Caitlin's Birth Story

I was young when I got pregnant, a little too young, but I wouldn’t change a thing now. When I found out I was pregnant I was already 12 weeks along.

My due date was April 26, 2000, two weeks after my 17th birthday. I had been doing cheerleading, gymnastics and was still in school. The doctor told me that I was young and to be prepared if my body wouldn’t allow me to carry my baby to term. My husband, who was my boyfriend at the time, was very supportive and helped me through all the appointments and procedures.

I was determined to stay in school, keep my body healthy and to prove everyone wrong who believes young mothers can't cut it. I continued to make straight A's and didn’t miss a day of school until my doctor took me out at 36 weeks, at which time I continued studying with a home teacher. My family was very supportive and that helped a lot.

April 26th came and I was at my doctor’s office for a non-stress test because it was my due date. They hooked me up to the monitor, and immediately I began to have contractions. The nurse came in and read that I was in labor so she moved me to a room to check my cervix. I had been dilated to 2 cm. for the past two weeks, and it had moved to around 4 cm.

I was immediately sent to the hospital where they began Pitocin. They left me on Pitocin all day and then decided to take me off it and let me sleep through the night. All night I was in labor and then at 5:00 a.m. they began the drug again. I reached 6 cm. and was finally allowed my epidural which they did wrong the first time around and had to re-do the shot. It was a nightmare, but in the end it was worth it.

After 30 minutes of endless pushing my beautiful, seven pound, fourteen ounce baby girl was born. I had beaten the odds with pre-mature labor and low birth weight.

She is now two and a half years old and her father and I have been there for every waking moment of her life. Yes, I admit that some teens don't tough it out, but for those of you who hang in there and let go of excuses be proud. I know I am.