Breastfeeding is an unsurpassed method of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development

of infants. It is also a fundamental part of the reproductive process with imperative implications for the
health of mothers. Breastfeeding served and continues to serve as an appropriate method through which
newborns are offered essential nutrients necessary for optimal growth and intellectual development.
Breast milk is regarded as ideal, natural and protective food for newborns. Given that prolonging people’s
lives (by reducing mortality) and preventing disease (by reducing morbidity) are some of the goals of
public health (Brulde, 2011), breastfeeding or exclusive breastfeeding has been recognised as an efficient
advance to the achievement of these goals. In a study by Vennemann and colleagues (2009) breastfeeding
was found to be protective against sudden infant death syndrome by reducing the risk by 50% at all ages
during infancy; these benefits have been reported to exhibit dose- response relationship, that is, health
gains increases with increases in duration and exclusivity.

Infants when exclusively breastfeed for the optimal duration of six months are considerably protected
against the major childhood diseases conditions via. Diarrhea, gastrointestinal tract infection, allergic
diseases, diabetes, obesity, childhood leukemia and lymphoma, inflammatory and bowel disease (WHO,
2012; American Academy of Pediatrics,2012). In particular, the risk of hospitalization for lower respiratory
tract infections during the first year of life is reduced by 72% when infants are exclusively breastfed for
more than 4 months (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2012, p. 828). Duncan et al (2009, p. 867) also
found exclusive breastfeeding to be protective against single and recurrent incidences of otitis media.
Infants who were given supplementary foods prior to 4 months had 40% more episodes of otitis media
than their counterparts.

Breastfeeding contributes to the health and well-being of mothers; it helps to space children, reduces the
risk of ovarian cancer and breast cancer, increases family and national resources, is a secure way of
feeding and is safe for the environment (WHO, 2001).
Breastfeeding reduces the mother's risk of fatal postpartum hemorrhage and premenopausal breast and
ovarian cancer. Frequent and exclusive breastfeeding contributes to a delay in the return of fertility and
helps protect women against anemia by conserving iron. Breastfeeding provides frequent interaction
between mother and infant, fostering emotional bonds, a sense of security, and stimulus to the baby’s
developing brain (WHO, 2001)

Dr Colin Michie, chair of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health’s nutrition committee, said: “It’s
widely known that breastfed babies are better protected against chest and ear infections, are at less risk
of sudden infant death and are less likely to become obese, but it’s interesting to see the benefits of
breastfeeding for a prolonged period of time not only benefit the baby in the early years, but also translate
into increased intelligence and improved earning ability later in life.

It is important to note that breastfeeding is one of many factors that can contribute to a child’s outcomes,
however, this study emphasizes the need for continued and enhanced breastfeeding promotion so
expectant mothers are aware of the benefits of breastfeeding.
Furthermore, once mothers have given birth, we must ensure they are properly supported to continue
breastfeeding for as long as they are able to.”

Breastfeeding is an unsurpassed method of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development
of infants. It is also a fundamental part of the reproductive process with imperative implications for the
health of mothers. Breastfeeding served and continues to serve as an appropriate method through which
newborns are offered essential nutrients necessary for optimal growth and intellectual development.
Breast milk is regarded as ideal, natural and protective food for newborns. Given that prolonging people’s
lives (by reducing mortality) and preventing disease (by reducing morbidity) are some of the goals of
public health (Brulde, 2011), breastfeeding or exclusive breastfeeding has been recognized as an efficient
advance to the achievement of these goals. In a study by Vennemann and colleagues (2009) breastfeeding
was found to be protective against sudden infant death syndrome by reducing the risk by 50% at all ages
during infancy; these benefits have been reported to exhibit dose- response relationship, that is, health
gains increases with increases in duration and exclusivity.
Infants when exclusively breastfeed for the optimal duration of six months are considerably protected
against the major childhood diseases conditions viz. diarrhea, gastrointestinal tract infection, allergic
diseases, diabetes, obesity, childhood leukemia and lymphoma, inflammatory and bowel disease (WHO,
2012; American Academy of Pediatrics,2012). In particular, the risk of hospitalization for lower respiratory
tract infections during the first year of life is reduced by 72% when infants are exclusively breastfed for
more than 4 months (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2012, p. 828). Duncan et al (2009, p. 867) also
found exclusive breastfeeding to be protective against single and recurrent incidences of otitis media.
Infants who were given supplementary foods prior to 4 months had 40% more episodes of otitis media
than their counterparts.

