Abstract
BackgroundThere is increased recognition of the importance of breastfeeding at a national level as evidenced by the increased number of Canadian mothers initiating breastfeeding. However, adolescent mothers (<19 years), compared to all other mothers, have lower rates of breastfeeding initiation and duration. The purpose of this study was to examine the facilitating influences and barriers to initiating, and continuing breastfeeding, as perceived by adolescent mothers in Durham Region, Ontario, Canada.MethodsThe principles of interpretive description guided this qualitative study. A purposeful, homogenous sample of 16 adolescent mothers (15–19 years) were recruited to complete individual, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. Conventional content analysis was used to code data, identify concepts and synthesize them into overall themes.ResultsAdolescent mothers in this study expressed that the decision to breastfeed was made prenatally and while partner and family member opinions about breastfeeding initiation were influential, the decision was made independently. Mothers were primarily motivated to initiate breastfeeding due to the health benefits for the infant. Lower breastfeeding duration rates were found among mothers who decided to only “try” breastfeeding when compared to the mothers who committed to breastfeeding. Influences on continued breastfeeding included: 1) the impact of breastfeeding on social and intimate relationships; 2) the availability of social support; 3) the physical demands of breastfeeding; 4) mothers’ knowledge of breastfeeding practices and benefits; and 5) mothers’ perceived sense of comfort in breastfeeding.ConclusionsThe results of this study provide health care providers new conceptual insight and understanding of the factors that influence adolescents’ decisions to “try” breastfeeding and to continue providing breastmilk to their infants. Professional implications drawn from this study include active engagement of adolescents in the pre and postnatal periods, including early assessment of potential barriers surrounding breastfeeding decisions. This early professional interaction highlights the professional as a form of support, and allows for sharing of evidence-informed breastfeeding information and practical breastfeeding skills. Inclusion of adolescents’ positive social support networks should be emphasized in professional breastfeeding support. Motivational interviewing is a promising prenatal strategy to influence behavior change and reduce ambivalence in decision-making about breastfeeding, creating opportunities for health care providers to tailor interventions.
Highlights
There is increased recognition of the importance of breastfeeding at a national level as evidenced by the increased number of Canadian mothers initiating breastfeeding
The significant evidence base substantiating the benefits of breastfeeding on maternal and infant heath outcomes has resulted in organizations such as the World Health Organization [2], Health Canada [1], and the U.S Department of Health and Human Services [4] recommending breastfeeding as the norm for infant feeding; with a focus on exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months followed by the subsequent introduction of complimentary foods and continued breastfeeding
Sixteen adolescents from southern Ontario participated in this study to explore the enabling factors and barriers to breastfeeding
Summary
There is increased recognition of the importance of breastfeeding at a national level as evidenced by the increased number of Canadian mothers initiating breastfeeding. The purpose of this study was to examine the facilitating influences and barriers to initiating, and continuing breastfeeding, as perceived by adolescent mothers in Durham Region, Ontario, Canada. A comprehensive systematic review of the benefits of breastfeeding on maternal and infant health outcomes within developed countries, concluded for infants being breastfed, that there are associated reductions in the risks of: acute otitis media, non-specific gastroenteritis, severe lower tract respiratory infections, atopic dermatitis, asthma in young children, obesity, type 1 and 2 diabetes, childhood leukemia, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and necrotizing enterocolitis [3]. Maternal health outcomes associated with breastfeeding included reductions in the risks of developing type 2 diabetes, and breast or ovarian cancers [3].
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