When breastfeeding may be a threat to adolescent mothers

Abstract

Sexually abused girls are at risk for premature motherhood. The adolescents who become mothers often do not breastfeed. This review examines the literature and discusses the mental health consequences of childhood sexual abuse that may influence the feeding decisions of adolescent mothers. Adolescents may be reluctant to breastfeed because it may trigger anxiety and lead to discomfort with intimacy, and emotional distancing from their infants. Nurses need to be sensitive to potential sexual abuse histories among adolescent mothers. They should provide balanced and unbiased information to their adolescent patients about feeding methods and encourage adolescents to select the methods best for them.