I had a last straw experience today when I showed up to Minor Parent Program
to teach teens about brfding.  When I arrived the babies "told" me
immediately that it was not a good day.  Several were screaming inconsolably
because their moms were taking state SATs.  Obviously my lecture was
postponed (brfding lectures are usually placed at the bottom of the priority
list).

I've been tossing around (in my own small brain) a very culturally incorrect
idea for some time now and would like to invite others to think it through
with me, either on the 'Net or email.

Here goes:  *If* breastfeeding is an important experience for every mother or
every baby (yes, I vote for both, but either one would qualify for this
discussion), why are we so quick to encourage a pregnant teen to graduate--as
if *that* is the most important issue?  Please do not misunderstand.  Like
most good Americans I am a *strong* believer in education.  But my consistent
experience after working with hundreds of teen moms is that when we ask her
to do both, the task is monumental.  We are usually asking her to do
something that adult women with husbands would have some real trouble with.

Have any of you worked with/considered teaching the idea of sequencing to
teens?  I'm wondering if we brfding zealots ought to be leading the charge to
encourage her to develop her mothering skills to their fullest, with an eye
towards finishing school later.  Or if not that, we have a ton of work to do
towards making our medical establishment/ed. system, etc. not only
baby-friendly but also teen-friendly.

Looking forward to your thoughts,      Nancy