Exploring the impact of infant feeding patterns on the psychological well-being of adolescent mothers.

Abstract

Introduction: The rate of breastfeeding among adolescent mothers is lower compared to adult mothers, and it is unclear what their psychological and emotional status is after the success or failure of breastfeeding. This study aims to investigate adolescent mothers' psychological experiences following their infant feeding patterns.

Method: The present qualitative study was conducted on adolescent primiparous mothers with a child under two years old in 2023, in the cities of Mashhad and Urmia, Iran. Purposeful sampling was employed to achieve data saturation. Data were gathered through semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 11 adolescent mothers. Data analysis was conducted simultaneously with data collection, using the qualitative content analysis method developed by Granheim and Landman.

Results: The data analysis identified six subcategories and two main categories. The first main category was 'An enjoyable transformation after breastfeeding' which consisted of the subcategories'Early connection to motherhood and adulthood', 'Early realisation of life-giving aspirations', 'Love for the child soothing the deep suffering of very young mothers', and 'Sacrifice and attachment of very young mothers to the child despite the need for attention'. The second main category was "Adolescent mothers in the midst of conflicting emotions" which included the subcategories of "Feeling of victory or defeat in very young mothers" and "Adolescent mothers" ambivalent feelings during breastfeeding'.

Conclusion: Infant feeding patterns have a significant impact on the psychological well-being of adolescent mothers. It is recommended that a supportive programme be developed to offer psychological support to these mothers.