Breast milk promotes sensory and cognitive development, and protects the infant against infectious and
chronic diseases. Exclusive breastfeeding reduces infant mortality due to common childhood illnesses
such as diarrhoea or pneumonia, and helps for a quicker recovery during illness. These effects can be
measured in resource-poor and affluent societies (Kramer et al, 2001). Breastfeeding contributes to the
health and well-being of mothers; it helps to space children, reduces the risk of ovarian cancer and breast
cancer, increases family and national resources, is a secure way of feeding and is safe for the environment
(WHO, 2001).

Breastfeeding reduces the mother's risk of fatal postpartum hemorrhage and premenopausal breast and
ovarian cancer. Frequent and exclusive breastfeeding contributes to a delay in the return of fertility and
helps protect women against anemia by conserving iron. Breastfeeding provides frequent interaction
between mother and infant, fostering emotional bonds, a sense of security, and stimulus to the baby’s
developing brain (WHO, 2001).

To explore minority teen mothers’ perceptions of breastfeeding and the influences on infant feeding
choices.

Adolescents identified three main influences on infant feeding decisions and practices: (a) their
perceptions of the benefits of breastfeeding, (b) their perceptions of the problems with breastfeeding,
and (c) influential people. In this study, teens reported no single influence which determined infant
feeding choices. The decision to breastfeed was a dynamic process. Teens recognized that breastfeeding
offered many benefits including facilitating maternal–child bonding and promoting the baby’s health, but
concern was raised regarding a potential for excessive attachment between teen mother and baby. Fear
of pain, embarrassment with public exposure, and unease with the act of breastfeeding acted as barriers
for teenagers who were considering breastfeeding. Teenagers discussed the breast pump as a strategy in
dealing with these barriers. The adolescents’ mothers continued to be an important influence.

The principles of interpretive description guided this qualitative study. A purposeful, homogenous sample
of 16 adolescent mothers (15–19 years) were recruited to complete individual, semi-structured, face-to-
face interviews. Conventional content analysis was used to code data, identify concepts and synthesize
them into overall themes.

Adolescent mothers in this study expressed that the decision to breastfeed was made prenatally and while
partner and family member opinions about breastfeeding initiation were influential, the decision was
made independently. Mothers were primarily motivated to initiate breastfeeding due to the health
benefits for the infant. Lower breastfeeding duration rates were found among mothers who decided to
only “try” breastfeeding when compared to the mothers who committed to breastfeeding. Influences on
continued breastfeeding included: 1) the impact of breastfeeding on social and intimate relationships; 2)
the availability of social support; 3) the physical demands of breastfeeding; 4) mothers’ knowledge of
breastfeeding practices and benefits; and 5) mothers’ perceived sense of comfort in breastfeeding.

The World Health Organization [2] states that breastfeeding reduces child mortality and contributes to
the health of mothers. Adolescent motherhood is associated with numerous adverse health outcomes
making the importance of breastfeeding for mother and infant crucial [7]. There is evidence that
adolescents have higher rates of obstetrical complications and increased rates of low birth weight infants
[7]. Infants born to young mothers are at increased risk of neglect and behavior concerns [8]. Another
study suggests that this may be because adolescent mothers experiencing high prenatal or parenting
stress are more likely to have emotional distress and low maternal adjustment [9]. While infants born to
adolescent mothers are at higher risk for morbidity and mortality, breastmilk provides protection against
a myriad of illnesses and diseases for the infant and promotes sensory and cognitive development [10,
11]. Adolescent motherhood is associated with lower maternal educational attainment and earned
income as well as increased rates of child poverty [12] however the benefits of breastfeeding may
counteract some of the socioeconomic disadvantages facing this population [13].

