Factors Associated with Infant Feeding Choices in the Adolescent Population

J Hum Lact. 2016 Nov;32(4):642-647. doi: 10.1177/0890334416662629. Epub 2016 Sep 26.

Abstract

Background: Strong recommendations have been made for exclusive breastfeeding of infants for the first 6 months of life, with continuation throughout the first year. In an attempt to optimize support for breastfeeding, particular barriers in populations with decreased rates need to be analyzed.

Objective: This study aimed to determine if participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) food voucher program, involvement of the infant's father, involvement of the adolescent mother's parents or other caregivers, and participation in early skin-to-skin contact after birth are associated with the decision to breastfeed or bottle feed among this adolescent population.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of 457 adolescent patients who delivered January 2010 through May 2013 at the University of Louisville Hospital was conducted. Nursing documentation was used to determine the patient's intention to breastfeed or bottle feed, participation in WIC, involvement of the infant's father, involvement of the patient's parents, and participation in early skin-to-skin contact after delivery. These factors were compared using Fisher exact test.

Results: Three hundred one adolescents reported a plan to breastfeed (65.9%) and 156 reported a plan to bottle feed (34.1%) when questioned pre-delivery. There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to WIC participation or involvement of the infant's father. The bottle-feeding group had a significantly higher percentage who reported parental involvement (80.1% vs 67.8%, P = .0059). The breastfeeding group had a significantly higher percentage who participated in early skin-to-skin contact after birth (74.5% vs 58.1%, P = .0064).

Conclusion: Involvement of the adolescent mothers' parents or caregivers was associated with the decision to bottle feed. Participation in early skin-to-skin contact after birth was associated with the decision to breastfeed.

Keywords: adolescent; attitudes; breastfeeding; health knowledge; lactation; practice.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / psychology*
  • Bottle Feeding / adverse effects
  • Bottle Feeding / psychology*
  • Bottle Feeding / statistics & numerical data
  • Breast Feeding / psychology*
  • Breast Feeding / statistics & numerical data
  • Child
  • Educational Measurement
  • Feeding Behavior / psychology*
  • Female
  • Food Assistance / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Kentucky
  • Mothers / psychology*
  • Mothers / statistics & numerical data