
embarazo o hacer una cita con su médico o enfermera partera para ver si usted está
realmente embarazada.
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Si usted no está embarazada, podría estar tratando con otros problemas de salud, por lo
que es recomendable visite a su médico y hable acerca de los problemas que está
experimentando.
Hacer una prueba de embarazo en casa
Pruebas caseras de embarazo están disponibles en las
farmacias más cercanas a usted. Esta prueba mide un
determinado tipo de hormonas llamada
Gonadotropina Coriónica Humana (HCG). Hay dos
tipos de pruebas de embarazo. Una es prueba de
sangre por HCG, y la otra prueba la orina de esta misma hormona. Esta segunda prueba le
permite realizarlo en casa. Mientras que los análisis de sangre debe ser realizada por
personal médico. Con mayor frecuencia, las mujeres utilizan pruebas de embarazo
caseras primero para saber si están embarazadas. Usted puede comprar pruebas de
embarazo en línea y en la mayoría de farmacias. Pruebas de embarazo caseras son
personales, con un precio razonable y fácil de usar.
Despues de 2 semanas después de la ovulación, estas pruebas pueden determinar si usted
está embarazada o no. La fiabilidad de pruebas de embarazo caseras con respecto a las
pruebas de sangre ha sido siempre un motivo de preocupación para todas las mujeres
embarazadas. Las pruebas caseras de embarazo son alrededor de 97% precisas, si se hace
correctamente. Para completar la prueba y obtener un resultado preciso, es importante
seguir con cuidado las instrucciones.
Una vez hecha la prueba de embarazo y muestra que usted está
embarazada, debe hacer una de inmediato una cita con tu médico.
Hable con alguien acerca de su embarazo
La idea de compartir la noticia de su embarazo inesperado puede ser abrumadora. ¿Cómo
elegir el momento adecuado? Las palabras adecuadas? La persona adecuada? O la
respuesta correcta? A pesar de su miedo, usted necesita hablar con las personas que te
quieren y pueden ayudarte. No lleve consigo su bebé y su miedo sola. No importa lo que
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finalmente decida va hacer lo mejor para su bebé. Usted va a necesitar apoyo, y hay
muchas personas interesadas y dispuestas a ayudarle con su carga.
Comparte su Embarazo
Un embarazo no planificado de un adolecente puede despertar muchas emociones
diferentes y toma tiempo para procesarlo. Así como cuando usted se enteró que estaba
embarazada, la gente se puede sentir aturdida o en shock también. Del mismo modo que
usted paso de shock a la planificación pasara con las demás personas Darles tiempo para
procesar sus emociones iniciales es importante. No tomar ninguna decisión de por vida
basadas en sus primeras respuestas.
Sólo usted sabe el mejor acercamiento con las
personas importantes de su vida, pero aquí hay
algunos consejos generales:
1. En primer lugar, confirmar su embarazo
con un médico. Asegúrese de que usted no
rcibió una prueba positiva falsa de
embarazo.
2. Practica diciendo a alguien que sabe que la
apoyara, pero esté preparado para la gama
de reacciones que puedes tener.
3. Lleve una persona que le apoye con usted.
4. No dar la noticia en el trabajo o la escuela
o inmediatamente después de que alguien
llega a casa del trabajo o la escuela.
5. Empiece con cómo se siente, lo que necesita, y por qué les está diciendo. Esto
puede
ayudarles a identificarse con usted .
6. Escriba una carta, si hablar es demasiado difícil. (No utilice el correo electrónico
o mensajes de texto.)
7. .No pregunte por decisiones inmediatas. Sabias soluciones no se hacen a toda
prisa.
8. Si usted está preocupado de que va hacer agredido físicamente, busque primero
un lugar seguro para que pueda hablar y vea la forma de llegar allí.
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Decida que va hacer acerca de su embarazo
Así pues, ahora usted está embarazada y no lo panificó o no lo quieres tener. ¿Y ahora
qué?
Para muchas mujeres, si no creen en el aborto, o lo ven como una opción que podrían
vivir con esta decisión, la única otra opción en el caso de un embarazo no planificado es
la crianza.
Crianza de ninos
La crianza a los hijos puede ser la mejor opción para usted y su bebé. Usted puede
sentirse listo al saber que va a tener el apoyo que necesita. Es posible que siempre haya
querido ser madre, y a pesar de su embarazo inesperado cuando no era el mejor
momento, usted sabe que puede hacerlo. O quizás, puede ser que usted acaba de saber
que podrá llevar a su bebé durante nueve meses y luego "Darlo en Adopción."
Tome una Decisión Informada
La mejor decisión es una decisión informada, por lo que necesita pensar en
su embarazo no planificado. Después de todo, quiere ser la mejor madre que
pueda haber y para eso usted necesita estar preparada lo mejor posible.
Como usted está haciendo planes ahora, hay algunas cosas que pueden ser
útiles para que usted pueda pensar claramente. Hay algunas preguntas que
sólo usted puede contestar, y que será bueno para usted y para el futuro de su
bebé si usted lo piensa bien.
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Preguntas sobre la Crianza de los hijos.
La crianza de los hijos es la mejor opción para mí y para mi hijo? ¿Cómo puedo hacer un
plan que satisfaga mis necesidades y las de mi hijo?
Las 10 Preguntas más comunes acerca de Padres Solteros
Aquí hay algunas preguntas y sugerencias que pueden ayudarle a planificar su futuro y el
de su hijo. Si usted no tiene la respuesta encuentre alguien que si la tiene.
1. ¿Cómo puedo mantenerme yo y a mi hijo?
¿Podré mantener mi trabajo o conseguir un trabajo?
¿Podre continuar en la escuela?
¿Quién cuidará de mi bebé cuando yo trabaje o vaya a la escuela?
¿Hay ayuda financiera disponible para el cuidado de los niños?
2. ¿Donde viviré?
¿Podré seguir viviendo con mis padres?
¿Podré vivir con otros parientes o amigos?
¿Podré pagar un apartamento?
¿Hay recursos de vivienda en mi comunidad?
3. ¿El ser padre afectará mi tiempo?
¿Cuáles son las cosas que me gusta hacer que no se puede hacer con un bebé?
¿Cómo me siento acerca de la necesidad de que un bebé tenga un horario
regular?
¿Quién va a cuidar al bebé cuando quiero salir?
4. ¿Qué recursos hay?
¿Quién puede ayudarme a encontrar estos recursos en mi comunidad?
5. ¿Cómo el padre de mi bebé puede participar?
¿El padre de mi bebé va ayudarme con la crianza?
¿Me gustaría que el participé?
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¿Cómo vamos a compartir las responsabilidades de la crianza?
6. ¿Qué derechos tiene el padre de mi bebé?
¿Cuáles son las leyes del estado sobre los derechos de los padres?
Si hago un plan de adopción, ¿necesita el que se le notifique y expresar sus
deseos?
Si decido ser padre, ¿Cuáles son sus derechos?
7. ¿Cómo puedo obtener el apoyo del padre de mi hijo?
El padre de mi bebé pagará la manutención?
8. ¿Qué papel jugará mi familia?
¿Qué tipo de papel juegan los miembros de mi familia en la vida de mi hijo, y
qué tipo de relación quiero yo tener?
¿Cuánto debo de hablar con mi familia antes y después del nacimiento del
bebé para asegurarme de que mis expectativas como padre son los mismos?
9. ¿Cómo puedo saber cuál es la mejor decisión?
Porque la mejor decisión es una decisión informada, ¿Tengo yo toda la
información de mis opciones?
¿Cuál debe ser mi decisión para mí y para mi bebé ahora?
¿Y en dos años? Cinco años? Diez años?
10. ¿Podré optar por la adopción más adelante, si decido que no puedo como
padres después de todo?
Sí, La decisión de la crianza de su bebé cuando recién nace no le impide
reconsiderar
una adopción posterior.
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Adopción
La adopción tal vez es una opción que usted está seriamente considerando. Por otro lado
solamente tiene la curiosidad de saber que como será una adopción. Cualesquiera que
sean sus pensamientos., el empezar a procesar la información de todas las opciones antes
de tomar una decisión final es importante.
La adopción es tal vez la mejor elección para usted y para su bebé. Especialmente si
usted no se siente listo a ser madre ahora. Al considerar la posibilidad de adopción esto
no significa que usted no quiera a su bebé. Tampoco significa que usted está tomando la
salida más fácil, porque esta no es una elección fácil. Esta elección significa que usted
cuidadosamente está considerando como satisfacer sus necesidades y las de su bebé
actualmente y del futuro.
Actualmente las adopciones no son como usted piensa. Hoy en día las adopciones son
abiertas. No solamente son para servir como relación social. Son desafíos grandes. Pero
lo que sí es cierto con la adopción es que tus derechos y responsabilidades del ser padre
son dadas a otras parejas. Pero eso no termina tu habilidad de tener una relación personal
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con tu hijo. La adopción abierta consiste en una relación personal entre tú, los padres
adoptivos y el niño.
Hay diferentes tipos de adopción abierta para satisfacer las diferentes necesidades
individuales así también los niveles de alivio. Se lo deberá a usted y su bebé en obtener
información sobre las opciones disponibles en el proceso de adopción. Entonces lo que
usted elija y la decisión que tome serán bien pensadas y basadas en hechos.
No existe una solución fácil a un embarazo no planificado. Cada decisión es difícil y
tiene sus propios desafíos. Usted puede tener el poder de adquirir tanta información que
pueda con respecto a tus opciones. Darte tiempo a sí misma en muy importante para
poder considerar cuidadosamente y medir cada opción para que pueda tomar la decisión
correcta para usted y tu bebé
Usted puede hacer un plan de adopción plan para su bebé. En los Estados Unidos hay
aproximadamente unos 50,000 casos de adopción por año. Esta decisión hecha por
amor, es mayormente hecha por mujeres, que inicialmente pensaron en un aborto. "Yo
no podré darle todo lo necesario a mi bebé. La mejor decisión de mi vida fue encontrar
una familia amorosa para ella, en donde crecerá mi hija. Ella amara a su familia y ella
me amara también. . Yo no la traicione, yo le di lo mejor. "- Dana
10 Preguntas de Madres Embarazadas tienen acerca de la Adopción
¿Es la adopción la elección correcta para mí y para mi bebe? ¿Cómo puedo hacer un
plan que satisfaga mis necesidades y las necesidades de mi hijo?
Aquí en este sitio web puede escuchar historias desde las perspectivas de las madres
sobre adopción:
http://impregnant.bethany.org/pregnancy-resources/videos
Aquí hay algunas preguntas y respuestas que puede ayudarle a planificar el futuro de
usted y de su bebe. Esta lista puede ayudarte a empezar en la dirección correcta.
1. ¿Cómo la adopción puede ser la mejor elección para mí y mi bebe?
si usted no está listo a ser madre, usted puede dar a su bebe el don de vida,
eligiendo para él/ella la adopción.
2. ¿Puedo yo escoger la familia para mi bebe?
Si! La mayoría de las agencias tienen muchos padres que desean adoptar y que ya
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han sido investigados y aprobados. O tal vez usted quiere escoger a una amiga o
alguien que te lo han recomendado.
3. ¿Cuándo de tiempo de contacto puede tener con mi bebe después del
nacimiento y de su adopción?
Usted puede pasar en tiempo que usted desea cuando está en el hospital. cuando
usted realiza el plan de adopción puede escoger una adopción abierta, ya que esta
te permite visitar o también puede escoger la menos abierta esta te mantiene
informada mediante cartas y fotos. Si usted prefiere no tener ningún contacto, la
adopción confidencial es también posible.
4. ¿Qué tan pronto después del nacimiento de mí bebe puede ser colocado con
los padres que escogí?
El tiempo del coloca miento de tu bebe depende de su preferencia, de aspectos
legales y del padre bilógico. Muchas madres prefieren que su bebe sea llevado
por sus padres adoptivos directamente del hospital, mientras que otras madres
eligen el cuidado provisional mientras que consideran la decisión de adopción.
5. ¿Cuánto debe saber mi hijo acerca mí?
Independientemente del tipo de adopción que usted elija existirá una historia
médica y social para su hijo. Si usted desarrolla un plan adopción donde incluya
contacto permanente, su hijo sabrá de usted directamente.
6. ¿Qué derechos tiene el futuro padre?
Ambos, usted y el futuro padre tienen derechos. Si usted no está de acuerdo con la
adopción o si ya no tiene ninguna relación con él. su agencia trabajará con él
y / o los tribunales para determinar sus derechos.
7. ¿Puede mi hijo/ a buscarme algún día si así él o ella?
Búsqueda solamente ocurrirá si él o ella no tuvo ningún contacto anteriormente
con usted. La ley de tu estado determinara cuando y como su hijo tenga acceso a
la información de la adopción, esto será explicado por su trabajadora social.
8. ¿Cómo puedo estar segura yo que mi hijo/a va hacer bien cuidado?
Hay normas que cada familia adoptive que tiene de cumplir que son fijadas por
laq agencia y el estado donde viven. Las familias son cuidadosament evaluadas
antes de ser aprovados para una adopción y una trabajadora social hara visitas a la
familia adoptiva después de la colocación, para asegurarse el binenstar del niño.
9. ¿Necesito un abogado o tengo que pagar a una agencia para hacer los papeles
para la adopción?
En muchos estados usted no necesitara un abogado y en la mayoría de las
agencias dan servicios sin costo alguno. Y en caso de ser necesario un abogado
estos costos son pagados por los padres adoptivos.
10. ¿Puedo recibir ayuda médica y se supervivencia mientras estoy en el proceso
de la adopción?
la asistencia médica y de supervivencia están disponibles mediante muchas
agencias de servicio social. Para detalles acerca de cómo estas agencias te pueden
ayudar en esta particular circunstancia contactarse con su trabajadora social.
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Aborto
En el pánico de saber que tenemos un embarazo no planeado. Madres adolescentes y sus
familiares a menudo piensan que el aborto es su única solución. Para algunos, hacer
frente a un embarazo inesperado de esta manera es algo que normalmente no está de
acuerdo.
Para otros, entran en conflicto con sus valores fundamentales, pero ahora parece que esta
es la mejor o única manera de salir de esta difícil situación. A menudo, alguien está
tratando de obligar a los padres jóvenes a tomar una decisión sobre el aborto. Si esto
suena como su situación, usted no está sola.
Aprende Acerca de tus Opciones.
Usted necesita saber todas sus opciones antes de tomar una decisión sabia. Tomarse el
tiempo para mirar las opciones puede impedir hacer un movimiento del que más tarde se
arrepentirá. Si esta es su decisión, entonces usted necesita dar una mirada honesta a toda
la gama de opciones y alternativas del aborto. Porque de esto dependerá la vida de su
infante y sentirá sentimientos alentadores gratificantes que vendrán con la crianza y la
adopción.
Preguntas Sobre el Aborto
Conozca los hechos antes de decir en terminar su embarazo.
Si usted está segura que está embarazada y esto no es lo que usted ha planificado. Ahora
usted está asustada, avergonzada, confundida y no sabe absolutamente que va hacer. Es
duro enfrentar un embarazo inesperado, pero si esto es lo que va a enfrentar, entonces
hazlo de todo corazón.
Usted tiene que informarse todo sobre el aborto antes de llegar a una conclusión final. La
ley le da derecho a tener información acerca de esta decisión. Aprender acerca del
desarrollo de una nueva vida creciendo dentro de ti y de los diferentes procesos de aborto
en forma más detallada. Recuerde que siempre hay una variedad de formas
constructivas de abordar esta situación.
¿Debo preocuparme por las secuelas del Aborto?
El aborto no es un simple procedimiento médico. Para muchas mujeres es una mala
experiencia que le han causado serios problemas físicos, emocionales y cambios
espirituales. La mayoría de las mujeres que han pasado por un aborto anteriormente,
dicen que no han sido informadas acerca de las futuras consecuencias antes que ellas
tomaran su decisión de terminar su embarazo.
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¿Cómo debo tratar a la persona que me hace tener un aborto?
Tener en cuenta que muchos de tus familiares quieren hacer lo que es mejor para ellos
pero no para ti. Recuerda que la carga básica de las secuelas del aborto en última
instancia caerá sobre ti. Si tu pareja o tus padres quieren que tu embarazo sea terminado
rápidamente, explícales que tú necesitas tiempo para pensarlo todo a fondo. Después as
precisamente eso. No pierdas tiempo. Trata de envolverlos a ellos en este proceso de
aprendizaje de esta situación y encuentra una manera positiva a través de él. Si ven que
estas decidida hacer lo mejor posible para todos los involucrados, estarán más inclinados
a ayudarte y no obstaculizarte. Y recuerde, tu tiene derecho a quedarse con este
embarazo, incluso si nadie de tu alrededor está de acuerdo
¿Puedo tener mi bebé y seguir viviendo mi vida habitual?
Depende de lo que tú escojas hacer, es probable que vea este embarazo no planificado
como un obstáculo en su vida, pero debe darse cuenta de que hay muchas maneras de
resolver un problema. Busque las respuestas y las encontrará. A veces será necesario
buscar fuera para alcanzar y obtener respuestas. No tengas miedo de pedir ayuda. Hay
muchas personas interesadas que quieren alentar y ayudar.
Todo problema tiene solución
A veces parece que un embarazo no planificado es extremadamente difícil. Es por
eso que es muy importante saber a dónde ir por ayuda. Trate de hablar con una
persona de su entera confianza como el padre de la iglesia, el papa del bebe, sus
padres o simplemente un buen amigo.

