I'm a teen mum

Amy is just 16 but already a mother. She emailed us how she coped with a violent boyfriend and a pregnancy...

I was just like every other normal kid, at the age of 16. Worrying about exams, going to school and just having a laugh with friends. Now I'm singing to a 1 month-old baby in my arms. My cousin introduced me to his friend Luke, he was quite a bit taller than me, with spiky black hair and green eyes. We got chatting and he seemed really nice.

When I got home he messaged me asking if I'd like to meet up again. I thought it wouldn't matter as he seemed like a nice enough boy. As time went by we became really close. Soon he asked me out and I said yes, things were going well.

I was 3 months younger then him and was worried that he might want something more once he'd turned 16, but he didn't seem too bothered about it.

This suited me just fine, as I was in no rush to do anything like that. As it got closer to my birthday he started to bring sex up more and more but I just wasn't ready for that kind of relationship. He told me that every one of his mates at school had done it and that there was nothing to worry about. I felt so frustrated and annoyed with him for even suggesting it.

“He accused me of having sex with someone else.”

Things kept getting better

My birthday had come and he took me out for dinner at this wonderful hotel. He'd gone all out to make it special. He even brought me a ring that said 'I love you' on it. It was really nice. He told me he had another surprise that he'd booked us a room in the hotel. I was so shocked he spent so much for just one day. We went up and the room was lovely.

He told me he wanted to make this night special. Although he had protection I didn't know if he'd ever used a condom before, but I was too scared to say anything in case he thought I was stupid. I realize now, that speaking up would have been the sensible thing to do.

I didn't hear from him for ages after that, I texted him a few times and tried calling, but it always went to answer phone. I was back at school and I told my closest friend Catherine what had gone on. She pointed out that he'd set the whole thing up and having sex was the only thing on his mind. I felt upset that he said he loved me. After a while he got back in touch and said he was sorry for what had happened.

He turned into someone different

I'd been feeling sick and throwing up of a lot. I didn't want to tell him, because I thought I loved him and I wanted him there for me but eventually I plucked up the courage. That night he came round and I told to him calmly that I thought the condom might have split and that I might be pregnant. Once I'd finished he got up and started shouting at me for even suggesting it.

He accused me of having sex with someone else. The next thing I knew I was on the floor, he'd hit me and I went flying. He just looked at me disgusted while I lay there crying. He told me he never wanted to see me again.

Finding out

Catherine told me she'd come with me after school to get a pregnancy test. I was so glad I could rely on her, and that she was there for me. I walked over to the counter to pay for the test, dreading the thought of someone asking me a question or giving me a dirty look. I rushed home and my legs wouldn't stop shaking until I got to my bathroom.

I was terrified as I waited for the result. Then the sign came up that I was pregnant; I just burst out crying. I had so many feeling and emotions inside I didn't know what else to do.

Amazing friends and family

My mum knocked on the door to see if I was ok. I unlocked the door slowly with the white stick in my hand and my mascara running down my face. My mum was extremely disappointed and tried to talk me into an abortion. Although I knew it wasn't a person yet, it would be one day and they'd be my son or daughter. But luckily my mum stood by me. I don't think I could of done it without her or Catherine.

It was the 1st of Feb and I was as big as a house. Almost a year had gone past, and I hadn't seen Luke since he'd left. Catherine had come round and as I got up to make a cup of tea I realized my waters had broken. My mum drove me to the hospital and by the time I'd got there I was about 2cm dilated. If felt so weird, something I'd never experienced before. When my baby boy arrived I was extremely tired but filled with joy all at the same time.

Now here I am holding Liam in my arms, he's 1 month old and he's a lovely healthy baby. I can't believe after all that happened, we were able to make the most beautiful baby ever. Me and mum moved shortly after Liam was born, to a bigger house. I just hope Luke doesn't come looking for us. Even though it's been a really tough time and having a baby is so much work I'm still really happy and pleased with my child.