I fell pregnant at 19 and was told ‘children shouldn’t have kids’ – but I wanted to be a young mum
A YOUNG mum has told how she was slated for falling pregnant for the first time aged 19.
Katie O’Neill was shocked when she was told “children shouldn’t be having kids”.
But she didn’t let the trolls bother her and a year after becoming a mum fell pregnant for the second time.
Katie, now 21, from Eyemouth, Berwickshire, said: “I’ve always from a young age wanted kids young.
“All my family also knew that, and that I always wanted to have two close together.
“I think a lot of the older generation look at it as kids having kids, and I was told that.
“But I think if you’re in the right place and feel ready then there’s no problem with it at all. It’s crazy how quick you mature once you find out you’re pregnant.”
Katie was a student when she discovered she was going to become a mum for the first time.
She decided to give up her studies to keep herself and her baby safe due to Covid.
Little Nylah arrived fit and healthy with no problems.
Katie then stunned everyone about nine months later when she announced she was expecting another.
But the birth of Kye at the start of February did not go as smoothly and she needed an emergency c-section.
After the traumatic birth she admitted the first few weeks of being a mum-of-two were tough.
Katie said: “There were times when it was a struggle.
“But that’s only because I needed an emergency section which made things ten times harder in the first few weeks.
“I was looking after a one-year-old and a newborn at the same time. But I had the best support off everyone.”
Katie was told she would destroy her body by having two youngsters so close together.
But it took her just two weeks to shed the weight.
She would like to become a mum for the third time but is planning to wait for a while before she takes the plunge into motherhood again.
Especially because she had five months of sickness both times she was pregnant.
Katie urged other young mums to follow their heart and not pay attention to the trolls.
She said: “They will have heard the same stuff as I did about kids having kids.
“They should just know that I’ve been there. Now I’m 21 and have two children under two.
“But I still manage to find time for myself. It’s not all as bad as everyone makes out.”
After having two kids so close together Katie revealed she is loving being able to go for nights out with pals again.
She said: “It feels good to be able to fit back into non-maternity clothes and go out on a Saturday again. It’s great to actually socialise and have a night off.
“Just because I’m a mum doesn’t mean I shouldn’t get to go and enjoy myself for a night.”
ENDS