I live in the South (Griffin, GA to be exact) and I have been so angry at our
school system.  It is pretty backwards in several different aspects, but what
makes me so angry is their attitude towards teen moms.  I deal with several
moms who go back to school after having their baby.  In particular, I am
counseling a 15yr old and has decided to finish her education while still
breastfeeding her precious little one.  Our school system takes the attitude
that it was their "fault" that they got pregnant and their "problem" as to how
to feed and care for little one.  I even had one secretary tell me that "those
people" shouldn't be "allowed" back in school if they got pregnant.  She told
me they should go the to votech and get their GED.

Well, some moms want to finish school with their friends and for other
reasons.  No matter what reason, the student should be able to finish without
these kind of attitudes.  IMO, they should be encouraged and praised for
making the best out of a difficult situation.  This is what I do with "my"
teen moms and I just wish the school board would wake up and smell the coffee.
We are not promoting premarital sex nor promiscuity; rather, we are
encouraging the child/maternal bond so that these young moms will be better
mothers.  Sorry for the rant but this is a sore spot for me.  Anyone who has
suggestions on how to improve this sorry situation is welcome to Email me.

Amanda Copeland, IBCLC
Griffin, GA