Page 1
Introduction:
Adolescent Pregnancy
Page 2
Breastfeeding Promotion:
Nursing Implications
Page 3
Adolescent:
Health and
Wellbeing
Main Page
Health and Wellbeing of the Teenage Breastfeeding Mother
Infant Health Advantages
Research has now shown how the anti-infective components also enhance one another, thus increasing protection of the infant from acute and chronic illness. Research throughout developed countries, provides evidence that human milk decreases the incident of diarrhea, respiratory infections, otitis media, bacterial meningitis, botulism, and urinary tract infection (American Association of Pediatrics, 1997.Mother's Health Advantages
Biological Benefits: Significant decrease in ovarian and endometrial cancer, as well as premenopausal breast cancer for mothers who breastfeed their infants. Non-breastfeeding mothers have a 4 times higher incidence of osteoporosis later on in life (Riordan, J. et al 1993).Body Image: Many adolescents experience difficulty developing a positive self-image especially after pregnancy. It is a well documented fact that breast feeding allows women to lose weight faster without restricting calories and helps the mother get her �shape� back faster. Lactation stimulates the shrinking of the uterus. In addition, due to the extra energy required for milk production a breast feeding mother will regain her pre-pregnancy weight significantly more quickly than mothers who exclusively feed formula to their babies (Mohrbacher, N., Stock, J.1997).
Attachment Benefits: The lack of attachment that tends to emerge from this common pre-pregnancy socio-economical profile is significant as it may indicate the need for adolescents to create their own family unit and to feel attached (Bissell, M., 2000). Once breastfeeding is initiated, most new mothers will quickly become aware of the strong bonding and unique attachment associated with nursing her infant. The ability to emotionally and nutritionally satisfy her child can provide a very rewarding feeling.
