Enhancing Breastfeeding Initiation in Adolescent Mothers Through the Breastfeeding Educated and Supported Teen (BEST) Club

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if specific breastfeeding education, provided by a lactation consultant in group classes for pregnant adolescents, would increase breastfeeding initiation among students enrolled in a high school adolescent pregnancy program. Ninety-one pregnant adolescents participated in the study and were divided into two groups: those who did not receive specific breastfeeding education and those who did, through the Breastfeeding Educated and Supported Teen (BEST) Club. There were no significant differences in breastfeeding initiation with regard to age or ethnicity. Of the 48 adolescents who received no specific education, 7 (14.6%) initiated breastfeeding. Of the 43 adolescents in the education group, 28 (65.1%) initiated breastfeeding, which indicates a significant difference between groups with regard to infant feeding choice (P<.001). The results of this study indicate that targeted educational programs designed for the adolescent learner may be successful in improving breastfeeding initiation in this population.