Teenage pregnancy

New Zealand continues to have one of the highest rates

2nd only to the United States when compared with OECD countries

An Overview

Increased risk of Antenatal complications Increased risk of mortality Failure to complete schooling Socio-Economic disadvantage Maternal Depression Less competent parenting

Problems In the Young Mums

Higher rates of health problems Physical injury Behavioural difficulties Cognitive problems Educational under achievement

Problems in the Children

Personal adjustment Educational opportunities Cultural Identification Family experiences

Contribute to their risk of an early pregnancy

Dependent on several factors

Government Initiatives put them alongside drug abuse and crime as issues to be

‘tackled’

Being seen as a ‘bad’ thing

Facing disapproval

Society Attitude

Common problems-Attitude

Apathy

Disinterest

Know it all

Maybe poor school achievers

Short attention span

Attitude

No transport

Who else is coming

Confidentiality

Conflict with other class participants

Too busy

Other excuses

No two way communication

Sessions must be short and engaging

Reading & Writing

Very quiet participants

Drug taking

Class challenges

Less scrutiny from older mums who seem to ‘have it all’

Increased attendance rate

Get away from the stigma

Information in a secure environment

So Why Bother?

Investigating traditional Maori practices

Discussing birthing 3rd stage whilst making clay pot

Making muka strands from flax to tie off the cord

Cultural Awareness

YouTube DVD

Email Twitter

Facebook Chat Rooms

Drop in sessions Text Messaging

Different Approaches

"Studies show that teen pregnancy drops off significantly after the age of 25“

Ref: Colorado Springs local newspaper (1999)

Final Fact