Early breastfeeding experiences of adolescent mothers: a qualitative prospective study
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Smith, Paige Hall, et al. Early Breastfeeding Experiences of Adolescent Mothers: a Qualitative Prospective Study. BioMed Central Ltd, 2012. https://doi.org/10.17615/e8h7-js56APA
Smith, P., Coley, S., Labbok, M., Cupito, S., & Nwokah, E. (2012). Early breastfeeding experiences of adolescent mothers: a qualitative prospective study. BioMed Central Ltd. https://doi.org/10.17615/e8h7-js56Chicago
Smith, Paige Hall, Sheryl L Coley, Miriam Labbok, Susan Cupito, and Eva Nwokah. 2012. Early Breastfeeding Experiences of Adolescent Mothers: a Qualitative Prospective Study. BioMed Central Ltd. https://doi.org/10.17615/e8h7-js56- Creator
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Smith, Paige Hall
- Other Affiliation: Center for Women’s Health and Wellness; Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
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Coley, Sheryl L
- Other Affiliation: Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
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Labbok, Miriam
- Affiliation: Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Maternal and Child Health
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Cupito, Susan
- Other Affiliation: Teen Parent Mentoring Program, Greensboro YWCA, Greensboro, NC, USA
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Nwokah, Eva
- Other Affiliation: Department of Communication and Learning Disorders, Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Abstract
- Background Teen 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. Methods This 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. Results Four 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. Conclusions Continued 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.
- Date of publication
- September 29, 2012
- DOI
- Identifier
- Resource type
- Article
- Rights statement
- In Copyright
- Rights holder
- Paige Hall Smith et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
- License
- Journal title
- International Breastfeeding Journal
- Journal volume
- 7
- Journal issue
- 1
- Page start
- 13
- Language
- English
- Is the article or chapter peer-reviewed?
- Yes
- ISSN
- 1746-4358
- Bibliographic citation
- International Breastfeeding Journal. 2012 Sep 29;7(1):13
- Publisher
- BioMed Central Ltd
- Access right
- Open Access
- Date uploaded
- February 6, 2013
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