Are you a teen or young African American mother to be? If not, do you know someone who is? Having difficulty dealing with your feelings and emotions? Can't imagine reaching your future plans or dreams now that you are pregnant? Need someone or somewhere to turn? You are not alone! Learning and Enriching Who I am can help you find your way. Learning and Enriching Who I Am clearly outlines a comprehensive guide and weekly journal into the physical and emotional aspects of pregnancy with a blend of African American cultural beliefs and views. Denise helps the young African American mother to be prepare for motherhood by providing information and a week to week journey through the pregnancy. Learning and Enriching Who I Am grants insight and encourages the young mother to capture her feelings and face the realities and challenges of pregnancy. Right now the future may seem years away and you have an entire life ahead of you. Pregnancy and motherhood can be the most rewarding times of your life but require preparation, information and understanding. What better gift to give to your offspring than to prepare for his or her birth. You can prepare for later, starting now by reading Learning and Enriching Who I Am. Your journey into a healthy and gratifying pregnancy for you and your baby starts here!

Learning and Enriching Who I Am

An African American Teen Mother to BeBy Denise Corpening

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2008 Denise Corpening
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4343-9545-0

Contents

Preface.....................................................................................ixAcknowledgment..............................................................................xIntroduction................................................................................xiWeek 1 - 4: Wow ... I'm pregnant!...........................................................1Week 5: While you were sleeping.............................................................2Week 6: Has the pregnancy become "real" to you yet?.........................................3Week 7: Let's take this journey together....................................................4Week 8: While you are waiting...............................................................5Week 9: Changes are taking place............................................................6Week 10: But I like fast food and my mamma's home cooking!..................................7Week 11: Generations of Food................................................................8Week 12: I'm trying to take it all in, but it's hard!.......................................9Week 13: Time is ticking on.................................................................10Week 14: I've had my doctor visit. I am even more confused..................................11Week 15: Tests, tests and more tests........................................................12Week 16: Ultrasounds and other procedures done in pregnancy.................................13Week 17: Being "Real", can help you!........................................................14Week 18: The list goes on and on............................................................15Week 19: He is your "Baby Daddy", but is he there for you?..................................16Week 20: Are we there yet? Half way!........................................................17Week 21: How big is my baby now?............................................................18Week 22: I'm feeling it now, boy, do I feel pregnant!.......................................19Week 23: I never thought about that.........................................................20Week 24: I am always feeling bad. Is this normal?...........................................21Week 25: Some things are just private. I don't want to talk about them......................22Week 26: How could this happen?.............................................................23Week 27: But, I don't have Diabetes.........................................................24Week 28: What is Preterm Labor?.............................................................25Week 29: What happens if my water breaks?...................................................26Week 30: Is bleeding a true emergency?......................................................27Week 31: Boy, my feet are swelling!.........................................................28Week 32: How much longer? I'm ready.........................................................29Week 33: I have so much to do!..............................................................30Week 34: I'm still waiting..................................................................31Week 35: Believe it or not; I am getting it together!.......................................32Week 36: 36 weeks and counting..............................................................33Week 37: The time is here! I thought it would never come....................................34Week 38: Okay, it's time. I'm ready.........................................................35Week 39: I'm at the hospital. Now what?.....................................................36Week 40: But I have been pushing............................................................37Why do I need a C/S?........................................................................37Conclusion..................................................................................39About the Author............................................................................43

Chapter One

Week One - Four: Wow ... I'm pregnant!

Feeling as if you are carrying the entire load of the world within is common. You are not alone. It happens to thousands of young expectant mothers. Many young African American women experience fear, anger and denial when learning of their pregnancy for the first time. Often times the pregnancy was unplanned and undesired. All of these feelings may feel overwhelming but can be very normal. Always remember, there is help available when you need it. Seek out available resources. You don't have to do it alone.

How was the pregnancy confirmed? _________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

How did you feel when you found out? _____________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

Did you tell anyone? If not, why? ________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

Notes_____________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

Month_____ Year______

Week 5: While you were sleeping.....