Entrar en el área de recursos, ahí puede encontrar una sección entera
acerca del “Aborto”.
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Pienso que soy padre.
¿Qué debo hacer?
Hay un montón de consejos para las jóvenes que se encuentran frente a un
embarazo no esperado o planificado pero hay muy poca información por ahí para los
muchachos. Pero muy frecuentemente cuando el embarazo es anunciado el varón se
pierde en la confusión
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La paternidad de los jóvenes in algo que no se debe tomar a la ligera y junto con
las responsabilidades a la madre y al bebe. Hay derechos que usted debe conocer.
¿Cuáles son tus derechos como padre?
7. En primer lugar tienes el derecho de saber si tú eres el padre. Esto no solo es un
derecho que tiene sino que este es derecho también del niño que va a nacer. Es
comprensible cuando una chica embarazada se moleste cuando el joven le pida
una prueba de ADN, pero esto es algo que tú no debes sentir culpable cuando lo
pidas. Tu simplemente estas ejercitando tu derecho para saber con certeza tu
paternidad y es muy importante porque la paternidad es un compromiso de por
vida.
8. Y si u eres el padre tienes el derecho conocer a tu hijo y participar en la vida de tu
hijo. Usted tiene el derecho a la custodia y al acceso. También tienes acceso a las
responsabilidades.
9. Tienes la responsabilidad de darlo apoyo económico y emocional a tu hijo
10. Tienes la responsabilidad de estar presente en la vida de tu hijo y asegurarte de
que los necesitados primordiales de tu hijo se cumplan.
11. Tienes la responsabilidad de asegurarte que tu hijo está seguro, bien cuidado y
fuera de cualquier peligro.
12. Tienes la responsabilidad de tomar decisiones que son del mejor interés para tu
hijo.
¿Cómo puede saber si usted es el padre?
Hay dos maneras para determinar si usted es el padre, coincidir el tipo de sangre y la
prueba del ADN. La coincidencia del tipo de sangre es el más barato y simple examen
pero esto no determina la paternidad pero si te da la posibilidad de que seas el padre. Si el
tipo de sangre no coincide no hay ninguna posibilidad de que tú seas el padre y no es
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necesario ningún otro examen. Si el tipo de examen coincide esto solo significa que usted
puede ser el padre y el examen del AND es necesario para asegurar que tú eres el padre.
¿Es el matrimonio la respuesta? Conoce las
leyes.
Como adolescente y está considerando el matrimonio, antes de eso usted debe conocer la
parte legal y los requerimientos concernientes a los matrimonios de adolescentes en la
ciudad donde quiere casarse. Porque en muchos estados las leyes de los matrimonios de
adolescentes son muy difíciles para que sea imposible que los adolescentes se casen.
Estudios recientes indican que el matrimonio de los adolescentes es simplemente una
mala idea. Las leyes matrimoniales de los Estados Unidos reflejan esta creencia.
En las leyes del estado de California dice que si u eres menor de 18 años de edad
necesitas hacer una cita con un consejero, comparecer ante un juez de la corte superior ,
mostrar copias original de tu acta de nacimiento y un padre tiene que estar con usted
cuando está pidiendo una licencia para casarse.
Preguntas que usted debe
responder acerca de ser un
padre:
Crianza de hijos



¿Estoy obligado a pagar la manutención?
¿Qué derechos de la custodia tengo como padre?
¿Cómo afecta la situación si la paternidad es cuestionable?
Adopción

¿Es estado requiere mi firma para completar el proceso de adopción?
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

¿Puedo participar en la adopción de la pareja adoptiva?
En una adopción abierta, ¿seré capaz de mantener contacto con la madre
biológica?
Aborto



