Rising From The Ashes: My Unexpected Journey Into Motherhood

Anne

A Sudden Transition into Motherhood

At 16, fresh from completing my O-Levels, I became a mum overnight — literally. I had not known I was pregnant. My cycles were always irregular, and I did not notice any symptoms. The realisation only came when I was in intense pain, with cramps and the urge to push. It was my mum who pieced things together and called the ambulance. That moment changed everything.

The birth was a blur of pain and confusion. My daughter was placed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, as I had not gone through any prenatal care. I did not get to see her until the next day. That first night alone in the hospital was the loneliest I have ever felt. My parents were not able to stay, and while I was still in a relationship with the baby’s father, it was a toxic one. I was scared, confused, and completely unprepared for motherhood, judgment, and for what came next.

That day, I had to grow up overnight. But just like the phoenix, I shall continue to rise from the ashes and bask in the bittersweet beauty of motherhood.

Finding Hope Through Babes

The day after I gave birth, a Medical Social Worker at the hospital introduced me to Babes. When she mentioned the support available for teen mums, I felt a flicker of hope. Babes stepped in with essential financial assistance and supplies — vouchers, milk, diapers — and connected me with their Peer Support Group. These small but vital acts lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. They allowed me to take responsibility for my daughter without further burdening my already supportive parents.

But what truly stayed with me was the emotional and psychological support from my Babes caseworker. As an only child, I had always longed for an older sibling. She became exactly that — someone to walk alongside me, to listen without judgment, and to reassure me that I was not alone. In those early, disorienting days, that made all the difference.

From Isolation to Empowerment

I often think back to how surreal those first few weeks were. One moment, I was a student; the next, a mother having to navigate emotional and psychological consequences as well. I grieved the future I thought I’d lost — the carefree youth, the plans I’d made. How could I care for a baby when I was still learning to care for myself?

Yet, over time, I discovered strength I did not know I had. Babes’ support gave me a head start as I was raising my daughter, with camps and workshops that connected me to other teen mums. I gained not just knowledge and skills, but a community — mums who knew what I was going through. That solidarity and sense of being understood helped me to cope and even grow.

I had to grow up overnight. But just like the phoenix, I shall continue to rise from the ashes and bask in the bittersweet beauty of motherhood.

Looking Ahead, Giving Back

Through it all, I’ve become more empathetic, more resilient, and more aware of the systemic challenges young mothers face — such as stigma, financial hardship, and disrupted education. I wish there was greater public awareness of the support that organisations like Babes provide. Many teens do not even know help is available.

I hope society learns to view teen mothers with compassion rather than judgement. We do not need criticism. We need understanding, timely support, and opportunities to thrive. Public awareness, flexible schooling, better policies and financial support could transform lives. No young mum should feel ashamed to seek support.

To My Fellow Young Mums

To any young mum reading this, please know you are not alone. It could feel like the end, but you have also just been given a new beginning. There will be tears, sleepless nights, and self-doubt, but there will also be love, laughter, and strength you never imagined possible. Reach out. Even a simple text to Babes can be the first step toward hope. Motherhood is not easy, but it is powerful. Believe in yourself: you’ve got this, beautiful mum.