Teen parents are often navigating pregnancy and birth while carrying layers of stigma, judgment, and unmet educational needs. This episode shines a compassionate light on why teens deserve the same evidence-based, respectful childbirth education as any adult—delivered in ways that truly meet them where they are. With honesty, heart, and deep practical experience, this conversation explores how education can shift teen parents from fear and shame toward confidence, agency, and long-term resilience. If you care about equity, dignity, and real-world impact in perinatal education, this episode is essential listening.

About Julie Thompson

Julie Ruckstuhl Thompson, ICCE is a certified childbirth educator, doula, and longtime special education professional with a passion for supporting adolescent parents. With 27 years of experience working with middle and high school students, Julie brings a developmentally informed, trauma-aware lens to childbirth education for teens. She teaches childbirth, baby care, and breastfeeding classes through the Colorado Adolescent Maternal Program (CAMP) and works closely with teen families in both hospital and community settings. Julie is a strong advocate for respectful care and believes deeply in helping young parents understand their choices, find their voice, and step into parenthood with confidence and dignity.

Listen: 

Watch: 

What You’ll Learn: 

  • Why childbirth education for teens requires a different approach than adult-focused classes
  • How stigma and judgment impact teen parents’ birth experiences—and what educators can do to change that
  • Why developmentally appropriate teaching builds confidence and advocacy skills, not just knowledge
  • How respectful education during pregnancy can strengthen long-term parenting outcomes
  • Why teen parents deserve choice, voice, and agency in birth just like any other family
  • How educators and doulas can support teens without “promoting” teen pregnancy, while fostering resilience and healthy futures

Resources: 

  • CAMP – Colorado Adolescent Maternity Parenting & Family Program
  • Contact Julie Thompson: [email protected]