Often times a good night sleep can make things look brighter. Despite how gloomy things may appear at first, sleep can be a beginning to looking at things with a fresh outlook. Depending on your own individual circumstances, how you personally handle situations and what support systems are available to you, maybe a good night's sleep may be a start to help relieve or lessen your stress. Aim for eight hours of sleep per night.

Are you able to sleep? If so, do you find you are able to think about the pregnancy and how to deal with it? Are your thoughts becoming brighter now? ________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

Are you faced with so much stress that you are finding it difficult to move forward? What are your plans? __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

Notes ____________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

Month_____ Year______

Week 6: Has the pregnancy become "real" to you yet?

Do you believe that if you face things head on, the power of strength will take over? Strength often comes in numbers. For many decades African American families and communities have taken pride in coming together during troubled times. Don't be too ashamed to reach out for help when you need it.

Do you have someone to lean on? Who is that someone? __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

Are you able to confide in and talk to that person? What are some of the things that you have discussed with that person? __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

Notes ____________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

Month_____ Year______

Week 7: Let's take this journey together

Has someone in your family had a recent dream of fish? That is an old wives tale in the African American community that means someone in the family is pregnant. These tales are often passed on lovingly through the matriarch of the family for years to come. Someone in your family may already suspect that you are pregnant. Go to them and talk about your feelings and plans.

Now that you have your support person by your side, you can plan the journey for your pregnancy. If your pregnancy has not been confirmed or has been confirmed by a home pregnancy test, it is now important to see a doctor. Have you scheduled a doctor's appointment for your first prenatal visit? If not, call your doctor's office or clinic today. __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

Don't have a doctor? You can call your local hospital or ask family and friends to help you find one.

Notes __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

Month_____ Year______

Week 8: While you are waiting......

Seeing the doctor for the first time could take a couple weeks, depending on the office or clinic's schedule. There are many things that you can do before seeing the doctor, to keep you and your baby healthy. A well balanced diet, exercise, avoiding stress and plenty of rest and sleep are just a few. Never take any over the counter medications or other medications without talking to your doctor or nurse first. Say no to alcohol or drugs.

Did you know that the first couple months of pregnancy, your baby's organs are being formed and are completely formed by 8 weeks? This includes the heart which is now beating. __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

Avoiding certain infections and diseases are important in the first few months. Remember, to report all infections to your doctor. Your doctor will test you for any existing infections present that you may not be aware of, at your office or clinic visit.

Notes __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

Month_____ Year______

Week 9: Changes are taking place.......

This week, many things are taking place within your body. In your uterus the umbilical cord is formed with two large blood vessels that carry blood to and from the fetus. You may be noticing some physical and emotional changes in your body. *Fatigue, nausea and vomiting, heartburn, soreness of your breasts are very common discomforts in early pregnancy.

Did you know that you should always report any problems or symptoms to your doctor or nurse, even if you think they are normal? __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

Some types of foods or different food smells can play a role in causing more discomforts of pregnancy. Avoid foods that do not agree with you. Have you noticed any changes in the foods that you like to eat or any special cravings?

Notes __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

Month_____ Year______

Week 10: But I like fast food and my mamma's home cooking!

Good nutrition is very important in pregnancy. That does not mean you have to give up everything that is good to you! But, to make sure your baby is getting the proper *nutrients to grow, you may have to make some changes or add to your usual meal plan. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day and eating fruits and vegetables is a great start. Many African American families use a large amount of butter, fats (cheese), and sugar in their cooking, which has proven unhealthy and can cause large amounts of weight gain in pregnancy.

Did you know there are a number of low fat and low sugar food products available that taste pretty good? Have you tried any? Which ones? _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________

What is your starting pregnancy weight? Have you talked with your doctor about weight gain (or loss) and how much you should gain during pregnancy?

Notes __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

Month_____ Year______

Week 11: Generations of Food

You haven't had a meal until you sit down to a meal at an African American home. We have had traditions of good home cooking with lots of family centered at the table. This can be a time to get involved with the family menu. This can also be a time to just "talk" to family. After dinner is also a good time to take a short walk with family members.