¿Estoy requerido en asistir con los gastos del Aborto?
¿Tengo derechos si no apoyo la decisión del Aborto?
¿Puedo forzar a mi pareja a terminar el embarazo si no estoy listo a ser padre?
¿A quién debe llamar para pedir ayuda?
Si usted quiere saber sus derechos y responsabilidades como padre o si tiene preguntas y
quiere respuestas llamar a American Pregnacy Helpline at 866-942-6466. Ellos te van a
conectar con un profesional que pueda ayudarte con todas tus respuestas.
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Me voy a quedar con mi bebe.
¿Ahora Qué?
Primero, necesitas encontrar un lugr para vivir
con tu hijo. Aquie estan las opciones:
1. Vivir con una amiga o un casa en grupo
2. Vivir con un familiar o tus padres.
3. Vivr en un departamennto con ayuda del
gobierno o pagar un aprtamento barato.
Arreglos Alternativos
Si estas embarazada y no tienes donde vivir o vives en una
situación peligrosa. Un albergue para adolescentes
embarazadas puede ser capaz de proporcionar un ambiente
seguro y de apoyo en su esfuerzo por cuidar de sí mismo y
su bebé. Es probable que usted tenga un embarazo sano y se
beneficiarán de la vivienda, y orientación en la salud, y
programas educacionales.
La mayoría de los albergues para adolescentes embarazadas
están administradas por la ciudad, el gobierno, o por una
institución no lucrativa, como organizaciones religiosas. Los
servicios ofrecidos así como las reglas para vivir en el
albergue y el criterio de admisión varían en cada uno de
ellos.
Vivir con mis padres
Vivir en mi casa con uno o los dos de mis padres durante tu
embarazo ofrece varias ventajas. Allí hay amor, apoyo, y
experiencia disponible durante momentos difíciles.
También pueden estar dispuestos a pagar los gastos de
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subsistencia que de lo contrario caería sobre los hombros (alquiler o hipoteca, servicios
públicos, transporte, seguro de salud, alimentos, etc.) Estos gastos pueden tener un gran
impacto en la familia, por lo que es imprescindible contar con un debate honesto y abierto
acerca de las expectativas y considerar las necesidades de todos.
Lista de preguntas a considerar si usted va a vivir en casa como nuevo padre:
Funciones y Responsabilidades de Crianza.
Quién será el "ve a tu mama" para la alimentación, los cambios de pañal (en especial
los de la noche), las visitas al médico, la atención cuando el bebé está enfermo, ir a la
cama, o la disciplina? El importe de la responsabilidad de crianza de tus padres que
quieren tener puede ser menos o más de lo esperado, así que asegúrese de que todos
estar en la misma página.
Educación
¿Tiene planes de regresar a la escuela? ¿Quién cuidará del bebe cuando estás en la
escuela o haciendo las tareas? ¿cómo pagaras los gastos de la escuela? Tener en
cuenta becas y préstamos y los ingresos de tus padres.
Finanzas y trabajo
¿Cómo te mantendrás usted y tu bebe? ¿Los costos de crianza serán pagados por tus
padres? ?
Seguro Medico
Su seguro tal vez cubrirá por lo menos una parte, o el seguro de tus padres. ¿Cómo el
vivir en la casa afectara su elegibilidad para asistencia pública?
Vivienda alternativa
si tú y tus padres deciden que no es mayor para ti seguir viviendo en casa, ¿tal vez en
casa de una amiga o un familiar seria la alternativa? ¿En una casa materna? Cada
estado tiene diferentes leyes con respecto a la edad de cuando ya no puedes vivir con
tus padres. Debes saber que leyes aplican a tu caso.
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Si tú y tu familia necesitan ayuda al contestar estas u otras preguntas, consejos en el
embarazo siempre están disponibles.
Aproveche los Recursos
Sitios web útiles
En esta era de la información donde el conocimiento está en nuestras manos, en busca de
lo que necesitamos puede ser abrumador y confuso. Aquí está una lista de direcciones en
línea que pueden ayudarle a conseguir lo que necesitas!
Aborto
http://www.optionline.org – o llamar al 1-800-395-4357 alguien está disponible las 24/7
para contestar alguna pregunta acerca de tu embarazo, aborto, y la contracepción de
emergencia. Ellos te pueden ayudar a encontrar un centro de recursos para embarazo.
Adoption
http://impregnant.bethany.org – 60 años de servicios Cristianos trabajando con madres y
familias deseando adoptar. Ayudan a madres embarazadas a tomar decisiones bien
informadas sin pago alguno y sin presión. Ellas escuchan y dan ayuda y orientación.
Ellos pueden ayudar con los gastos médicos y de supervivencia. Recomendaciones para
el cuidado prenatal y ayuda del gobierno.
http://www.adopthelp.com – or call: 800-637-7999
http://www.adoption.org – or call: 415-350-2494
http://www.parentprofiles.com – Recursos para parejas que están esperando la adopción.
Adicción
http://www.teenchallenge.usa – desde el 1958 están ofreciendo esperanza y mejora para
aquellos que están luchando con una adicción.
Alcohol & drug Helpline – 800-527-5344 or www.aca-usa.org
National Crisis Hotline – 800-448-4663 or 800-422-0009
Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator – 800-662-HELP or
www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov
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Cuidado de Niños
http://www.nccic.org/poptopics/families.pdf- Asistencia con el cuidado de niños
http://www.headstartingo.org/recruitment/child_hs.htm- Head Start
Asistencia Financiera
http://singleparents.about.com/od/financialhelp/a/2_1_1_help.htm Ayuda en la localización de asistencia en (alimentos, servicios públicos, vivienda,
cuidado de niños, etc.)
http://singleparents.about.com/od/financialhelp/p/TANF.htm - TANF (Asistencia
Temporal par a las Familias Necesitadas.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/opa/fact_sheets/cse_factsheet.html- Manutención de los niños
http://www.hud.gov/apps/section8/ - Asistencia con vivienda mediante HUD
(Departamento de vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano)
Salud
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/aflp/Pages/default.aspx - The Adolescent Family Life
Program (AFLP) esta diseñado para mejorar la salud, economía, y educacional y el
bienestar de los adolescentes embarazadas y la crianza de los niños en california. El
AFLP promueve resultados positivos en los embarazos futuros, la crianza efectiva de los
niños e independencia socioeconómica.
http://www.communitycouncil.org/ - Información de salud y servicios humanos.
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/MCAH/Pages/default - Maternal Child Adolescent
Health programs and resources.
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicaidGenInfo - Medicaid
http://imprengant.bethany.org/pregnancy-resources/helpful-links=TopofPage – State
Children‘s Health Insurance Programs
Nutrición
http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/ - Asistencia con alimentos mediante WIC (programa
suplementario de Nutrición para Mujeres, Infantes, y Niños)
Guía Espiritual
http://www.usa.church.com/ - Iglesias en tu área
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Crianza por Jóvenes
http://www.teenageparent.org/ - Life in the fast lane! Que es lo que realmente se siente
ser un padre adolescente. Esta disponible en espanol.
http://www.parentsasteachers.org – Evidence-based home visiting program that is
achieving their goals and making a difference in the lives of children and families.
Embarazos de Adolescentes
http://www.thehelpline.org – Este sitio contiene informacion para padres adolescents en
cada topico de usted desea saber.This site contains information for teen fathers and
mothers on every topic you would want to know. La lines de ayuda American Pregnacy
esta disponible en 866-942-6466.
http://www.teenpregnancy.com – Este sitio te ayudara a explorar los problemas
concernientes que rodean una crisis emocional como resultado de un embarazo no
planeado. Esto ofrece muchos recursos y enlaces para que usted pueda decidir por las
mejores opciones.
http://www.pregnancycenters.org/- Encuentre un Centro de Recursos para el Embarazo
en su area.
http://www.baby-health.net – Visite este recurso amistoso y lea la información de
embarazos, crianza de hijos, nacimiento, crecimiento y desarrollos de un bebe, salud del
bebe, seguridad y signos de embarazo. .
http://imprengant.bethany.org/pregnancy-resources/helpful-links=TopofPage –
Programas Estatales de Seguros de Salud para Niños.
http://www.mypregnancyplace.com – Un Diario gratis de Emabarzo ayudara a llevar
este embarazo mas divertido y agradable mientras se recibe información y recurso.
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Si vive en el Condado de Sacramento
http://www.211sacramento.org/ - Útiles durante todo el día.
Si no puede llamar al 2-1-1, llame al: 916-498-1000 o 800500-4931.
Http://www.onefatherslove.com – Recursos familiares de
Sacramento - ―Ayudando individuos y familiares a lograr
la autosuficiencia‖
http://www.womens-empowerment.org – Empoderamiento
de la Mujer es no lucrativa que ayuda a las mujeres sin
hogar para ayudar a desarrollar las habilidades que
necesitan para volver a trabajar y encontrar un hogar.
http://wwwfirst5sacramento.net – Su
prioridad es asegurarse del desarrollo
saludable de los niños y su bienestar.
(Prenatales hasta los 5 años de edad y sus
familias). Los primeros 5 Sacramento
apoya a un grupo de programas y servicios
para ayudar a los padres y a los que los cuidan a practicar las aptitudes apropiados de
padres. Estos servixios de apoyo incluyen servixio de emergencia para niños,
intervension en crisis y visitaciones . Pregunte a la emfermera de Partnership (NFP):este
tiene que ser su primer bebe y deben de tener por lo menos 28 semanas de embarazo.
Sacramento Crisis Nursery - (www.crisisnurseryonline.org) 4533 Pasadena Avenue,
Sacramento, CA 95821 (916) 679-3600 or (866) 856-2229. Crisis Intervention and
Safe/Emergency Child Care Services. Contact: Chris McCarty, Director of Community
Programs, (916) 679-3600.
Child Action Inc. - (www.childaction.org) 9800 Old Winery Place, Sacramento, CA
95827 (916) 369-0191. Childcare resource and referral, childcare subsidies, recruitment
and training of child care professionals, parent education and support.
Beanstalk - (www.beanstalk.ws) 3325 Myrtle Ave., North Highlands, CA 95660 (916)
344-6259. Child care, school readiness (preschool), academic enrichment, and recreation
(school age) provided in licensed centers and family child care homes; full day and part
day programs; USDA Child Care Food Program.
Head Start & Early Head Start Programs-SETA - 925 Del Paso Blvd., Suite 200,
Sacramento, CA 95815 (916) 263-3804. Early Head Start serves families with children
birth to age 3. Preschool Head Start serves families with children 3 to 5 years of age.
Children from families receiving public assistance (TANF and SSI) are eligible for SETA
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Head Start/Early Head Start services regardless of income. There are more than 30 sites
throughout Sacramento County. For eligibility information & locations, call (916) 2633804 or visit the website at http://www.headstart.seta.net/
Birth & Beyond - (www.birth-beyond.com) Program focuses on pregnant women and
infants up to the 6th month of age, to encompass the needs of the whole family. In-home
visitation program for pregnant women that focuses on nutrition, prenatal health,
developing birth plan and connection to health insurance resources (Medi-Cal); program
focuses on child development, bonding and attachment between the mother and the child,
and identification of other resource needs; parenting classes and play groups available.
Cover The Kids - (www.coverthekids.com) 1331 Garden Highway, Sacramento, CA
95833 (866) 850-4321; (916) 808-3838. Application assistance for Medi-Cal, Healthy
Families and other no-cost and low-cost health insurance programs for children & teens
ages birth - 18 years, and pregnant women. Information and referrals made to local health
services. All arrangements made by appointment only; several sites available in
Sacramento for application assistance. Contact Cover the Kids for site availability.
Healthy Families Program - (www.healthyfamilies.ca.gov), (800) 880-5305. Low-cost
health, dental, and vision coverage for children birth - age 19. Emergency day respite and
24-hour shelter for children; helps prevent child abuse and neglect of children by offering
support to families who are experiencing a crisis; safe, caring place where parents can
temporarily leave their children while they seek help and long-term solutions. Counseling
and support services to family, information and referral to other agencies, and parenting
classes. Shelter licensed for 20 children.
Department of Human Assistance - (http://dhaweb.saccounty.net), (916) 874-2072.
Administers various programs designed to provide cash assistance, food stamps (EBT
Card), health insurance, & job training/placement services for eligible low-income
Sacramento County residents.
WIC Program - (www.sacdhhs.com), (916) 427-5500. Women, Infants and Children
(WIC) nutrition program site. Supplemental food vouchers available. Breastfeeding
―warmline‖, answers WIC and WIC-eligible breastfeeding women's basic questions
about breastfeeding and gives referrals to community resources.
Sacramento County Food Bank - (www.sfbs.org) 3333 3rd Ave., Sacramento, CA
95817, (916) 456-1980. Emergency Food Lockers, Sunday Lunch Program, Clothes
Closet, mother-baby Programs, Adult Community Learning Centers, Transitional
Housing Program, Intel Computer Clubhouse, After-School Program, Women's Wisdom
Project, Resource Central, Senior Bridge-Builders Program, and the Network Cafe. All
services provided free of charge; telephone or walk-in for information and agency
referrals.
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Employment Development Department - (www.edd.ca.gov), (800) 300-5616. The
EDD administers unemployment & disability insurance. It matches qualified job seekers
with employer job listings on Cal JOBS (www.caljobs.ca.gov) an online job and resume
bank. There are numerous service points located throughout Sacramento. Please visit
http://www.servicelocator.org/ to find the nearest location.
Sacramento Employment and Training Agency (SETA) - (www.seta.net) 925 Del
Paso Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95815, (916) 263-3800.
Sacramento Workforce Investment Board – (www.cwib.ca.gov) 916-324-3425.
SI Vive en el Condado de Solano
Ayuda disponible las 24 horas al dia
 Abuso y descuido de niños: 800.544.8696
 Servicios y consejos para victimas de violencia domestica y asalto sexual:@ 866.4-UR-SAFE
(866.487.7233) o 707.557.6600
Línea para emergencias de salud mental/prevención de suicidio: @ 707-428-1131
2-1-1 Solano County servicios para las personas.
Bebes y ninos pequenos saludables
Solano Child Abuse Prevention Council (CAPC) Protege a los
niños por medio de información, entrenamiento y consejos para
la comunidad sobre cómo mantener a
los niños fuera de
peligro @ 707.421.7229 · www.childnet.org
North Bay Regional Center
Coordina y paga por servicios para personas con incapacidades
de desarrollo y sus familias y niños pequeños con riesgo de padecer incapacidades de
desarrollo.@ 707.256.1100 · www.nbrc.net
SKIP, ―Solano Kids Insurance Program‖
Conecta a los niños sin seguro médico a la cobertura de salud 800.978.7547 o
707.863.4444 · www.solanocoalition.org/skip
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WIC Program
Fairfield/Rio Vista/TAFB 707.784.2200
Vallejo/Benicia 707.553.4381
Vacaville 707.446.6346
Dixon 707.678.0717
BabyFirst Solano
877.680. BABY (877.680.2229) · www.babyfirstsolano.com
Text4baby
Envia BEBE al 511411
Ayudando a padres y familias a prosperar
The Children‘s Network of Solano County
Una voz unida para los niños del Condado de Solano.@ 707.421.7229 · www.childnet.org
Office of Family Violence Prevention
Busca avanzar el éxito de la prevención de violencia familiar y los esfuerzos de
intervención en el Condado de Solano.707.784.7789 · www.solanocounty.com
SafeQuest Solano Inc.
Protege y apoya a las víctimas de violencia doméstica y/o asalto sexual. 866.487.7233 ·
www.safequestsolano.com
Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano
Provee comida gratuita para familias y niños de bajos ingresos en diferentes localidades
en los condados de Contra Costa y Solano.707.421.9777 · www.foodbankccs.org
Cuidado de ninos y preparacion escolar
Solano Family and Children‘s Services
Su conexión para el cuidado de niños. 707.863.3950 · www.solanofamily.org
Child Start (Head Start)
Agencia de servicios para niños y familias sirviendo a los Condados de Napa y Solano;
provee el programa de Head Start.
866.573.4274 o 707.252.8931 · www.childstartinc.org
.7587 · www.solanolibrary.com
Solano County Office of Education – SCOE
Programas incluyen escuelas juveniles y de la comunidad, programas regionales de
trabajos, programas de escuela a profesión, educación especial, asociación de transición,
y programas regionales de educación especial para trabajos.
707.399.4400 · www.solanocoe.k12.ca.us
Solano Child Care Planning Council
Trabaja para mejorar el acceso, costos accesibles y la calidad del cuidado de niños en el
Condado de Solano.
707.421.7229 · www.childnet.org
Solano County Licensed Family Child Care Association
707.428.3180· www.sclfcca.net Solano County Libraries
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¡Abra las puertas de su mente! 866.572
Red del centro de recursos pare familias de Solano
Provee educación para padres, programas de visita en el hogar, conexiones al cuidado
de salud, vivienda, comida, consejería y otros servicios.
Dixon Family Services
Fairfield Family
Sereno Village Fighting
707.678.0442 ·
Resource Center
Back Partnership and
www.dixonfamilyservice
707.421.3224Rio Vista
Family Resource Center
s.
CARE Family Resource
707.642.6999 ·
org
Center
Suisun Family Resource
707.374.5243 ·
Center/ Healthy Start
www.riovistacare.org
707.421.4398
www.fight-back.org
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Si Vive en el Condado de Yolo
http://www.first5yolo.org – ―Es todo
acerca de los niños.‖ Yolo los primeros 5
tiene cuatro prioridades principales.
5. Asegurarse que los niños están
listos a aprender.
6. Mejorar la salud física.
7. Mejora de la salud social & emocional
8. Mayor acceso a guarderías de calidad
asequibles
Puede acceder a la información de los padres, la
comunidad y el proveedor haciendo clic en el link
de recursos del mismo sitio.haciendo un click en
resource link.
http://www.yolocounty.org/index.aspx?page=111
1 – la coneccion con el condado de YoloLINK Base de Datos Comunitaria & Directrorio
contiene informacion de datos en los servicios por los residentes del Condado de Yolo
County. YoloLINK tineen mas de 900 anuncios relacionados con la vivienda, cuidado
de salud, asesoramiento, recreación, salud metnal, servixios para adultos, servicios
legales, rehabilitación. Usted también puese llamar al 530-666-8150. Para mas
informaicion en Espaňol
Yolo County Department of Employment and Social Services – 800-735-2922
Averiguar acerca de trabajo y oportunidades de entrenamiento para padres adolescents
debajo del programa llamada Workforce Investment Board.
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Cuide bien de sí mismo
Toda madre embarazada desea tener
un bebe saludable. Su salud física y
mental determina el desarrollo y
resultado de su bebé, el progreso de
su embarazo, y la facilidad o
dificultad del nacimiento de su bebé.
Comer Bien
Buena nutrición es la mejor manera de prevenir las más complicaciones comunes del
embarazo. Los científicos han descubierto que lo que la madre come durante el embarazo
es tan importante para la salud de su bebé y lo que puede afectar a su desarrollo y
felicidad futura.
Si usted como el alimento adecuado TODOS los días y evita medicamentos y drogas, tu
puedes ayudar a tu bebé a estar saludable.
Si usted no come bien durante su embarazo su bebé puede ser pequeño al nacer, puede
ser menos saludable. Su bebé puede parar de desarrollar las células de su cerebro que
necesita para ir bien en la escuela.
Si tú eres una adolescente embarazada, tú seguirás creciendo al igual que tu bebé. Se
Buena contigo misma y con tu bebé hacienda cada una de estas cosas.
 Comer 3 comidas al día.
 Elije alimentos de cada grupo alimenticio para cada comida.
 No pierdas peso, Tu bebé necesita crecer. si no quieres subir mucho de peso no
comas comidas que son altos en azucares y grasas como dulces, sodas, o frituras.
Come más frutas y vegetales frescos.
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 Tome bastante agua o leche, por lo menos 6 vasos al día.
 Tome sus vitaminas pre-natales diariamente
Alimentos que puede comer TODOS LOS DIAS:
 6 tazas de leche (entera, sin grasa, cremosa, o yogurt)
 3 o más porciones de carne, pescado, pollo, queso, frijoles o
lentejas.
 1 o 2 huevos.
 4 porciones de vegetales, incluya por lo menos una porción de
verdura verdes oscuro. Una porción de amarillo oscuro y vegetales
crudos al día.
 1 porción de frutas con alto contenido en vitaminas C como una
naranja, ½ toronja, ½ melón, 1 taza de fresas frescas, ½ taza de
jugo acido.
 1 porción más de fruta que puede ser fresca o de lata.
 4 o 5 porciones de granos (pan o cereales) preferible pan integral.
 Use mantequilla, margarina y otros aceites es necesario para más
calorías.
Asegúrese que todo lo que coma sea
NUTRICIONAL ―no sin calorías‖.
Las comidas no nutritivas no son buenas para
usted ni para su bebé. Son aquellas que no
tienen ningún valor nutritivo.
Limitarse de estas comidas mientras estas embarazada:





Papitas fritas y otros tipos de apetitivos
Pasteles
Dulces y alimentos azucarados
Coca cola y otros refrescos azucarados
Bebidas alcohólicas.
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Hacer Ejercicios Físicos
El hacer ejercicios es importante cuando uno está embarazada. Esto aumenta el flujo
sanguino para él bebe por lo que su bebe recibirá más oxígeno. Si tú haces ejercicios
durante tu embarazo usted se va sentir mejor, fuerte y tendrá más energía
Obtenga la aprobación de su médico antes de empezar cualquier programa de
ejercicios.
Ejercicios Para el Corazón
Camina, Nadar, o manejar bicicleta por lo menos 3 veces por semana por ½
hora.
Esto puede aumentar su fuerza y resistencia, esto le será útil durante el parto.
Comience lentamente y vaya aumentando la cantidad de tiempo cada semana.
Ejercicios para la Espalda
Balance pélvico
Hacer balanceo pélvico 3 veces por semana 40 veces cada uno
Acuéstese boca arriba con las rodillas dobladas. Trate de empujar la parte inferior
de la espalda contra el piso, luego soltarlo. Hagalo otra vez como una mecedora.
Cerca al final de su embarazo haga esto de piso contra la pared.
Gato Enojado
Hacer el gato enojado 3 veces a la semana por 15
Ponerse en el piso de pies y manos. Asegúrese que su espalda esta recta. Arquear
su espalda como un garo enojado. Empuje con los músculos de su estómago.
Después relaje la espalda hasta que esté plana.
Ejercicios para el parto
Ponerse cuclillas
Hacer cuclillas cada vez que pueda.
Estar de cuclillas va hacerle sentir bien durante el parto. Practicar de cuclillas
sujetándose de una silla o agarrándose de la pared con las piernas dobladas y
separadas. Mantener los pies firmes en el suelo y estar a un pie lejos de la pared.
Puede hacer esto mientras está mirando televisión. .
Ejercicios de Kegel
Hacer este ejercicio 5 veces al día. 5 ves cada vez.
186
Haciendo ejercicios de Kegels, usted sabrá que los músculos que se necesita para
relajarse durante el parto. La próxima vez que usted tiene que hacer pipí un
poco, luego se detiene. Recuerde que los músculos que usted usa
para detener el pis. Entonces, cuando usted no está orinando, la práctica de
apriete se relaja esos músculos.
Descanse
Ahora usted necesita descansar y dormir más. Tome tiempo de sentarse, poner sus pies en
alto y cierre sus ojos por unos minutos una o dos veces al día. Si se sienta varias veces
parece y camine por unos minutos. Si echarse a dormir es difícil duerma de lado con
una almohada entre sus rodillas.
¿Sabe Qué?
¿Que Puede tener una infección
llamada toxoplasmosis de la
manipulación de los desechos del
gato? Así que si tiene gatos en casa
deje que otra persona cambie la caja
de arena!
187
Evite fumar, el Alcohol y las Drogas
Si usted fuma también lo hace su bebé, fumar
puede hacer que su bebe nazca antes de
tiempo o que nazca pequeño o enfermizo.
Si usted bebe alcohol, también lo hace su bebé
Puede hacer que su bebé nazca con retraso
mental o deforme.
Mantenerse alejado de ―drogas callejeras‖.
Estas drogas son dañinas para usted y su bebé.
Consulte con su médico antes de tomar
cualquier medicamento. Algunas medicinas
pueden dañar a tu bebé. .
Tome y coma menos cafeínas como el café, té,
refrescos, bebidas energéticas y el chocolate.
Si usted toma alcohol, usa drogas, o fuma y
desea parar hable con alguien de inmediato.
Hay personas que pueden ayudarle.
Remedios Naturales para
Síntomas Comunes
Hay cosas naturales que usted puede hacer si no se siente bien.
Nausea y Vómitos
Náuseas y vómitos es común en los primeros meses del embarazo. Esos usualmente son
causados por los cambios químicos de su cuerpo.
Puede ser útil:
7. Manténgase alejado del consumo de alimentos fritos, grasosos y picantes.
8. Comer en porciones pequeñas con más frecuencia durante el día. Nunca deje que
su estómago este vacío.
9. Como más proteínas (carne, huevos, queso, frutos secos) antes de irse a la cama
por la noche.
10. Comer pedacitos de galletas o tostadas durante la noche o entre comidas y justo
antes de levantarse de la cama por la mañana.
11. Tome sus vitaminas prenatales durante la noche o cuando su estómago está lleno.
12. Tome la vitamina B6 (100 mg.) uno antes del desayuno y otro después de la cena.
188
Dolores de cabeza.
Usted puede tener dolores de cabeza ahora porque tiene más sangre en su cuerpo debido
a su embarazo o tal vez porque está cansada, tensa, de hambre o de sed.
Puede ser útil:
6. Acuéstese y trate de relajar todos los músculos de su cuerpo (este es buena práctica
para la hora del parto).
7. Como más alimentos ricos en proteínas.
8. Trate de relajarse y descansar con más frecuencia
9. Frotar su frente y ponerse paños fríos.
10. Salir a caminar.
Orinar con frecuencia
La mayoría de las embarazadas orinan con más frecuencia de lo habitual. El crecimiento
del bebé presiona la vejiga esto hace que la necesidad de orinas sea más a menudo.
Puede ser útil:
4. Orine cuando siente la necesidad. Aguantar le puede causar más problemas.
5. Tome menos después de la cena, para que no tenga que orinar tan a menudo
después de ir a la cama.
6. Asegúrese de decirle a su médico si tiene alguna sensación de ardor al orinar.
Esto puede ser signo de infección.
Acidez
La acidez es una sensación de ardor entre el estómago y la garganta. Porque el
crecimiento del útero empuja la comida y el ácido del estómago hacia fuera llegando a la
garganta.
Puede ser útil
4. Coma porciones pequeñas más a menudo (5 veces al día). Aléjese de las comidas
grasosas, fritas o picantes.
5. Use dos a tres almohadas cuando duerma. No se recueste después de comer.
6. Use ropa suelta alrededor de su estómago.
189
Si algunos de estos problemas no desaparecen o empeoran, asegúrese
de llamar a su partera o medico de inmediato.
Aprenda Como Ser un Padre Efectivo
Ser un buen padre o criar a un niño de la mejor manera no tiene nada que ver con tu
edad.
Es acerca de:
 Deseo de aprender
 Deseo de escuchar a otros.
 No darse por vencido
 entender a su hijo
 creer en ti mismo
La paternidad es como otra habilidad que usted tiene que aprender---usted tiene que
copiar a alguien que lo está haciendo bien y practíquelo haciendo lo mejor. Como
padres, todos nos beneficiamos de la sabiduría de las madres y padres que han pasado por
esto antes. Encuentra el mejor ejemplo de ellos, y luego copiar lo que hacen.
Ser padre efectico requiere que te hagas la promesa de hacer correctamente no lo que
es más fácil y todos los días. Nadie es muy joven para escuchar la voz interior de la
sabiduría que te dirá cuando algo está mal.
Cuando estas molesto, estresado, o necesita tomar una decisión difícil,
practica este ABC:
4.
5.
6.
A parar - No dar ni un paso más adelante.
B respirar- Considerar las consecuencias de tus acciones.
C escoger cuidadosamente – Tome su decisión pero escuche a su instinto y
cambie de opinión si es necesario para sentirse seguro
El ser padre es el trabajo más difícil del mundo. Ser un padre joven hace de este trabajo
aún más difícil. No deje que la ira o el resentimiento dirijan sus pensamientos.
190
Practique esto para evadir el estrés:








Duerma lo suficiente, comer alimentos nutritivos, no comida chatarra.
Poner a su hijo en un horario regular al comer/dormir
Use el cuidado de niños con alguien de su confianza.
Meditar o rezar.
No lleve relaciones estresantes o poco saludables a su vida
Sea organizado.
Deje que la gente le ayude y de gracias. No ser muy orgulloso y acepte actos de
bondad.
Realice cosas saludables para hacerte sentir bien.
Ahora que ya eres padre, no se trata de ti o de lo que vas a recibir, pero es acerca de
que es lo que vas a dar, y que vas a sacrificar por tu bebé. Mantenga a su bebé seguro
todo el tiempo emocionalmente y físicamente. Nunca traiga alguien a su vida si no son
seguros para usted y su hijo.
Convertirse en padre es un momento perfecto para crear una nueva identidad. Habrá
algunos amigos a los que desea mantener, pero esto también puede ser momento de hacer
nuevos amigos ¿Qué malas conductas tiene que dejar? ¿Qué medio ambiente quiere
que su bebé crezca en.
Aquí están algunos hechos de niños que crecieron con su
papá:

Tienen más probabilidades de estar más activos,
saludables y fuertes ,los niños pequeños,
preescolares y niños en edad escolar

La mayoría de ellos van mejor en las pruebas de
crecimiento y aprendizaje.

Niñas entienden mejor las matemáticas.

Menos probabilidades de irse de casa.

Menos probable que sean violentos, peligrosos o
criminal.
191

Niños y niñas hacer sus cosas mejor sin ayuda. Se saben controlar ellos mismos
son mejores líderes. Ellos tienen más éxito en la vida.

Jóvenes esperan más tiempo en tener sexo.

Niños tienen más probabilidades de ir a la escuela mantenerse en ella y no repetir
de grado.

Las niñas tienen relaciones más saludables más adelante en sus vidas.
Especialmente cuando recuerdan que papá es el primer hombre que conocen.

Niños que crecieron sin papa son 300% más probable que lleven a una cárcel juvenil.
(Familias Saludables San Angelo, 1992)
Ser padre significa dar apoyo emocional, físico y financieramente.
No necesitas ser perfecto, porque tendrás una cantidad de oportunidades
para aprender de tus errores.
Embarazo y Desarrollo Infantil
Puede ser que usted todavía se está desarrollando porque es un adolescente. Pero si está
embarazada necesitas saber cómo tu bebé se está desarrollando interiormente. Unas vez
que él bebe ha nacido él o ella seguirá desarrollándose a un ritmo acelerado durante los
primeros años de su vida.
Investigaciones muestran que el cerebro se desarrolla dramáticamente durante los
primeros cinco años de vida. Que hacen los padres durante este tiempo para apoyar el
crecimiento que impactara en su hijo. Si usted necesita ayuda no espere pregunte a
alguien con experiencia o aprenda lo más que pueda en lo que necesita.
192
Libros de Embarazo y Desarrollo Infantil
Guía de cuidados efectivos del embarazo y el
parto. Murray Enkin, Marc J.N.C. Keirse, et al.
Embarazo: The ultimate week-by-week Pregnancy
Guide Dr. Laura Riley, OB/GYN
Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy Mayo
Clinic
The Pregnancy Bible Keith Eddleman, M.D.
(Editor), Joanne Stone (Editor)
A Child is Born Lennart Nilsson
Hey! Who’s Having This Baby Anyway? : How to take charge and create a safe
environment for your baby’s birth Breck Hawk, RN & Midwife
How to Behave So Your Children Will, Too! Sal Severe
The Baby Book : Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two
William Sears and Martha Sears
What’s going on in There? Lise Eliot, PH.D.
193
¿Sabía usted que?
Cosas que ayudan abrir el canal de parto son:

Privacidad y familiares

Suave, adorable toques

Cantar y reír

Respiración lenta y profunda y sonidos de
“animales”

Boca y mandibular relajada o ”baca de caballo”
Beneficios de la posición vertical en el parto:

Mayor uso de la gravedad y alineación del bebe en la
pelvis.

