A MOTHER has opened up on having her first child at the age of 13 and the judgement she faced as a result.
Michele Dalton, a mum-of-four who gave birth for the first time when she was just a teenager, explained that not only did trolls think her baby should have been taken away from her, but people always made the same rude assumptions too.
The brunette beauty, who grew up on a trailer park, revealed all on being a young mother and was keen to clap back at the doubters.
Posting on social media, the 36-year-old content creator who started high school as a mother, got candid on her teen pregnancy.
She said: “I had my first baby at 13, of course y’all think I should have given her away for someone else to raise because I was ‘too young’ to be a mum to a baby.”
Not only this, but the influencer, who is also now a grandmother, added: “I had my first baby at 13, of course the first thing that you’re going to do is judge me, but I would appreciate it if you would not and you would give me the benefit of the doubt.”
As well as this, Michele, who is from the US, then confirmed that her child’s father is no longer in her life.
She continued: “I had my first baby when I was 13, of course strangers’ first question is ‘where is her sperm donor at?’ – not in our life.”
Michele also went on to reveal more about what it was like to be a young mother, as she confirmed: “I had my first baby at 13, of course I’ve spent my entire life taking care of someone mentally, financially, emotionally and every single form that a mum takes care of a child.”
If that wasn’t enough, Michele concluded: “I had my first baby at 13, of course I knew that choosing to raise her was going to change my entire life – of course I also had no idea that the life that I envisioned would not in fact be the life that we lived.”
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @micheleeeed, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up over 7,400 likes.
But social media users were left totally divided by Michele’s confessions.
Whilst some were eager to support her, others weren’t as complimentary.
One person said: “You raised her and loved her the way she needed, so there is no judgement because you did an amazing job.”
Let’s not normalise this
TikTok user
Another added: “I would never judge you.”
At the same time, someone else slammed: “Let’s not normalise this.”
Which areas of the UK have the highest rate of teen pregnancies?
- Middlesbrough (43.8)
- St Helens (37.1)
- Halton (34.9)
- Hartlepool (33.2)
- North East Lincolnshire (33.2)
- Blackpool (32.9)
- Hyndburn (32.8)
- Kingston upon Hull (32.7)
- Norwich (31.3)
- Salford (30.7)
Source: ONS
Whilst another questioned: “Why are you proud??”
To this, Michele responded: “To bother people like YOU.”
Meanwhile, another user wrote: “This is not a flex.”
In response, proud mum Michele clapped back: “My whole a** life is A FLEX.”
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Here's why I love being a young mum
Tracy Kiss, who fell pregnant at 19, has revealed what she believes are the pros of being a young mother.
The personal trainer and blogger, from Buckinghamshire, believes women who give birth in their teens make BETTER mothers than those in their 30s.
She claims young mums snap back into shape quicker, have more energy and relate more easily to their children, meaning they’re better behaved and happier.
Tracy told Fabulous: “Women who become first-time mums in their teens make better parents than those in their 30s or 40s.
“I believe if I’d been 10 or so years older before becoming a mother then I wouldn’t have the relationship I have with my children now.
“For a start, being older I would have had less energy and therefore less patience.
“I wouldn’t be as enthusiastic to speak to people after months of sleepless nights as I was in my teens.
“My body snapped back to its pre-pregnancy size through fitness post-birth, which in turn gave me the confidence to date and find love again. I’ve never been happier than I am now at the age of 30 with two children.
“If I’d have been alone at 40 with a newborn baby I’d be more tired, less happy with my body, less energetic and far more stressed from the shock of living my life for myself instead of putting others first. Sometimes age and the innocence of ignorance is a good thing.
“As a teen mum I just got on with it, found my feet and became responsible and capable because at the time I didn’t know any different.”
