Early breastfeeding experiences of adolescent mothers: a qualitative prospective study

Abstract

BackgroundTeen mothers face many challenges to successful breastfeeding and are less likely to breastfeed than any other population group in the U.S. Few studies have investigated this population; all prior studies are cross-sectional and collect breastfeeding data retrospectively. The purpose of our qualitative prospective study was to understand the factors that contribute to the breastfeeding decisions and practices of teen mothers.MethodsThis prospective study took place from January through December 2009 in Greensboro, North Carolina in the U.S. We followed the cohort from pregnancy until two weeks after they ceased all breastfeeding and milk expression. We conducted semi-structured interviews at baseline and follow-up, and tracked infant feeding weekly by phone. We analyzed the data to create individual life and breastfeeding journeys and then identified themes that cut across the individual journeys.ResultsFour of the five teenagers breastfed at the breast for nine days: in contrast, one teen breastfed exclusively for five months. Milk expression by pumping was associated with significantly longer provision of human milk. Breastfeeding practices and cessation were closely connected with their experiences as new mothers in the context of ongoing multiple roles, complex living situations, youth and dependency, and poor knowledge of the fundamentals of breastfeeding and infant development. Breastfeeding cessation was influenced by inadequate breastfeeding skill, physically unpleasant and painful early experiences they were unprepared to manage, and inadequate health care response to real problems.ConclusionsContinued breastfeeding depends on a complex interplay of multiple factors, including having made an informed choice and having the skills, support and experiences needed to sustain the belief that breastfeeding is the best choice for them and their baby given their life situation. Teenagers in the US context need to have a positive early breastfeeding experience, be able to identify and claim a reliable support system supportive of breastfeeding, and gain through their experience, a belief in their own agency and competency as mothers.

The Effect of Centering Pregnancy versus Traditional Prenatal Care Models on Improved Adolescent Health Behaviors in the Perinatal Period

“…Adolescents, compared with women of older age, are less likely to breastfeed their infants and have a rapid discontinuation rate. 25 Known benefits of breastfeeding include its ability to aid in restoring proper weight postpartum and maternaleinfant bonding. Moreover, breastfed infants has been shown to have a decreased the risk of obesity later in life.…”

“…26,27 Social support is one of the most important factors affecting an adolescent's decision to breastfeed. 25 Several CPPC sessions are focused on educating participants on the benefits of breastfeeding and provide positive social support to choose this method. The benefits of increased support and education on breastfeeding are likely the basis for the increased rates seen in the CPPC group.…”

“The kind of support that matters to exclusive breastfeeding” a qualitative study

“…One participant associated her insu cient milk supply with the failure of the nurse to give her practical assistance during the EBF initiation period leading to her eventually mix feeding despite her intentions to EBF. There are contrasting ndings on the impact of the intentions to EBF on the maintenance of EBF, some mothers resort to formula feeding or mix feeding as a feeding method of choice despite the good intention to breastfeed (3,28). Contrary to the ndings, that early cessation of breastfeeding was associated with no intention to breastfeed (29).…”

¿Lactancia materna o en pareja? Un estudio sobre las experiencias de reconfiguración de cuerpos, roles y cotidianeidades en madres y padres mexicanos

“…La caracterización sociodemográfica de la población informante coincide con los resultados que encuestas nacionales han reportado para México, donde se destaca la existencia de maternidades a menores edades 34 , también coincide con el señalamiento realizado sobre la diferencia de edades en el interior de las parejas cada vez más acentuada, lo que ha sido señalado como un factor que refuerza la situación de vulnerabilidad de las mujeres, toda vez que se ha identificado que a menores edades las mujeres desempeñan menor autonomía para ejercer decisiones sobre sus vidas y sus maternazgos 35 ; por otra parte, esta diferencia de edades establece una distancia generacional que resta a la autonomía antes descrita 36 .…”