Máximo suministro de oxígeno para la madre y él bebe
Aumento de las contracciones y apertura de la pelvis cuando se
Parto
pone de cuclillas o de rodillas.
Gaskin, 2003
Siempre que sea o como sea e intenta dar a luz. Usted experimentara un gran
impacto en sus emociones, su mente, su cuerpo, y su espíritu por el resto de su v ida.
Hay dos maneras diferentes al pensar en el embarazo en los Estados Unidos: las parteras
o el modelo humano de cuidado y el modelo técnico médico. Usted cuidadosamente
tiene que buscar por respuestas a todas tus dudas y encontrar un servicio de maternidad
que este cerca a la partera o al servicio medical técnico o algún lugar entre ellos.
194
¿Va a tener un bebé?
Diez preguntas que hacer
Un grupo de expertos hicieron esta lista de 10 cosas que debe buscar y preguntar. Parte
de esta información fue tomada de The Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initiative escrita por
profesionales de la salud. Si desea puede tener una copia de esto preguntando a su doctor,
partera o enfermera por medio del correo, correo electrónico o por el internet
(http://www.motherfriendly.org).
Las investigaciones médicas aprobaron todo esto. Este es también el mejor camino
de ser una madre amigable.
Esto es lo que debe pedir y esperar de su experiencia de parto.
1. Pregunta: "¿Quién puede estar conmigo durante el parto y el
nacimiento?‖
Es tu parto y necesitaras el apoyo de los que te quieren y tú quieres. Es también
importante tener un experimentado asistente (alguien que ha tenido esta experiencia
antes) que este c Pregunte: "¿Qué sucede durante un parto normal y el nacimiento de
tu entorno? ―Contigo para darte estímulo y apoyo durante el trabajo de parto y
nacimiento.
2. Pregunta: "¿Qué sucede durante el parto normal, el nacimiento y a tu
entorno?"
Estos son algunas de las recomendaciones de las que puede preguntar.

Ellos no deben usar oxitocina (una droga) para empezar el parto en más de 1 de
cada 10 mujeres (10%).

No deben usar episitomia (ee-pee-zee-AH-tummy) en más de 1 de cada 5
mujeres (20%). Ellos deben de tratar de bajar los números en esto. (la episiotomía
es un corte en la abertura de la vagina para hacerla más grande a la hora del l
nacimiento. Esto no es necesario la mayor parte del tiempo.)
195

No deben de hacer cesáreas en más de 1 de cada 10 mujeres (10%) si se trata de
un hospital comunitario. La tasa debe ser de 15% o menos en los hospitales de
atención a muchas madres de alto riesgo y sus bebés.

Una cesárea es una operación importante en la que el doctor corta a través del
estómago de la madre y quita el bebé a través de la abertura. Las madres que han
tenido una cesárea a menudo se no pueden tener futuros bebés normalmente.
Busque un lugar de nacimiento en el que 6 de cada 10 mujeres (60%) o más de las
madres que han tenido cesáreas, van a tener a sus bebés a través del parto normal.
3. Pregunta: "¿Cómo permitir las diferencias en su cultura y las creencias?
Amigable madre centro de nacimiento, hospital, y servicios de partos en casa son
muy sensitivos con las cultura de la madre. Ellos saben que las madres y sus familias
tienen diferentes creencias, valores y costumbres
4. Pregunta: "¿Puedo caminar y moverme durante el trabajo de parto?
¿Qué posición me sugiere para el parto? "
En los entornos de madres amigables, usted puede caminar y moverse al rededor
durante el trabajo de parto. Usted puede escoger la posición más cómoda y trabajar lo
mejor durante el trabajo de parto y nacimiento... (Puede haber una razón médica para
que usted pueda estar en la posición determinada.) En las madres amigables casi
nunca poner a una mujer de espaldas con las piernas en los estribos durante el parto.
5. Pregunta: "¿Cómo puedo asegurarme de que todo va bien cuando mi
enfermera, médico, partera, necesitan trabajar juntos?
Pregunte: "¿Puede mi médico o partera acompañarme si tengo que ser trasladado a
otro lugar durante el parto? ¿Pueden ayudarme a encontrar a personas u organismos
en mi comunidad que me pueda ayudar antes y después de que nazca el bebé?
6. Pregunta: "¿Qué cosas hacen normalmente una mujer durante el
parto?"
Aquí está una lista de cosas que recomendamos averiguar acerca de su lugar de
nacimiento, porque demasiado a menudo estos procedimientos se están haciendo sin
necesidad de madres sanas:
 ¿hacer un seguimiento de la frecuencia cardiaca del bebé todo el tiempo con una
máquina (llamado un monitor fetal electrónico)? En cambio, es mejor tener a su
enfermera o partera escuchar el corazón del bebé de vez en cuando, para que
pueda moverse libremente y utilizar la gravedad para su ventaja
196
 Ellos no deben romper la bolsa de agua antes de tiempo.
 Ellos no deben usar IV (poner una aguja en la vena para fluidos).
 Debieras comer y beber durante el parto para energía.
 No deberían afeitarte.
 No deberían ponerte enema.
Recuerde, estas rutinas son necesarias por razones especiales médicas. Pero no
deben hacerse en forma rutinaria en un parto normal.
7. Pregunta: "¿Cómo ayudar a las madres estar lo más cómoda posible?
Aparte de las drogas, ¿cómo ayudar a las madres a aliviar el dolor del
parto? "
Estar cómoda ayuda agilizar el parto todo será más fácil y controlado. A las
personas que les interesan los demás no persuadirán en que uses medicinas para el
dolor a menos que lo necesites en algún problema médico. Todas las medicinas
afectan al bebe.
8. Pregunta: "¿Qué pasara si mi bebé nace prematuro o tiene problemas
especiales?
Madre amigable alentara a las madres y familias a tocar, sostener, amamantar y
cuidar a sus bebés tan pronto como sea posible. Les animará a esto incluso si su bebé
nace prematuro o tiene un problema médico. (Sin embargo, puede haber una razón
médica especial que no permita tener y cuidar a su bebé.)
9. Pregunta: ―¿ustedes hacen circuncisiones a los bebes masculinos?‖
No hay ninguna información médica para la circuncisión rutinaria, o para la
extirpación quirúrgica del prepucio de un bebé varón. La decisión de someterse a
una circuncisión puede incluir consideraciones culturales y religiosas, así como las
preferencias personales
10. Pregunta: "¿Cómo ayudar a las madres que quieren amamantar a los
piensos o dar biberón?"
La organización Mundial de Salud hizo esta lista para apoyar la lactancia materna.

Enseban todas las madres embarazadas de cómo y cuándo amamantar a su bebe.

Ellos te ayudan como empezar amamantar a tu bebe después de 1 hora que él
bebe ha nacido.
197

Ellos te enseñan como amamantar. También cómo hacer para tener más leche y
disponible para cuando usted está fuera de casas por trabajo u otras razones.

Ellos te alentaran a estar con a tu bebe por el día y noche, esto se llama ―todo el
tiempo juntos.‖

Ellos te animan amamantar a tu bebe cada vez que él o ella quiera comer en vez
de un horario.

No deben dar chupones (―ficticios‖ o chupetes‖) para darles de lactar

Les invitan a unirse a un grupo de madres que amamantan. Te dicen como
contactarte con un grupo cerca a tu casa.

Ellos tienen una política escrita sobre lactancia materna. Todos los empleados
tienen conocimiento de esta política y las aplican.
Si usted ha tomado la decisión de alimentar a su bebe con un biberón,
preguntar cómo pueden ayudarle con esto.
Historias de Nacimientos
Escuchar historias positivas reales sobre nacimientos puede ser inspirador y
beneficioso psicológicamente. La mejor manera de contrarrestar los efectos
de las historias de miedo es escuchar o leer los beneficios. No deje que nadie
le haga dar miedo en este proceso. Todas las mujeres se preguntan si podrán
llevar a cabo esto que es aparentemente imposible. Recuerde que el cuerpo
de la mujer está listo para esto, así como tu amiga, tu hermana y tu madre
lo han hecho también tu puedes hacerlo. Después comparte tu historia
también.
198
Libros de Historias de Nacimientos
Birth Tories foro the Sour: Tales from
tomen, familias and childbirth
professionals Denis Walsh & Sheena
Byrom
Home Births: Stories to inspire and
inform Abigail Cairns
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth Ina
May Gaskin
Spiritual Midwifery Ina May Gaskin
Journey into Motherhood: Inspirational Stories of Natural Birth Sheri L. Menelli
Birth Stories: Mystery, Power, and Creation Jane Dwinell
Jessica Lost: A Story of Birth, Adoption & The Meaning of Motherhood Bunny
Crumpacker & Jil Picariello
199
Libros de Parto
Childbirth Without Fear, 5th ed. Grantly Dick-Read
The Five Standards for Safe Childbearing David Stewart, Ph.D.
The Thinking Women’s Guide to a Better Birth Henci Goer
In Labor: Women and Power in the Birthplace Barbara Katz Rothman
Birthing from Within Pam England, CNM
The Natural Pregnancy
Book Aviva Jill Roma
200
Videos Sobre el Parto
Spiritual Midwifery Video Farm, 41The Farm, Summertown, TN 38483.
www.inamay.com
Born in the U.S.A. Independent Television Service, 51 Federal St. 1st Floor, San
Francisco, CA 94107. www.itvs.org Fanlight Productions www.fanlight.com
Birth Day Sage Femmes, Inc. PO Box 1006, Essex, MA 01929.
www.homebirthvideo.com
Giving Birth: Challenges and Choices Produced and directed by Suzanne Arms, PO Box
830, Durango, CO 81302. (877) BIRTHING www.birthingthefuture.com
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Crianza de los Hijos
La opción de la crianza de los hijos viene acompañada de una variedad de opciones. De
diferentes responsabilidades y retos asociados cada uno.
Opcion 1 – Casarse:

Algunas parejas deciden casarse
después de descubrir un embarazo
no planeado.

