Although teen pregnancy rates in the United States have dropped significantly over the past decade, it remains an important American public health concern that costs society approximately 25 billion dollars annually. Many health and social issues surround these young mothers and their infants, including the lower likelihood that they will initiate breastfeeding and if initiated, do so for a shorter time than their adult counterparts. Human milk and breastfeeding can offer teen mothers and their infants important protection against some of the common problems seen in this population (e.g. increased infectious disease such as gastroenteritis) and protection against later chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes. As recognized by the Healthy People 2010 objectives, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Dietetic Association, interventions to promote and support breastfeeding in such vulnerable populations are needed. The purpose of this paper is to provide a state of the science synthesis on factors of importance in predicting breastfeeding initiation and duration, characteristics of breastfeeding experiences, and health care provider attitudes and practices in supporting breastfeeding in this population. Current intervention research to promote and support breastfeeding initiation and duration will be described. In addition, suggestions for health policy will be presented with special emphasis on school-based support of teens wishing to return to school and continue breastfeeding their infants. Nurse researchers and clinicians are important in the continuing quest to improve the health of American mothers and their children. Breastfeeding promotion and support in this vulnerable population is integral to health promotion strategies for the nation.
Session #1036 - Sustaining Breastfeeding: Issues and Research
The 29th Annual MNRS Research Conference (April 1-4, 2005)