There is a significant body of research that describes the factors associated with the initiation and
continuation of breastfeeding among adolescent mothers. It has been identified that the pregnant
woman’s mother and the infant’s father have the greatest levels of influence in her decision to breastfeed
[13, 14], as well as on the continuation or termination of breastfeeding. An adolescent in an intimate
relationship with another teenager was more likely to breastfeed compared to a young mother with an
older partner [15]. There is emerging evidence that formal types of support may also influence
breastfeeding practices. It was found by Dennis [16] that primiparous mothers, over the age of 16, who
participated in an antenatal peer support, were more likely to continue breastfeeding at 3 months and
with greater exclusivity compared to mothers who were randomized to the conventional hospital and
community supports. Wambach and Cohen [17] cite the impact that family and friends can have towards
encouragement of breastfeeding, while also noting the importance of early support from professionals.
This study also notes the impact of school systems as a positive or negative support. When the
environment is supportive, it can be an enabling factor to breastfeeding [17]. Multiple studies have cited
the embarrassment of exposing breasts as a factor that inhibits the initiation of breastfeeding among
adolescent mothers

Previous literature examining adolescents’ experiences with breastfeeding indicate that breastfeeding
role models impact both adolescents’ attitudes towards breastfeeding as well as their own beliefs about
infant feeding [14]. In a review of the literature, Wambach and Cole [13] found that adolescents exposed
to breastfeeding role models were more likely to choose breastfeeding when faced with the decision of
how to feed. Further substantiation of this came from another study that found a lack of breastfeeding
role models may deter initiation [15].

Adolescents cite the significant infant health benefits as the rationale for choosing to breastfeed their
baby [18, 20], however many studies suggest adolescents lack knowledge of benefits, the practical skills
to breastfeed [20, 21, 22, 23], and hold misconceptions about breastfeeding [13]. In addition, deficits in
breastfeeding knowledge and practical breastfeeding skills were reasons for breastfeeding cessation [23].
In a study by Wambach and Cohen [17], it was found that adolescents lacked information about milk
supply. Avery, Zimmerman, Underwood and Magnus [22] cited reasons for not breastfeeding as: not
enough milk, baby could not latch, and baby preferred formula. This same study identified a commitment
to breastfeed was needed to overcome a lack of knowledge [22]. Feldman-Winter and Shaikh [24] found
that education about the health benefits of breastfeeding may help adolescents to make a commitment
to breastfeeding. Some literature has found that adolescent mothers’ knowledge and breastfeeding skills
are associated with the confidence to breastfeed which increases competence in breastfeeding

Previous literature provides direction for targeted support for breastfeeding adolescents to improve
breastfeeding initiation and duration [23, 27]. Additionally, there is some evidence to support integrating
information about breastfeeding within school-based programs for pregnant adolescents to address their
gaps in knowledge [23, 24]. Other literature supports school exposure to breastfeeding to influence
adolescents in their future decisions about breastfeeding [13, 14].

Dr Lewandowski said: 'Even the best baby formula lacks some of the growth factors, enzymes and
antibodies that breastmilk provides to developing babies. These results show that even in people whose
premature birth has inevitably affected their development, breastfeeding may be able to improve heart
development.'

We want to see whether this difference in brain size has an effect on any of those developmental
milestones," Rogers said. "Neonatologists already believe breast milk is the best nutrition for preterm
infants. We wanted to see whether it was possible to detect the impact of breast milk on the brain this
early in life and whether the benefits appeared quickly or developed over time."

Rogers said further investigation is needed to determine specifically how breast milk affects the brain and
what is present in the milk that seems to promote brain development. She explained that because all of
the babies in the study were born early it isn't clear whether breast milk would provide similar benefits
for babies born at full term.

Reynolds E, et al. Effects of breast milk consumption in the first month of life on early brain development
in premature infants. Abstract presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies 2016 meeting, May 3, 2016