Esta opción puede ser beneficiosa.
Pregúntate cuanto tiempo han
estado saliendo ¿Qué tiempo nos
conocemos, y si ya estábamos
hablando de matrimonio?

La mayoría de las parejas no se animan a contraer matrimonio solo por ― el bien
del bebe‖ los matrimonios tienen suficientes retos cuando está entrando en ella
por razones correctas.

Si está en una buena relación, la opción de la crianza es muy fácil porque tiene
dos personas comprometidas en satisfacer las necesidades del nuevo bebe.

El casarse no siempre resuelve los problemas busque consejería prenupcial par a
ver si esta opción va a trabajar.
Opción 2 – Crianza Compartida:

Esta opción se refiere a la custodia conjunta.

Tal vez tu estas tomando esta opción porque ustedes dos están interesados en
tener él bebe.

Usted reconoce al menos por ahora que los dos no estas lista a entrar en una
relación matrimonial.

Esta opción a menudo tiene dos padres comprometidos a satisfacer las
necesidades del niño, y viene con retos adicionales como horarios,
desplazamientos y comunicación.
202
Opción 3 – Padres Solteros y Visitación

Esta opción puede ser usada por los padres porque uno de ellos está
comprometido completamente con él bebe.

Esta opción es la más difícil porque la mayor responsabilidad de la crianza cae en
uno de ellos.

Ayuda económica todavía se espera para satisfacer las necesidades del niño es
más fácil para el padre soltero

Esta opción tiene el reto de cumplir con horarios y desplazamiento.
Opción 4 – Padres Solteros:

La crianza por un padre soltero es porque uno de los padres ha decidido tener al
bebe. Su pareja ha salido de la relación y no quiere ser parte de su vida o la vida
del bebe.

Cunado escoge esta opción , es mejor seguir con las expectativas de que la pareja
no participara en ningún asunto.

Las cosas tal vez cambie cuando el otro padre quiere involucrarse más a través de
la visualización, proporcionando apoyo financiero y ayudando en lo que puede.
Si esto sucede entonces usted y el bebe están recibiendo más de lo que esperaban.

En muchos casos, la manutención es obligada por ley sin embargo su falta de
interés hace que no reciba lo que debe.

Esta es la opción más exigente porque esto significa que usted tiene que cumplir
con todas las responsabilidades de la crianza sola. Amigos y familiares
usualmente vienen a ser un gran apoyo.
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El vínculo con su bebe:
Es esencial para Padres y Madres
Tu primer trabajo como padre o madre debe ser vincularse con su bebe,
debas de hacer que tu bebe sienta que él o ella puede confiar en ti
completamente. Sentirse seguro contigo es absolutamente necesario para su
habilidad de aprender y pueda desarrollarse saludable emocionalmente.
La vinculación es increíblemente fácil de hacerlo:
 Levantarlo cuando llora (siempre sonría primero)
 Darle de comer cuando tenga hambre y cambiarlo cuando sea
necesario
 Mecerlo suavemente y cantarle es voz suave
 Tocarlo con suavidad, ternura y amor.
Tu nunca estropearas a tu bebe cuando respondas a sus satisfacciones y
necesidades.
Decidir entre el Pecho y el Biberón
La mayoría de los profesionales médicos aconsejan dar pecho al bebe porque es
beneficioso y saludable para usted y su bebe. . Sin embargo esta decisión no es
solamente médica. La decisión es acerca de cómo se siente él bebe esta es una decisión
personal de toda madre debe decidir por sí misma. Si usted ha decidido que el biberón es
la mejor decisión para usted y su bebe y sus circunstancias no se sienta culpable de eso.
Cualquiera que fuese su decisión hágalo antes del nacimiento, así usted tendrá tiempo
suficiente a prepararse para cuando su bebe empiece a comer.
204
Ventajas de la Lactancia Materna:
La leche maternal fortalece el sistema inmunológico del bebe y ayuda a prevenir las
alergias, el asma, y el síndrome de muerte súbita del bebe. (SIDS).

La leche materna contiene nutrientes que son ideales para el sistema digestivo de
su bebe.

La leche materna también contiene sustancias que ayuda a proteger a su bebe de
las infecciones hasta que su propio sistema inmunológico madure.

Los bebes son más propensos a tener reacciones alérgicas a la leche de vaca que a
la leche materna.

La lactancia materna es emocionalmente gratificante. Muchas madres sienten que
desarrollan un vincula especial con su bebe cuando lo amamantan, y ellos
disfrutan el acercamiento y es una experiencia especial.

La lactancia es conveniente. Usted no tendrá que llevar biberones o formulas.

La leche materna es más barata que los biberones y formulas.

Usted no tendrá que calentar la leche, está siempre estará a la temperatura
perfecta.

La lactancia ayuda a reducir el útero inmediatamente y controlar la ovulación esta
es una forma limitada del control de la natalidad (solo debe de lactar hasta el
primer año de vida de su bebe).

La lactancia (producción de
leche) le ayuda a quemar extra
calorías y ayuda a perder peso.

Algunos estudios sugieren que
las madres que amamantan
reducen el riesgo the obtener
cáncer de mamas.
Beneficios del biberón

El biberón le beneficiara en su estilo de vida.

Usted ha tratado la lactancia materna no ha podido porque no produce suficiente
leche

El biberón da la oportunidad a otros a dar de comer al bebe
205

El biberón te asegura que no le pases ninguna infección a tu bebe. .

El biberón es la única opción de alimentarlo sus u bebe está muy enfermo después
de su nacimiento. Un aparato para pompear mecánica puede ser usada para
mantener la fluidez de la leche y guardarlo en el refrigerador para uso posterior.

Si usted toma algunas medicinas, el biberón es lo mejor antes de pasar las
medicinas a su bebe por medio de la leche.
Libros en la Crianza de los Hijos
After the Baby’s Birth: A Complete Guide for Postpartum Women. Robin Lim
Fathering Your Toddler Armin A. Brott
Mothering the Mother. Marshall Klaus, M.D., John Kennell, M.D., and Phyllis Klaus
Natural Health after Birth. Aviva Jill Romm
Power Source Parenting: Growing up strong and raising healthy Kids Bethany Casarjian
The Mother of All Baby Books: The ultimate guide to your baby’s first year Ann Douglas
The New Basics : A-to-Z Baby & Child Care for the Modern Parent Michel Cohen
Understanding Your Newborn And Infant (Simply Parenting) Mary Ann LoFrumento
Understanding Your Toddler (Simply Parenting) Mary Ann LoFrumento
206
¿Que pasara con la Escuela?
Completar la secundaria es un paso
muy importante para romper el
círculo de los embarazos en las
adolescentes y la pobreza de los
adultos. Desde hace mucho tiempo las
escuelas de secundaria. Han abandonado
los derechos de los adolescentes quienes
escogen ser padres. No dejes que eso le pase a usted o alguien a quien quiere.
¿Conoce sus derechos?
Es ilegal discriminar contra las adolescentes embarazadas y padres jóvenes. El título
IX de las enmiendas de Educación del 1972 es la principal garantía federal legal de la
igualdad de oportunidades educativas para estudiantes embarazadas y padres.
www.ed.gov/policy/rights/reg/
Estas enmiendas prohíben la expulsión o exclusión los estudiantes de cualquier programa,
curso o actividad extracurricular. Únicamente en base al embarazo o paternidad
independientemente del estado civil. Lo que esto significa es que tienes el derecho de ir a
la misma escuela y a las mismas clases de tus compañeros, si usted está embarazado o no.
Bajo la ley Federal y Estatal. Sus derechos están Garantizados.

No discriminación – Usted tiene el derecho de tomar una decisión informada sin
ser hostilizada. Donde se encuentre en su casa, la escuela, y una escuela para
embarazadas de padres jóvenes. Y si es que usted escoge otro tipo de programa
que no sea de educación regular. Esto debe ser completamente voluntario nadie
puede exigirle hacer algo que no desea.
207

Acceso Completo a las Oportunidades Educacionales – usted tiene el derecho
de obtener igual acceso a todas las oportunidades académicas y extracurriculares
disponibles para los demás estudiantes. Incluyendo las clases de colocación
avanzada y preparación para el colegio superior, así también programas
deportivos, actividades después de la escuela y programas de enriquecimiento.

Derecho a Incapacidad y Ausencias Justificadas – Usted tiene el derecho a un
servicio complete de planificación familiar confidencial, y al servicio de salud
reproductiva. Así también a otros servicios de salud como las clínicas de salud
para escolares y los servicios de los proveedores afiliados a la comunidad. En
California, adolescentes menores de 18 años de edad podrán accede a toda
atención medica relacionada con su embarazo, prevención de embarazo, y termino
del embarazo sin el conocimiento o consentimiento de sus padres o guardián.

Educación Física – Usted tiene el derecho de tomar clases de educación física y
disponer de un currículo alternativo si no puede cumplir con los requisitos de una
clase regular.
Si usted tiene preguntas o necesita ayuda contactarse con Nancy M. Solomon,
Abogada principal del Centro de Derechos de Mujer de California @323-651-1041.
¿Cómo puede ser una estudiante eficaz y un
adulto autosuficiente?

Deje que su niño sea su motivación para tener
éxito.

Conozca los pasos que debe tomar para
completar sus metas y obtener su diplomas de
secundaria, GED, o un programa de
entrenamiento alternativo

Asista a la escuela regularmente.

Complete con sus asignaturas.
Si tú eres un padre joven
Usted tendra una transición rápida a la edad adulta
tiene que aprender una habilidad muy importante es la
208
de tomar responsabilidad del niño y la de usted mismo. Habilidades con la crianza,
habilidades de supervivencia y habilidades para el trabajo se pueden adquirí mediante:

Grupos de apoyo

Mentores y prácticas de entrenamiento.

Papel de modelos

Escuelas y currículo

Programas escolares de trabajos
Si tú eres una madre joven
Tu escuela tiene que proporcionarte programas de calidad, flexibilidad y en un ambiente
que te sugiere progreso, para que tú puedas graduarte. No lo pospongas habla con tu
consejera de la escuela o enfermera lo más pronto posible para que puedas recibir la
ayuda que necesitas para esa circunstancia especial por la que estás pasando. Lo más
pronto que ellos se enteren de tu situación, lo más pronto te podrá ayudar.
Averigua cuáles son tus opciones educacionales:

En base a la escuela

Alternativa escolar
Pide un horario flexible y reglas de asistencia que te ayuden a
permanecer en ella:

La alteración del horario

Horario flexible para empezar

Terminar el horario escolar
más tarde

Dar tiempo y lugar para
agencias de servicio social de
llevar acabo citas en el plantel.

