Leslie, 17, mother of 2-week-old Milton, is a single mother who is new to your community. Milton's father left Leslie during her pregnancy while they were both in drug rehab, and she does not have any contact with her family. You are the support worker assigned to Leslie after a public health nurse reported that Leslie had troubles bathing and feeding Milton and adjusting to her new role as a mother. You are to report any concerns to your supervisor. Leslie is currently breastfeeding Milton. Milton weighed 3.6 kg (8 lb.) at birth and, according to his pediatrician, has grown and gained weight well. On the two last visits, Leslie seemed to have no trouble changing him, bathing him, or knowing when to bring him to his doctor for weekly visits. On your visit today, Leslie greets you at the door, carrying Milton in one arm and holding a cigarette in her other hand. She looks as if she has been crying. Milton is crying, wet, and obviously needs a diaper change. Leslie says that she thinks that her decision to keep Milton was a wrong one and that she wants to spend more time with her friends. While you watch Leslie change Milton's diaper, you notice her hands are shaking. Leslie then says that she has been feeling very lonely and sad lately and asks if smoking a “joint” (i.e., marijuana cigarette) to help her relax will be harmful to Milton. You are unsure how to answer Leslie's question. What should you do? What can you say to her? Who can she turn to for help in your community?
Leslie, 17, mother of 2-week-old Milton, is a single mother who is new to your community. Milton's father left Leslie during her pregnancy while they were both in drug rehab, and she does not have any contact with her family. You are the support worker assigned to Leslie after a public health nurse reported that Leslie had troubles bathing and feeding Milton and adjusting to her new role as a mother. You are to report any concerns to your supervisor. Leslie is currently breastfeeding Milton. Milton weighed 3.6 kg (8 lb.) at birth and, according to his pediatrician, has grown and gained weight well. On the two last visits, Leslie seemed to have no trouble changing him, bathing him, or knowing when to bring him to his doctor for weekly visits.
On your visit today, Leslie greets you at the door, carrying Milton in one arm and holding a cigarette in her other hand. She looks as if she has been crying. Milton is crying, wet, and obviously needs a diaper change. Leslie says that she thinks that her decision to keep Milton was a wrong one and that she wants to spend more time with her friends. While you watch Leslie change Milton's diaper, you notice her hands are shaking. Leslie then says that she has been feeling very lonely and sad lately and asks if smoking a “joint” (i.e., marijuana cigarette) to help her relax will be harmful to Milton. You are unsure how to answer Leslie's question.
What should you do?
What can you say to her?
Who can she turn to for help in your community?
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