Have you ever heard of the word "Pica?" It means "an unusual non food craving". Eating laundry starch, dirt, and clay are all forms of pica. They do not serve any nutritional value. Do you have any of these cravings? Try to substitute with other healthier choices. What are some of your favorite food choices?______________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

Did you know that you should never "diet" in pregnancy? Many African American teen mothers want to keep their same body figures and want to avoid "looking pregnant" and gaining weight. This is one reason that selecting good diet choices are important. Healthy diet choices provide good nutrients to you and your baby and have fewer calories to help control weight gain. Your doctor may order Prenatal vitamins, Iron supplements, Folic Acid and calcium to help balance your diet during pregnancy. __________________ __________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________

Your doctor or nurse will weigh you at every office visit. Write your monthly and weekly weights in your journal.

Notes ________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

Month_____ Year______

Week 12: I'm trying to take it all in, but it's hard!

There is so much going on. Woo. Your body is changing and you have some good and some bad days, mood changes and heavy emotions. You are still trying to come to terms with the pregnancy. Some days you don't feel like you can handle everything, pregnancy, school, family are all becoming hard to deal with. It's OK. We all feel like this from time to time. Take a deep breath, turn on your favorite song, eat a special meal or call someone you can talk to. African Americans, especially women are often known for their power to overcome. A favorite saying, "This too, will pass" means over time you can adjust.

Think of things that come to mind that make you feel good. What makes you feel good? __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

Can you picture yourself as a new mother in your mind? If yes, what do you think will make you a special mother? __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

You are entering your second trimester of pregnancy. Your baby is developing its own sex organs, but it is still too early to tell rather it is a boy or girl. There are so many developments taking place inside of you. It is truly a miracle!

It is always a good idea to gather information and read pregnancy related books and materials that can help you understand the growth and development of your baby.

Notes __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

Month_____ Year______

Week 13: Time is ticking on

Things are settling down. You are beginning to take hold and pay close attention to the pregnancy and the changes in your body. You may start to notice the size of your *abdomen getting larger as your fetus is growing in your *uterus. Stretch marks may start to form on the abdomen, thighs and behind as the uterus grows. African American traditions may include applying different lotions (cocoa butter, Shea butter) to the skin to prevent or lighten stretch marks. Stretch marks are caused by a break or tear in the connective layer of the skin.

Linea Nigra is the medical term for the brown line that appears down the middle of your abdomen. Mother to be of all races may notice this skin change but for African Americans the line tends to be darker and more visible. Can you see the beginning form of Linea Nigra? __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

Breast changes are common in pregnancy. Developing a larger size and darkening of color around the nipple can occur. Make sure you are wearing the proper bra size as your breasts enlarge.

Notes __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

Month_____ Year______

Week 14: I've had my doctor visit. I am even more confused.

Your first prenatal visit can be filled with lots of questions and testing. This will help the doctor and medical staff to give you and your baby the best care. Health questionnaires are important to identify any existing problems or diseases that may complicate this pregnancy. It is important that you are truthful when asked about any health problems, diseases or mental/social issues that you are experiencing.

Did you know that diseases/health issues and social habits of the family and father of the baby may be just as important in the growth and development of your baby? Are you aware of any health/social issues of the father of the baby? If so, did you inform the doctor?_____ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

Did you know at (14) fourteen weeks your baby may have learned to suck his or her thumb and your baby may be the weight of a letter (1.52 ounces)? These images can be noticed on a 3d Ultrasound. Have you had an ultrasound yet? When?________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

Make sure you are asking questions of your doctor and nurses to help understand your pregnancy. Sometimes, you may feel that even after something is explained, you still do not understand fully. There are a number of outside resources and information available to assist you and clarify unanswered questions.

Notes __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

Month_____ Year______

(Continues...)

Excerpted from Learning and Enriching Who I Amby Denise Corpening Copyright © 2008 by Denise Corpening. Excerpted by permission.
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