Nurses’ attitudes, knowledge, and beliefs related to the promotion of breastfeeding among women who bear children during adolescence

Abstract

This descriptive study examined the attitudes, knowledge, and beliefs of maternal child nurses related to the promotion of breastfeeding among adolescent mothers. Nurses (N = 151) employed by three nonprofit hospitals and city and county public health departments located in the southeastern part of the United States were surveyed. Overall, the findings revealed that participants were generally knowledgeable about and supportive of breastfeeding by adolescent mothers. However, some of the nurses did not know that there are nutritional differences between breast milk and infant formula, continued the practice of imposing time limits for feedings at the breast, and indicated that they were skeptical about young mothers’ potential for success with breastfeeding because of immaturity and lack of commitment. Statistically significant differences were noted in mean attitude and knowledge scores based on the participant’s specialty; knowledge and attitude were positively correlated with the nurse’s level of education. Implications for nursing practice and future research are discussed.