in their voice
We are committed to capturing the voices and the experiences of our participants throughout their transition into parenthood. Below are some snapshots of the experiences that participants have shared with us -- in their voices. Use the menu to the right below to navigate.
August '08
"Ever since I got pregnant, I have been happy. My goals are to finish school and take care of my baby. Sometimes I get nervous but I'm happy."
~ Female participant at baseline interview
"I just have more things to do at home. I can't go places like I used to. My hope is to be happy and staying with the father because my fears are just him leaving me with two kids to take on my own. I think I got stricter with myself but I can be calm at some points."
~ Female participant at 6-month postpartum interview
"I am excited because it's a part of me and I am having it with the person I love. It will change me to become a better man and teach me how to be responsible. I am not nervous about anything because I know everything is going to be well."
~ Male participant at baseline interview
"It has made me love life more and I would like to provide everything for my son. I want to also have an understanding for my son and my girlfriend."
~ Male participant at 6-month postpartum interview
June '08
"Well as far as being a parent, a lot of things have changed. It made me more mature and also allowed me to make some good decisions. It made me happy because it is a great thing to happen to me or anyone. I've also learned that I could control being a parent and I think I'm a great mother. My son makes me really happy. The most important thing is that my relationship with my boyfriend got stronger and it has made us a great family."
~ Female participant at 6 month postpartum interview
"My life has been very exciting. I am happy but also very anxious about the baby's arrival. Sometimes I get nervous about being a mom because it is my first time and I hope I do a better job. Other than that, I'm really excited to start my new life with my baby. My life has changed but in a good way; this pregnancy has brought me and my partner closer together physically and mentally and I couldn't ask for anything more."
~ Female participant at baseline interview
"Being a new parent has made me more aware of my kids needs. My kid's mother and I have been more patient. I have more respect for people, myself and my kid's mother. My emotions have changed a lot; sometimes I find myself crying which relieves stress."
~ Male participant at 6 month postpartum interview
"It's been a good emotional ride and it has brought me and my girlfriend closer together. I am excited to see, hold and basically have a connection with my son."
~ Male participant at baseline interview
April '08
"My life and preparing for the baby has been good. I am excited about just seeing my baby knowing that she's mine forever. I'm nervous about her father being there for her."
~ Female participant
"Well it's like this: I am excited for everything to go good. I am not nervous about having a baby, but I hope to be a good father like my dad. I really don't see this change in my life to be bad and I am willing to make it better. I am almost done with school so I can help my kids."
~ Male participant
"My life has felt more like a challenge. I am excited about seeing the baby. The new experience makes me nervous because I don't know what to expect. It has changed how I feel; like I'm on a time limit."
~ Male participant
February '08
"I am excited about being a mother; loving my child and giving him everything it needs and my child loving me. I'm nervous about providing and my child being healthy. My life has not changed that much, I'm just trying to get a better education to have a job in the future."
~ Female participant
"Very crazy, I no longer live with my parents and it is hard for them not to have that control over me and [my boyfriend's] parents are very different than mine (personality wise). But everyone is excited about our baby. Recently, everyone has been getting more excited...holding him, feeding him, clothing him and everything."
~ Female participant
"Life has been very busy ever since finding out about the baby. A lot of family visits and preparation. I am very excited to hold my baby and watch him grow and see him experience life and life as a family. I'm nervous about how now every decision I make will affect my child's life. My life has changed for the better and I am very excited for this new experience to start."
~ Female participant
"I am very excited about having a child. My life has been a little hectic since I've been preparing for the baby because I have been working a lot of hours a week (almost 60). The only thing I am nervous about is not being able to provide enough for my family. My life has changed because everything I do now is not just for me anymore, its all about the baby."
~ Male participant
"Well, I'm very prepared for my daughter to be here and I think I'm going to be a good father. I am going to be sure that I do my best to be there for my beautiful daughter and I'm going to make sure that she grows up to be a very happy individual and I hope she puts her whole potential to the extreme."
~ Male participant
January '08
"Being pregnant by someone I adore and love dearly is the best feeling in the world. Being high risk causes me to worry of my baby's well being and health but we have to just be positive and continue to hope and pray for the best."
