Woman to Woman: Young Moms

(WSVN) -- It can be the greatest news ... Or the most devastating if you're not expecting it.

Joanna White who is expecting a baby boy says, "So I took a test and it came out positive, and I took another one 'cause I didn't believe that one, it came out positive."

Joanna White didn't plan on getting pregnant.

At 19 and still in high school, being a young mom was the last thing on her mind.

She says, "I was nervous because I'm not well situated yet to take care of a baby."

But you can get through it.

To begin with, experts say young moms should turn to their families for support.

Joanna says, "My mom's helped me out a lot, my dad's helped me out a lot, he's been real supportive."

You can also try joining a church group or a playgroup, where you can share your experiences with others.

There are also many social service agencies to help meet educational and financial needs.

Christina Garrison, Executive Director of Tub of Love says, "Unfortunately, there's a lot of needy moms who are less fortunate out there that don't have what they need."

Christina Garrison runs a non-profit group called Tub of Love.

With help and donations from volunteers, like these students from Glades Middle School in Southwest Miami-Dade, Christina collects, wraps and then gives out tubs full of baby items to moms in need.

Christina says, "I was looking around at how many people were in need, just in the school around me and my friend and I decided we were going to do something to help out."

Christina's been giving out tubs and smiles for three years now.

She says when she sees the parents-to-be, it's all worth it.

She says, "As a woman, it makes me feel that I'm making another woman happy and that makes me feel happy 'cause I would love, if I was in that position, for someone to make me feel that way."

Joanna received a much needed tub of love after completing a local pregnancy course.

She's due in August.

Joanna says, "I'm waiting for those no sleep nights and feeding him, getting a chance to get a bond with him."

In order to receive a tub of love, moms-to-be have to be registered with a social service agency.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Contact: bcanals@wsvn.com

Tub of Love

http://www.tub-of-luv.com