Hi, my name is Liisa Davis, I am a nursing student at the University of
North Dakota.  I have been following Lactnet for about 2 months now and
find it very informative and interesting.  It is through work and clinical
experience I have found that many teenage mothers (ages 14-19, average
17) opt not to breastfeed.  I have been researching this topic and I have
read a recent post pertaining to this subject in order to find
interventions that may assist in educating these girls on the importance
of breastfeeding.  Unfortunately, much of the research that I have found
was done in the late 70's to mid-80's.
        Mohrbacker and Stock (1996) stated that adolescents are physically
capable of breastfeeding.  Following a girl's first menstrual period, the
tissue of the breast is developed enough to produce sufficient milk for
her baby.  So why are these women still choosing not to
breastfeed?  Pascoe (1982) stated that teenagers' attitudes about
breastfeeding are negative.  They may feel that they are incapable of
breastfeeding, thus choosing not to breastfeed.  Cusson (1985) went on to
say that many of them were not exposed to breastfeeding.  Their mother's
or other female family members chose not to breastfeed.  This lack of
exposure created a negative attitude for these girls.  In addition
Mohrbacker and Stock (1996) stated that, some of families belief systems
were against breastfeeding.  They went on to say, a different approach
needs to be taken with these girls when discussing the issue of
breastfeeding.  There are both emotional and physical
considerations.  These girls want to be
treated as adults, and not talked down to or lectured.  They may fear the
changes that are occurring with their body and may be insecure and doubt
themselves.  Mohrbacker and Stock continued on to say that some physical
considerations are that these girls may have had inadequate prenatal care
due to denial of pregnancy, thus resulting in a lack of education.  Also
at this age eating habits may be inadequate and inconsistent.  Body image
is also a big concern with these new mom's.  When discussing the
importance of breastfeeding inform these girls that it assists in
returning their body to the "pre-pregnancy" state.  This is shown to be
very important when dealing with body image (1996).  Other areas that
should be discussed are the convenience and economy of breastfeeding.
        The purpose of this information is to understand that teenagers
 need to be dealt with differently when discussing breastfeeding.  If
there are anyother suggestions please feel free to write me back,
I would appreciate it.  Thank you for your time.  Liisa Davis, SN

References

Cusson, R. M.  (1985).  Attitudes toward breast-feeding among female
high-school students.  Pediatric Nursing, 11 3, 189-91.

Mohrbacker, N. & Stock, J.  (1997).  La Leche League International; The
breastfeeding answer book.  Rev. Ed.  La Leche League: Schaumburg, IL.

        Pascoe, J.M.  (1982).  Teenagers and breastfeeding.  Pediatrics,
70 4, 661-2.

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