A few months ago while working at Modern Allo, I connected with another gal working in the coffee shop area of the space. We got to chatting and of course, I asked her how old her kiddo was, since it’s typically safe to assume everyone at Modern Allo is there with a kiddo. Wrong!
She was actually there working and mentoring one of her teen mom program participants, whose kiddo was in the kids club with my little guy. We got to chatting more, and come to find out, this gal I met supports local East Valley teen moms through Tempe YoungLife.
As we got to chatting more, I was so inspired by the resilience and can-do attitude of Emily’s teen moms who are navigating new motherhood so young in their lives, I wanted to share one of her moms story’s about how she juggles pursuing her education while raising her daughter, including navigating pumping during high school to nourish her daughter.
Tempe YoungLives is a local faith-based ministry to teen parents in the Tempe-Ahwatukee area. While teen motherhood often translates into a loss of hope for a future, Tempe YoungLives believes that there is true hope for teen moms and their children.
Through one-on-one mentorship, group events, and camp experiences, Tempe YoungLives empowers young parents to make positive choices for their future, grow their faith, and get connected to an authentic community with other teen parents. If you’d like to get involved or learn more, you can check out their Facebook page here!
-Amy
Name: Rainelle Ordorica
Age: 20
Location: Tempe, AZ
Children: Nancie (2)
Tell us about transitioning to being a working mom. What surprised you? How do you make it work?
Going back to high school after having my daughter was a weird experience. When the time came to return back to school after giving birth, I decided to continue my breastfeeding journey. I was surprised by how difficult it was to pump every day outside of my home. The constant washing of pump parts and bottles was a lot, especially with having to carry around my pump bag everywhere I went. I made pumping work for me by having an amazing support system established. I had so many people share their breastfeeding stories with me and help me when I needed it.
Were you able to take maternity leave? Tell us about that experience.
I was able to get two weeks off for maternity leave. Those two weeks flew by so quickly and I wasn’t fully healed by the time I went back to school. Nonetheless, I took it easy while walking around campus and used an elevator key to get up and down the stairs.
Tell us about your role and how you got to this point in your career:
I am a stay-at-home mom and a college student. I gave birth to my daughter a month into my senior year of high school. Ever since, I have continued my education. I graduated with my class and began my next chapter at Mesa Community College.
Tell us a bit more about your current job title and the ins and outs of your day-to-day work:
I am a stay-at-home mom to my toddler, Nancie. I am also a full-time student at Mesa Community College. My days can become very overwhelming, very fast. Even during my virtual classes, I am still a mom first. Sometimes I need to step away for a few minutes from class to give my daughter a snack, take her to the potty or give her some of my attention. Some days my daughter wants to be all independent and other days, she wants to nurse all day. The balance between motherhood and student life is a challenge, especially during this pandemic.
Can you walk us through your typical workday?
My day starts off with making breakfast and getting my daughter ready for the day. After breakfast, I get myself ready while my daughter has individual play time. Around 11, I get ready any things I need for my class that day like printing worksheets or charging my calculator. I log onto my classes everyday around 11:40.
During that time I let my daughter pick what she wants to do, continue play time or watch a movie. After my class we have a small lunch together before I put her down for a nap. During my daughters nap, I get a chance to start homework, assignments, or just get some quality time with myself. After she wakes, we usually play together or go for a walk before having dinner
The rest of the evening moves fairly quickly. I give my daughter and I a shower, followed by some reading and relaxing time together. We are typically in bed by 8:30, at the latest.
Can you share a few mom hacks you rely on to make things work in your day-to-day life?
My favorite hack I use for an easy morning is while doing my daughter’s hair is playing music off my phone. It seems so simple, yet it keeps her entertained while I style her hair. She gets to listen to her favorite Disney songs without getting any screen-time. Another hack I love is books! Books are such a fun way to introduce new stories and interests in your child. Story time with my daughter has helped us build a calm and special bonding time, apart from nursing.
As a working mom, how did you decide what childcare situation was best for you and your family?
My daughter stayed with my aunt when I retuned back to school. It felt like the best option for our situation at the time. Eventually, I put my daughter into daycare one month before I graduated because I felt like we were both ready.
COVID has not changed our childcare situation because my daughter has been in my care since I graduated from high school. Being together at home, works best for us right now since I am extended breastfeeding my daughter and getting my associated degree.
For some fun chit-chat, now!
- Favorite East Valley date night activity: Date night at The Alamo! I love sitting back and relaxing with a good film.
- Coffee order: Peppermint white chocolate mocha, 2 sugar in the raw packets & substitute with almond milk.
- Greatest challenge in your career thus far: Staying strong and not giving up.
- Best mom advice you’ve been given: To cherish every moment, the good and the bad and to not forget that I am still a person after becoming a mother.
- Favorite family tradition: We throw a little gathering every year to watch The Oscars!