Reducir el horario de clases e
incluir solamente clases
necesarias para graduación

Incentivos para ayudar a incrementar la asistencia (reconocimiento personal o
209
monetario)
Eche un vistazo de cómo obtener créditos escolares:

Educación base estandarizada

Clases en línea

Clases nocturnas

Clases de verano y sabatinas

Conexión con la escuela estudios en casa

Recuperación de clases durante vacaciones o antes/después de la escuela

Conexiones con otras escuelas

Estudio independiente

Tutoría

Seminarios, supervivencia y paseos para créditos.

Campamento de verano
Financiamiento para el cuidado de niños está disponible.
El cuidado de niños es obvio y necesario para que puedas continuar en la escuela.
Proveedores de programas y cuidado de niños particulares que tienen licencia tienen
acceso a la asistencia financiera para padres jóvenes y están disponibles mientras tú
sigues asistiendo a la escuela (ver páginas del condado y programas abajo). Proveedores
con licencia proporcionan un ambiente seguro y acogedor para su niño. Te ensenas los
cuidados apropiados del cuidado de niños, así también se impiden el abuso y negligencia
mediante la observación e intervención diaria.
Recursos educacionales de los que necesitas aprovechar:



Iglesias locales y centros comunitarios
Proveedores con licencia del cuidado de niños. (ayuda financiera está disponible
para padres adolescentes)
Programas tutoriales
210

Servicios de apoyo a niños, jóvenes y familias , apoyo a embarazadas y padres
jóvenes (centro de recursos familiares, Cal-Learn, Programa de vida familiar del
adolescente, Los primeros 5, Medi-Cal, Cal-SAFE, Early Start, and Even Start)
Es importante encontrar una trabajadora social que the ayude a coordinar
todos los servicios que tienes derecho. Cooperación y trabajo en red con el
distrito escolar, y agencias locales comunitarias te aseguraran el éxito como una
estudiante embarazada y padre adolescente.
Los programas del Departamento de Educación (como Cal-SAFE, Early Start, and
Even Start) te animan a colaborar con otros programas y organizaciones (como CalLearn, Primeros 5, Centro de Recursos Familiares, y AFLP) que sirven a padres
adolescentes. Este tipo de colaboraciones proporcionan mayores recursos y dan lugar a
servicios más completos que cualquier otro programa ofrece por sí solo.
No todos los programas están disponibles en tu área, pero los servicios que más
obtengas te ayudaran al éxito y la eficacia de ser un buen padre, estudiante y buen
comunitario.
Aquí hay más información de algunos programas principales que te ayudaran a ser un
estudiante eficaz y un buen padre posiblemente:
The California School Age Families Education (Cal-SAFE) Program es un
programa comprensivo, integrado, vinculado con la comunidad, programa con base
escolar que sirve a estudiantes que van a ser padres o son padres y a sus hijos. El
programa Cal-SAFE esta designado para mejorar la experiencia educacional y aumenta la
disponibilidad de servicios de apoyo para los estudiantes matriculados y proporciona
cuidado de niños y servicios de desarrollo para sus hijos.
Cuando el programa está disponible, este proporciona al estudiante la oportunidad de
acceder a todos los recursos que necesitan en un sistema sin fisuras a un servicio de
préstamos de costo efectico desde cuando entran al programa hasta la graduación.
Femeninos y masculinos menores de 18 años que no se hayan graduado de la secundaria
puede inscribirse voluntariamente en el programa Cal-SAFE si eres un padre que está
esperando un bebe o eres un padre que tienes la responsabilidad y el cuidado de su hijo.
Y si el estudiante está inscrito en él y no se ha graduado cuando cumple los 19, el
estudiante tal vez puede seguir inscrito por un semestre adicional.
Mientras los padres adolescentes estén inscritos en el programa Cal-SAFE sus hijos son
elegibles para los servicios hasta que tengan cinco años de edad o entren al kínder
211
cualquiera que pase primero. Usted puede revisar las once metas del programa CalSAFE en la siguiente página : http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/cg/pp Para más imperforación
en programas cerca a usted contactarse con la analista Nancy Christophel al 916-3190541 [email protected] or Mitzi Inouye, Consultant 916-319-0546
[email protected] California Department of Education, Cal-SAFE Program, 1430 N
Street, Suite 3410, Sacramento, CA 95814 Telephone: 916-322-6233.
Programa Cal-Learn ayuda a embarazadas y padres jóvenes a asistir y graduarse de
la escuela secundaria o su equivalencia. Este sirve a unos 15,000 jóvenes cada mes.
Como una estrategia de reducir los embarazos de los adolescentes y los a largo plazo
dependientes de los dependientes del gobierno. El programa Cal-Learn fue designado
para asistir a jóvenes padres que reciben Oportunidades de Trabajo de California y
Responsabilidad de Niños (CalWORKs). Este servicio consiste de tres servicios
coordinados a ayudar a los jóvenes a ser adultos autosuficientes y padres responsables.
4. Control intensivo y asistencia a los padres adolescente a obtener educación,
salud y servicios sociales.
5. Pagos en la necesidad del cuidado de niños, transporte y gastos educacionales y
permiten a las jóvenes embarazadas o padres adolescentes asistir a la escuela.
6. Los bonos y las sanciones fomentan la asistencia escolar y las buenas
calificaciones. cuatro bonos/sanciones de $100 por año es aplicable basado en el
reporte de calificaciones más un bono de $500 por graduarse u obtener un
diploma de equivalencia de la escuela secundaria.
Embarazadas/ padres adolescentes que están recibiendo CalWORKs son requeridos a
participar en Cal-Learn si:

Si son menores de 19 años de edad.

Ellos no se han graduado de la secundaria o su equivalencia.
A partir del 1ro de Enero del 1998, los adolescentes elegidos que tienen 19 años de edad
tal vez pueden seguir participando en el programa Cal-Learn como voluntarios hasta que
él/ella obtenga su diploma de secundaria o su equivalencia o cuando cumple los 20 años.
Embarazadas/padres adolescentes pueden aplicar por los servicios Cal-Learn en
cualquier oficina del welfare del condado donde vive. Para encontrar una oficina del
welfare cerca a usted, contactarse al departamento del welfare listado en County
Government Section de la guía de teléfonos.
212
Adolescent Family Life Program (AFLP) esta designado para mejorar la salud, el
aspecto social, aspecto económico y educacional del bienestar de los padres y
embarazadas adolescentes y sus hijos de California. Construir un comprensivo caso
modelo, el AFLP trabaja evaluando el ánimo y poder vincularlos a los servicios en un
esfuerzo de promover resultados positivos en el embarazo, la paternidad positiva, y la
independencia socioeconómica.
Algunos de los servicios que este programa ofrece son:

Asiste a los adolescentes y a sus hijos a tener acceso a los servicios
apropiados.
 Cuidado Médico (cuidado prenatal y
postparto)
 Planificación Familiar
 Servicios de Apoyo Escolar
 Servicios Sociales
 Intervención al abuso de sustancias
 Servicios de Salud Mental
 Educación en la Crianza de niños
 Educación de Salud
 Violencia Domestica /Relación
 Asistencia Legal
 Oportunidad de Empleos
 Asistencia con Vivienda
 Asesoramiento Nutricional
 Salud Oral
Estos programas dan servicios en el departamento de Salud del condado, el departamento
de Servicios Sociales del condado, hospitales, escuelas y organizaciones comunitarias.
Programa para Adolescentes de Vida Familiar y se encuentran en más de 40 condados
del estado. Para localizar asistencia en tu área ver nuestro AFLP Coordinator Directory
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/AFLP?Pages?AFLPcoordinatorDirectory.aspx
El Programa Early Start es la responsabilidad de los californianos de que los
servicios de intervención temprana para bebes y niños pequeños con discapacidad y sus
familiares sean proporcionados en forma coordinada y centrada en forma familiar en todo
el estado
El primer paso que los padres deben tomar es discutir sus preocupaciones con su doctor
familiar. Cualquiera puede hacer una referencia si existe alguna preocupación con el
desarrollo de su niño. Usted también puede llamar al centro regional local o al distrito
213
escolar para pedir una evaluación para su hijo. Después de hacer estos contactos un
coordinador de servicios sea asignado para ayudar al padre del niño con todo el proceso
para determinar su elegibilidad. Apoyo de padre a padre e información de recursos son
también disponibles mediante el Centro de Recurso Familiares Early Start.
Servicios de grupos de coordinadores, proveedores del cuidado de salud, especialistas en
intervención temprana, terapistas, y especialistas en recursos para los padres son los que
evalúan y examinan infantes o niños y dan la apropiada intervención temprana y los
servicios de apoyo familiar para niños pequeños desde el nacimiento hasta los tres años
de edad.
No hay ningún costo para la evaluación, examinación o la coordinación de servicios.
Seguros públicos y privados se aceden para servicios médicos necesarios, servicios de
terapias como la terapia física, ocupacional y la terapia del lenguaje. Los servicios que
no están cubiertos por los seguros serán cubiertos o dados por los centros regionales y las
agencias locales de educación.
Para más información llame a su centro familiar regional local, agencia de educación
local, o el centro de recursos familiar para obtener una referencia a los servicios de Early
Start.
Si necesita más información de cómo obtenerlos servicios de Early Start llame al (800)
515-BABY o e-mail a [email protected].
Even Start es un programa especializado que está dirigido por el Departamento de
Educación de California (CDE); con fondos recibidos del gobierno federal, el CDE apoya
agencias locales educacionales (LEAs) y organizaciones comunitarias (CBOs) a
planificar y coordinar servicios para ayudar a los padres a adquirir la destreza que
necesita para ser plenos compañeros en la educación de sus hijos pequeños
Even Start se integra (1) educación temprana de la niñez (2) alfabetización de adultos o
educación básica para adultos (3) educación en la crianza de niños (4) interacción de
actividades de padre-hijo de alfabetización en un sistema unificado programa de
alfabetización familiar cuatro componentes.
El propósito de este programa William F. Goodling Even Start Family Literacy Program
(Even Start) es ayudar a romper el circula de pobreza y analfabetismo y mejorar las
oportunidades educacionales para las familias de bajos recursos. Para más información
acerca del programa Even Start en su área contactarse con el Child Development
Division al 916-319-0275.
214
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Gaskin, Ina May 2003. Ina May’s guide to childbirth. New York: Random House, Inc.
“Having a Baby? Ten Questions to Ask” Retrieved February 23, 2011
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Help Your Teen Handle Pregnancy Retrieved February 25, 2011,
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Rothman, Barbara Katz 1972. In Labor: Women and power in the birthplace. New York:
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Solomon, Nancy M 1992. The civil rights of pregnant and parenting teens in California
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The Healthy Families San Angelo Curriculum 1992. Healthy Babies, healthy families.
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