~ Female participant
"As I prepare for the baby my life has been great! Me and my partner have been and still are looking forward to being parents. We have a nice open, committed relationship, looking forward to the future."
~ Female participant
"I'm excited because this is my first and I'm looking forward to watch my child grow and me right by her side. I can't do what I want anymore. I have to think about the baby and she's not even here yet."
~ Male participant
"My life has changed a lot because it makes me more responsible and happier knowing that I'm going to be a parent. I'm nervous too because it is my first child and I have to learn how to be a good father and teach my son about life."
~ Male participant
December '07
"For the most part I'm very excited about becoming a father. This will open up new opportunities for me and I will try my best to be the best father I can be."
~ Male participant
"My life is turning out great. I get everything I need and soon after the baby is born it will be much easier for me because my baby's mother can also help me out and I can do the same thing for her. When the baby is born she will have everything she needs and more."
~ Male participant
"My life preparing for my baby has been crazy! Trying to get money for this and that, trying to have and get all the help I can. I am excited that I am bringing a baby in this world; someone who is gonna love me unconditionally no matter what."
~ Female participant
"I'm excited about bringing a new baby into the world and I love kids. I am very nervous about giving birth. I'm so scared of the pain, but I believe in myself. I know I can do this! Yes, it will be hard to finish school and go to work, but I believe in myself and I know I can do it! Let the changes begin!"
~ Female participant
October '07
"My life has changed from chillen' out on the street doing what I shouldn't do--now I am working, taking care of my girl and unborn child...I feel good that I am having a baby and I stay out of trouble."
~ Male participant
"When I found out my partner was pregnant it was a shock to me because we were having some troubles in our relationship. But, I was one happy man I tell you. I was very excited to know that I was going to be a father. I know that little ups and downs may occur, but I was ready to make a change and let life come as it does. All I know was that both of our lives were going to change and we were both happy to say that we were bringing a new life to this world."
~ Male participant
"Since I became pregnant my life has changed a lot. I married the father of my baby and we've moved into our own place. I've had to be a lot more careful in the choices I make in the simplest ways. I have to be careful of what I eat and activities I do."
~ Female participant
"I'm kind of nervous of giving labor and kind of nervous of becoming a teenage parent. Preparing for the baby has been exciting because I like shopping more than I used to and it is just a fun time. I'm excited about holding my daughter. It has changed all around because I'm not a teenage mom--I'm a parent."
~ Female participant
September '07
"I feel excited and really can't wait for this life-changing experience. I know love will become redefined."
~ Male participant
"I'm nervous and excited at the same time. For me it's great because I am a recovering alcoholic and addict so it's like being in heaven. It's the best decision I have ever made."
~ Male participant
"Sometimes I do worry about how well I'll be able to cope with a needy newborn. I know it will be hard, but I'm very ready for the challenge."
~ Female participant
"I can't wait to see how the new baby and her father interact, and how my daughters are going to get along."
~ Female participant
August '07
"My life has changed a whole lot and now I want to even finish school."
~ Female participant
"I'm excited about seeing my little baby walking and playing with me; it's just beautiful."
~ Male participant
"I'm very nervous because I don't know everything, but I'll learn."
~ Male participant
June '07
"It is different for everybody but some of the younger girls think if she has a baby by him then he is going to stay with her, but he's not going to stay if he didn't want to have the baby in the first place. Some girls want the baby just for themselves. That's how I was. I wanted the baby just for me so he didn't have to do anything. I can raise my baby all by myself!"
~ Female focus group participant
"I moved out when I was 15 and I practically raised my son. My boyfriend right now is like his father because he helped raise him and has been there 24/7 for this kid even though he annoys him a lot. He annoys everybody, but he's a kid."
~ Female focus group participant
"My life is better now because my kids are holding me down, keeping me out from jail and keeping me focused. I'm making them have a better life than I ever had. That's all I want for my kids."
~ Female focus group participant
May '07
"Everything was great and we were really excited, and then BOOM the baby is born and everything changes."
~ Male focus group participant
