Young mum

[50plusmum]

My friend daughter is 16 and pregnant. Looking for advice about support or any other young mums to give some advice. The daughter wants to proceed with the pregnancy but lacks information to support the baby. At present she seems reliant on my friend (her mother) for financial support until she is 18?

Depending on where you are she can claim universal credit then income support when baby is born I think. if shes not planning on staying in education then she can still apply for all the normal stuff there. Support wise help out when you can. little treats here and there. If it's anything like when I got pregnant at 15 I went through days of thinking what am I doing to completely in love with the idea. She can look into getting a job if she wishes though it'll be hard being pregnant. If her mum is ok with her DD living with her and baby for two years its probably the best for extra support in the early days.

Also healthy start vouchers. The midwives at the booking appointment should go through what benefits she will be entitled to also citizen advice is a good source of info

Thank you it's such a blank canvas and young age and my friend is also a solo parent working full time to support her daughter and other siblings along with her ex husband who contributes and they are working together to offer support each other throughout. The young father has been told and they are hoping he stands up and contributes once the baby is born.

If she feels supported and loved it goes a long way with a tiny baby at that age. I felt like I was constantly fighting to not become a statistic

Problem at moment is she is 16 and only person to give authorise to enable her mum to be able to talk to relevant parties as social worker was meant to be coming out but my friend said her daughter has to authorise this to happen to discuss her options. She appears shielding about whole situation And won't open up to let her parents help get all the necessary information and help to support her forward. My friend and her ex just want help also to be able to help her cope and support her and the baby.

She can apply for Universal Credit exactly 11 weeks before baby is born. She will need to apply on that date and not before as they will just close the claim. She will need to provide matb1 or alternative letter stating estimated due date. She should also be able to apply for maternity grant once on Universal Credit which will be a one off payment. She can then get child benefit once baby is born. If she isn’t in a Universal Credit area she will need to apply for income support instead. She may also be able to get sure start vouchers which her midwife can give her more information on.

Has she had her midwife appointment yet?

Thank you . She about to have her first midwife appointment and to date doesn't want her mum in the room so it's becoming stressful to know how to help her

The only thing her mum can do is take her to the appointments and respect her wishes until she feels ready to let her in. it might just be the shock of it all just after the booking appointment she may want more support. if her mum is just the other side of the door at least she can call her in if she changes her mind or be there to ask how it went. it's a tough situation for everyone I imagine