Teenage Mothers and Breastfeeding: Does Paternal Age Make a Difference?

Abstract

This descriptive investigation explores the impact of paternal age on a teenage mother’s decision regarding infant-feeding method during the postpartum hospital stay. Eighty-six teenagers who delivered a live birth were asked the age of the fathers of their babies and what, if any, influence the fathers had on infant feeding. Although the fathers of the babies frequently voiced an opinion regarding infant feeding, teenage mothers partnered with older men were less likely to breastfeed during the postpartum hospital stay than were teenagers partnered with male peers. Implications for future research and clinical nursing practice are presented.