Hello my name is Tiffany Ashe, and on May 19, 2005 I gave birth to a healthy baby boy at the Potomac Hospital in Woodbridge, Virginia.  My son’s name is Syeare Mekhi Perrin-Ashe, and his weight at birth was 5 pounds 13 ounces.  He was born natural and he is a healthy perfect baby boy.  His name means “Africa King,” his nickname is King Siah.

Prior to giving birth, I received all my medical care from the Adler Center for Women’s Health, and each doctor and all of the midwives and nurses were very patient, helpful, informative, kind, gentle, and they cared about my needs. They made sure I received the best care for my unborn child and myself. As a teen mother, I received lots of instructions and all the love and prayers from my family and friends. I also received support from my church.

From the time I conceived, until the birth of my son, my life has changed. In my personal opinion, I have grown from a teenager to becoming a teen mother. My pregnancy was very stressful, my school was put on hold; however, I still have plans to continue my education and get my High School Diploma. I owe a lot of thanks to my teachers for encouraging me to continue my education. As a young teen, my health was in danger, due to the fact that I had lots of complications in my earlier months, but I attended all my doctor appointments, and I took the advice of my peers. I tried to eat healthy food for my baby’s sake, I took prenatal vitamins, and I drank lots of water. I gained over 30 pounds. I did not put anything harmful in my body, because it was important to my health and my baby’s growth.

During my eighth month, I had about five false labors, and my baby was at risk of coming into the world early, but with the support of the Adler Center physicians and midwives and the healing advice that I received, I managed to carry my baby full term. My estimated due date was May 18, 2005; Sharon, the midwife, delivered my baby one day later.

One program that has really helped me was The Empowering Parents for Teens. And all of my counselors were very supportive in getting me prepared for parenthood. I thank God for these programs, and all of the time and support that these counselors pour into these programs. I met a lot of other teenagers with babies and now we all have a bond of friendship, which is very close. My advice to you if you are a youth, like me, please seek the care you need for yourself and your unborn baby. Think before you make life-changing choices, and realize that life does not stop after childbirth, it begins.

To my mom: I love you for giving me life, raising me and caring for me, and most of all loving me with all your heart, now it is my turn to pass that love on to my son.

This story is dedicated to my mom, my son, my son’s father, and my family.