Breastfeeding among Filipino Teenage mothers in an Urban Setting: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices

Abstract

Breastfeeding has been recognized as the most important and complete source of nutrition for children up to 2 years old. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for infants from 0-6 months and complementary feeding from 6 months to 2 years old. Despite this, only one third of the children below six months are being exclusively breastfed. Especially among teenage mothers, breastfeeding may be a significant issue for research. A self-developed and pre-tested Breastfeeding Questionnaire was administered using face to face interviews with 202 women in selected health centers in Las Pinas. The respondents were mothers between ages 13-20 years with at least one child below 2 years old. The results showed that only 55 percent were currently breastfeeding their child although in general, the respondents indicated good knowledge and positive attitudes. They rated their own mothers as the most important source of knowledge and influence in their decision to breastfeed. Pain and lack of milk were the biggest barriers to breastfeeding, while the benefits for the infant was seen as the main advantage. The mothers reported the need for more information, particularly on proper breastfeeding procedures. The mothers mentioned that they learn best when the information is visually presented to them and when they are taught by other mothers whom they view as more more experienced. The study recommended ways to improve uptake of breastfeeding among teen mothers.