In an interview with FOX News, Bristol Palin said her mom's anti-abortion views did not play a role in her keeping the baby. The 18-year-old told Greta Van Susteren, "It was my choice to have the baby -- that kind of stuff just bothered me." Palin goes on to say that son Tripp, born Dec. 27, brings her so much joy; she doesn't regret having him at all. She's engaged to the baby's father, Levi Johnston.

News of the unmarried high school student’s pregnancy emerged within days of her mother’s introduction as Senator John McCain’s running mate in August. In addition to being a mother, Ms. Palin appears to be embracing a potential role as an advocate against teen pregnancy, saying that abstinence is “not realistic.”

One of the things teens can avoid by waiting to have sex is a very awkward talk with their parents. Palin said she enlisted the baby's father, Levi Johnston, and her best friend to tell Todd and Sarah Palin she was pregnant. But getting the words out, she said, was "harder than labor." Eventually her friend "blurted it out."

When Ms. Van Susteren asked if she knew how to take care of a baby, Ms. Palin responded, “Yeah,” with a note of irritation. She added, “Because I’ve been babysitting my whole life. So it’s not just the baby part of it that’s hard, it’s just realizing that I’m not living for myself anymore; I’m living for another human being.”

“Everyone should wait 10 years,” she continued. “I hope that people learn from my story… it’s so much easier if you’re married, have a house and career. It’s not a situation you want to strive for.”

She also addressed rumors that she clashed with her mother during her pregnancy because of her mother’s pro-life position. “It was my choice to have the baby. It doesn’t matter what my mom’s views are on it,” Bristol noted. “It was my decision.”