The HYPE journal
SHine SA has produced HYPE, a journal for young women at school who are going to be a mum, to help guide them through pregnancy and the first 12 months of their baby's life.
The HYPE journal is filled with information about what they may experience during pregnancy, the birth and what to expect after the baby is born. It also gives them a chance to write about their thoughts, feelings and experiences. More importantly HYPE encourages young women to stay connected with their school during their pregnancy and once they become a mum.
The information in this journal comes from a range of sources. We have looked at what's happening with young mums here and overseas. Some of the tips are just common sense. But a lot of the information comes from other young mums who have already faced the challenge of parenting while staying at school.
It's from these young women sharing their stories, telling us how things could have been done better and what things could have made their lives easier that we have developed two of the characters in this journal. The journal follows Sam's story during her pregnancy and for a year after her baby is born. Sam gets a lot of support from her friend Hannah, who had her baby Ella while she was at school and is now at TAFE.
We have also created two other characters. Jo is Sam's student counsellor and helps Sam to manage her schooling. Kim is a health professional who provides medical tips on pregnancy and looking after your baby.
The HYPE journal is available free to any young woman in a South Australian school who is pregnant. Schools can order the journal by emailing pawelski.sharon@health.sa.gov.au or phoning SHine SA on 8300 5300.
We would like to thank all the young mums who have contributed to this project and we wish bright, happy futures for them and their babies.
