Teenage mothers as breastfeeders: attitudes and behaviour

The Influence of Adolescent Mothers' Breastfeeding Confidence and Attitudes on Breastfeeding Initiation and Duration

“…A Canadian study by Yang et al(2004) (Kearney, 1987 In a study by Yoos (1985), adolescent mothers aged 15 Concerns over personal inconvenience, breast disfigurement and perceptions that no one else can feed the infant were commonly perceived breastfeeding barriers (Wambach & Cole, 1999). A majority of adolescents expressed embarrassment over breastfeeding (Ineichen et al 1997). More thanT}Yo of adolescents in the study by Joffe and Radius (1987) also voiced concems over embarrassment.…”

“…Studies by Yoos (1985), Ineichen et al (1997) and Joffe and Radius (1987) describe adolescents' feelings of embarrassment concerning breastfeeding. These feelings were not reported by the current study participants.…”

“…Similarly, a strong and consistent association has been found between intended duration of breastfeeding and actual duration (Wambach & Cole, 1999). A descriptive USA study by Ineichen et al (1997) A lack of breastfeeding knowledge was also positively related to attitudes concerning the benefits of breastfeeding (Cusson, 1985). An American descriptive study by Robinson, Hunt, Pope, and Garner (1993) (Dennis, 2002;Scott & Binns, 1999).…”

“…Cole,1999; williams, Innis, Vogel, & Stephen, 1999). The decision to initiate and to continue breastfeeding is influenced by a number of modifiable and non-modifiable factors (Dennis & Faux, 1999) and is often made prior to an infant's birth (Ineichen, Pierce & Lawrenson, 1997).…”

Empowering the future mothers: a bottom up approach

“…3 In addition, opinions on infant feeding can be formed prior to pregnancy suggesting that promoting breastfeeding with individuals in a range of phases of human development could potentially be effective. 4,5 In this regard, adolescent females offer a concentrated, easily approachable group who are receptive to change and any effort directed on this particular group is likely to generate benefits in far greater proportions than those applied on women with fixed attitudes. 6 Further, schools are centers of teachinglearning, of shared experience and of growth where values for living is being acquired, which can be transmitted to families and communities.…”