Exploring barriers to exclusive breastfeeding among adolescent Latina women

Abstract

American adolescent mothers typically have low rates of exclusive breastfeeding. Currently, Hispanics make up the largest ethnic group in the U.S., have high fertility rates, bear their children at younger ages, and also have low rates of exclusive breastfeeding. These factors put adolescent Latina mothers at higher risk for not exclusively breastfeeding; however, there is a lack of research about exclusive breastfeeding in this population. This study examines the attitudes and barriers to exclusive breastfeeding in a sub-sample of adolescent Latinas who are part of an ongoing larger qualitative exploration of barriers to exclusive breastfeeding. Pender’s health promotion model frames the study in which enrollment is currently taking place in a large city in the Midwest. An exploratory descriptive approach is being performed using semi-structured, in-person interviews conducted in either English or Spanish with the use of the ARSMA-II to identify participants’ acculturation levels. Tape-recorded interviews are transcribed verbatim. Spanish transcripts are translated to English for analysis. Inductive content analysis is being performed by hand. For this sub-study, the results are then interpreted in relation to Pender’s Health Promotion Model in a case analysis fashion. One 16 and one 17-year-old mother comprised this case analysis. Acculturation scores suggest that the younger teen is more acculturated than the older teen. Findings were consistent with concepts of Pender’s model. The largest difference between the two cases was the amount of school support each received, with one teen getting ample support while lack of support hindered the other in providing breast milk. Findings are consistent with previous adolescent breastfeeding research regarding support.