Once a single mother has her housing and childcare resources under control, her subsequent objective is to make certain that her child has adequate heath and nutritional attention. On a limited income and without any parenting skills or counseling, teenage mothers would probably not realize the relevance of good nutrition and caring for a baby properly. Young single mums resources ought to include a list of health and nutritional necessities that will assist both the baby and mother to survive and thrive.
A few young single mums may want to breast-feed their newborn, as studies have shown that breast-feeding grants a newborn good general health and a strong immune system. However, a number of teenage single mums might not understand how to breast-feed, or may fear that breast-feeding will damage the size of their breasts. The La Leche League is a resource where one can get information in regards to breast-feeding, and in certain places they do specialize in helping young single mums, by creating specialized meetings for them. There are very few other young single mums resources that stress the benefits of breast-feeding as thoroughly as the La Leche League.
The WIC is a federally funded service, created to provide needy women with nutritious foods, nutritional counseling, and referrals to specialist health care. Generally, the program caters for children up to 5 years and the mum needs to be eligible for the program, depending on earnings and other aspects. The program is administered at the state level and one must contact the state's social service program to apply. So far as young single mums resources are concerned, this is one of the better nutritional assistance programs that the Federal government sponsors.
By registering with the state's department of social services, the teenage mother might have various other young single mums resources made available to her, like food stamps. Food coupons are now given in the shape of an electronic benefits transfer card, which works in the same way as a debit card and is quite discreet. Qualifying for benefits at the social services agency takes time and patience, but can offer a level of support that is dependable for a short while.
Public schools give the opportunity to low income residents to have their children join in the federal school lunch system. Breakfast and special milk programs are also available. These programs are partially funded by the Federal government and are there to ensure that children obtain adequate nutrition while in school.
Neighborhood food banks provide a limited supply of groceries to those that register. The food banks are usually privately funded, however the number of forms to complete is not very big, in comparison to applying for food stamps. In a pinch, most families rely on their local food banks to fill their pantries when they are short of cash. Local food banks are one of the most helpful of all young single mums resources, as they allow those that are less fortunate to use their money for some of their other products.