Did you say you were my age when this happened?
I was 19 when I got pregnant, and 20 when I gave birth.
Were you living with your parents during this time?
I was living with my Dad at the time.
Did your parents support you?
My Dad very much so (he was my birthing partner), but when it comes to looking after the baby, I've never had (because I never asked) for any help -- I'm the mum, I decided to have him, so it's my responsibility.
Did you have to move out?
No I didn't. Even if he was angry at me at the time, was he really going to throw out his daughter and baby grandson? Very unlikely. And my son now being around his grandad all the time is wonderful -- many children only see their grandparents occasionally, and its lovely my baby has so much contact with other members of his family.
Did you get a job?
I did (well, I already had two but gave one up). But I also got Child Benefit (which everyone must claim), and Child Tax Credits. Babies are certainly not as expensive as people make them out to be -- if you want to get them an £10000 cot, of course they will be! It's about managing money like anything else.
What qualifications did you have at the time?
I was in the second year of degree. Came back from the summer 25 weeks pregnant, finished the first semester 37 weeks pregnant, had him over Christmas and came back when he was 4 weeks old. I took him to uni with me -- friends looked after him for 2 hours twice a week, and the rest of the time he's been by mummy's side!
What qualifications were you planning to do?
My plans haven't changed. An Msc and then a PGCE.
Were you set back in any way regarding time and education?
Not at all. At first I was doing my degree for me, and now I do it for my son -- what better motivation is there? It worked for me -- despite a bump in the road, I'm on course for a 68 at an RG university.
Remember, cake doesn't need to be made from the finest organic ingredients and cooked in a world class kitchen to be delicious. As long as you love cake, and will do anything you make the cake do well (including looking after yourself as the chef), that's all the cake needs. There is never a right time to have a baby - in five years, you may be working, or moving house etc -- but when they arrive...well, you'll have to feel it to know. It's magical
Good luck!