need help for pregnant teen (Time: rent, community college, office)

[At1WithNature]

Thanks for all the updates.

[tanzall]

refade, when I had my daughter I fired two doctors and then found a midwife practice when I was alredy 6 months pregnant. Not sure if someone already mentioned it. But, generally midwives are more open-minded, relaxed, and into the natural processes than doctors. They can do everything a doctor can do except perform surgery. They're usually more about giving you the information and letting you decide what works for you or you can let them decide for you. Also, they're not usually as obsessed about time. Ask everyone you know about a good midwifery firm, you and your daughter won't regret. They arrive at the hospital and stay until you give birth! My firm had 3 partners and I was in labor over 30 hrs, they just rotated. One of the best parts is your daughter can give birth in a hospital so she is as safe as possible. I hope you and your family find what you need and have a great time with the new addition. Good luck!

[Calidreemer]

Tanzall that is good advice but did you see that little Brody already arrived? Just a few posts back and you can read about his exciting arrival! I do agree that midwives are excellent as are Duolas. Women have so many options today which is great.

[refade]

Mom, Dad and Brody are doing great! Brody went to his first doctors appointment today, his alittle jaundice, but nothing to get excited about. Courtney was extremely jaundice when I brought her home as a newborn. Everything else is perfect!!!!!! They're adjusting and so am I, it's taken me a bit longer, I want so bad to be there all the time for every move and sound, but that's not my part in this. So I'm learning to step back and let them handle it - and so far they're doing a pretty good job! I've been able to sleep and I think most of the rest of the family has been too. Great Grandma ( my mom ) is back in the hospital with a bacterial infection and dehydration- she has yet to see her 14th GReat grandchild. So please, if you will, say a few prayers that she comes home soon.

[refade]

MOM's home, and we can already see how the Brody is effecting her. When she was in the hospital she basically refused to eat. She didn't eat a lot today - but she did eat some. She loves just watching him sleep. Don't we all?

[Calidreemer]

Hi Refrade! I am glad to hear your mother is doing better. I am sure she is enjoying being around Brody.

How is Courtney doing? Is she doing her school work at home or is she considered on maternity leave? I can't remember if our girls had their homework brought to them and received tutoring at home after the birth of their baby. How is Brian doing with Brody?

You are all in my thoughts and I hope things continue to go well for all of you. Keep us posted!

[refade]

HI! Things are going well. We are taking Brody on his first real outing today - a friends daughter's Bat Mitzva. Starting Monday a tutor will come to our house and help Courtney with her schoolwork. She will be out of School until Feb 17. and the tutor will bring her her work two or three times per week. Brian has been excellent - he's a bit over the top sometimes, but always has good intentions, he just makes more of a bath, bed and feeding then needs to be. It's not a major production and if it were, nobody would get anything else done around here. Great Grandma held Brody for the first time yesterday and I think the whole house lit up with the glow on everyone's faces. It's a joy to have him, and so far ( knock on wood) he's been a pretty content little guy. Thanks - I'll continue to keep in touch.
Refade

[refade]

Brody is growing by leaps and bounds. Courtney quit pumping so she's having a little trouble finding the right formula that he will tolerate. Enfimil with LIPIL - is what they gave him at the hospital but he'll spit it up bigtime 45 minutes to an hour later, she's now trying Emfimil soy with LIPIL but now he seems to get constipated. Any suggestions? Other than that, the family is doing well. Courtney has only had one tutoring session because of the weather, but she'll be catching up soon. I'm supposed to go back to work starting in February. Brain will be taking care of Brody in the Morning when Courtney returns to school (his sister will watch him one day a week when Brian has school) and Courtney will be home when Brian has to go to work or school at night. They've worked this all out between them - and I think it will work. I may only be working part time - so I'll be around too to help.
Refade

[refade]

Well, I won't be going back to work. My employer won't take me back part-time, and I cannot leave my mom on a full time basis. Anybody know someone who needs help part-time? I'll have help for my mom from 9:30 to 1:30. God has a plan I know - but I just wish I had a little control over mine. In any case I'll be able to help with Brody when needed. He's doing good, and I'm learning to back off and let them handle things. Courtney's a great mom - Brian's a little overe the top but he's getting better too. They've had their ups and downs just like any new parents but they-re working them out. For being so young they have a lot of determination.

[Calidreemer]

Don't forget that you can be a paid caregiver for Courtney through the childcare subsidy. It's not much (about $8 hr) but it's something. I don't know about specific jobs, but sometimes companies offer job shares where two people fill one full time position. You might try to look up the companies in your area and see if they offer something like that. I would also suggest contract work. Manpower Professional offers positions (like the old temping but with benefits) as do other companies like Kelly. This might be a good option to get something quickly and typically contractors are paid more then those in the permanent positions because they assume all the risk. It's also a good way to get a foot into a company.

I am glad to hear Brian and Courtney are rolling with the punches. I can't imagine trying to handle all they have to. Lots of responsibility. I am glad Brody is so easy going, that makes things much easier.