Factors related to exclusive breastfeeding among adolescent mothers

ObjectiveTo analyze the factors related to exclusive breastfeeding among adolescent mothers until the third month postpartum in Teresina, Piaui state, Brazil.MethodsCross-sectional study with 202 adolescents, three months after childbirth, in four maternity hospitals in 2006. Multivariate analysis was carried out through binomial logistic regression for the calculation of adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and confidence intervals of 95% (CI 95%).Results88.2% of the adolescents surveyed reported breastfeeding their infants; however, only 38.2% of them reported exclusive breastfeeding in the third month postpartum. Adolescents who studied presented 14% higher odds of having to interrupt exclusive breastfeeding three months postpartum (aOR=0.14; CI 95%=0.0-0.5; p=0.004). However, receiving support to care for themselves and their infants has increased by three times the odds of continued exclusive breastfeeding (aOR=3.12; CI 95%=1.0-9.0; p=0.037).ConclusionMeasures to stimulate breastfeeding among adolescent mothers are necessary, particularly family support, so that adolescents can continue studying while breastfeeding.