Exclusive: Teen Mom's Amber: Living Without Child Is "Lowest of the Low"
Credit: MTV
In the new Us Weekly (out now), Teen Mom star Amber Portwood opens up living without her 2-year-old daughter Leah.
A post Thursday on UsMagazine.com incorrectly stated the child was taken away from her by Child Protective Services.
She and ex-fiance Gary Shirley actually both agreed that the girl is better off living with her father at the moment.
PHOTOS: Controversial moms in the spotlight
"Child Protective Services agreed it was safer for her to stay at Gary's because of all the photographers outside my house," says Portwood, 20, whose now-infamous physical attack on her ex led to a domestic abuse investigation by police in her Anderson, Ind., hometown.
Portwood -- who is currently taking meds to cope with anxiety and depression -- tells Us Weekly being away from her girl "is the lowest of the low. Every night she's been saying, 'Where's Mommy?'"
PHOTOS: Famous couples who grew up fast
"I feel like everything is spinning out of control, and I'm trying to put the pieces back together," she tells Us Weekly. "I have to get myself better so when I get my baby back, she sees her mom as happy as can be."
For more from the Teen Mom stars -- including whether Maci would ever get back together with Ryan; Farrah's battle with the family of her baby's father and whether Catelynn is cutting ties with her mom -- pick up the new Us Weekly today!
Tell Us What You Think
54I'm was a teen mom...and with every low there's a high. Being a mother is a step...you could be ready at 17 like you could still not be ready at 27. I will never blame being a teen mom for my actions. I have raised my child well and I am a happy fiance. This show is concentrating on the negative to stop teen from having kids...but to be honest having my daughter was the best thing that ever happened to me...I am 19 and I am in college, I have a house and a wonderfull husband. Sure there was hard times...but hitting your husband wont fix anything...and I do admit the guys on this show all look like real jerks...but who am I to judge..it might be just want they want us to believe. But I do have a man who did take his responsibilities and propose to me and takes good care of us. Amber has no support from Gary when she wanted to get better for her PHD, but there's also something more than that for her to hit him is WRONG. NOTHING gets fix with fighting...NOTHING!!!
I think its funny how amber's mom and brother instead of trying to get her help for her problem, is blaming gary for ambers temper & crap. She is old enough to own up to her mistakes.... instead of blaming everyone else for her problems. Amber Dont care about her kid. She is to busy making videos of herself getting drunk. And FYI amber... It doesnt matter where you move to, you are on tv and people are going to know who u are.
I actually think they make being a Teen Mom look harder than it really is, it can actually be avery good thing for some of these moms that they now have a baby to look out for and can no longer mess up. A new baby can give a mom a lot of determination and make them responsible instead of selfish, partying girls going no where~
60K is nothing, they should make that at the very least! Besides, I heard the moms don't have access to the money and it is put aside in a money market account for the kids, which isn't fair I think they should access to a portion of it!
Lisa: I don't think it's 60,000 per episode but each season. Even Jersey Shore cast doesn't make 60.000 per episode. But still, you're point is right on with what I said earlier...even 60,000 a season is too much. Already that pays for daycare if they want it, diapers and food, whatever. Very unrealistic.
Lisa: I don't think it's 60,000 per episode but each season. Even Jersey Shore cast doesn't make 60.000 per episode. But still, you're point is right on with what I said earlier...even 60,000 a season is too much. Already that pays for daycare if they want it, diapers and food, whatever. Very unrealistic.
Lisa: I don't think it's 60,000 per episode but each season. Even Jersey Shore cast doesn't make 60.000 per episode. But still, you're point is right on with what I said earlier...even 60,000 a season is too much. Already that pays for daycare if they want it, diapers and food, whatever. Very unrealistic.
It may not glamourize it but other teen girls are seeing these girls making 60,000 per episode and getting all this recognition and it looks very good to them.
I thought that the point of this show was to show the reality of having kids at too young an age- in so doing disuading other young girls from doing the same! I can't believe that the media has turned these unfortunate girls into celebrities of the moment.
Teen Moms also get paid 60K
I think they should just cancel the stupid show and leave these girls be. We have enough reality shows as it is we don't need this one.
I think that Amber is crazy and very emotional, but there is a story there with her child hood. And to grow up watching drama in your life, it's only natural to act out. Plus for Amber, I believe there is substance abuse for her. She lost too much weight to fast, she looks ill. And she comes off wrong to some people. I think she is worried about her partying life more than real life. It's hard being a teenage mom, but that's what happens when you decide to do adult things. LIKE SEX... deal with Amber. I pray for you and your family and I hope you get help, mentally, physicall and emotionally. I wish nothing but the best for you and your family, and your adorable little girl.
I think every teenager girl and boy needs to watch this show!! I'ts showing how hard it is when your young and have a baby for both girls and guys. They all think it wont happen to them. Maybe if they made all students watch the show it would cut down on teen pregnancy. I think it's a great show. Don't know what ur talking about glorified. If i was a tennage mom I would do the show also even if u want to say it's for fame. They have to get money from somewhere.
How can ANYONE (Christina Butler) think that this show "glamorizes" being a teen mom? I don't see having to go to mediation to work out a custody agreement as glamorous - or having to bust your ass to make ends meet just so you can take care of your daughter. You're delusional if you think the show is glamorizing being a teen mom.
I agree with Gina Rose. I think this is a wake up call to young girls who get pregnant & think that the father will fall more in love w/them and stick around. Teen boys are notoriously immature and will not only feel tied down, but start resenting the mother and baby. I do give kudos though to Gary (he's kind of a doormat though for Amber) and the other guy (I can't remember his name, the one that gave up his daughter for adoption w/his girlfriend). I haven't seen this for a while, but the last time I saw it that couple seemed so sweet, that boy seems like an old soul. I wish all of these kids the best of luck, they will certainly need it.
Totally agree with @ Gina Rose
Christina Butler- This show does NOT glamorize teen parenting. If anything it shows how much teen parents miss out on, and the drama that comes with having a baby. These teen moms have a right to give interviews and have a little fun once in a while. Just because they're teen moms doesn't mean they should be hidden away in a dark cave depressed. Get Real and stop hating!
I don't know what your talking about if you say it glorifies teen pregnancy. There lives are not very good. How is it glorified if she almost got her kid taken away? Watch the show and tell me how easy there lives are.
she's got a very bad temper!
I don't see how anyone can say that the "Teen Mom" show "glamorizes" teen moms. We have watched these young girls face the reality of having a child so young. Money issues, family issues, school issues, work issues etc. I feel that the show takes the "rose colored glasses" off and shows teenagers what their lives are truly going to be. I dare say that when the girls found out they were pregnant, they thought the baby's daddy would step up, they would get married, and live happily ever after. Most of the time, this just doesn't happen! Regarding Amber...I'm so happy that Amber's child was taken away from her. Until she gets some serious help, she is putting her baby at risk. Gary is the much better parent! He should have complete custody of their daughter.