Conclusion
The strengths of this study include its prospective study
design and our combination of baseline and follow-up
qualitative interviews with weekly infant-feeding tracking.
Although our study is limited by the small sample
size and having recruited from a single program, it offers
an intimate view of the breastfeeding practices that may
be reflective of a largely minority population of lowincome
teen mothers. These young women’s lives are
more complicated than those of many mothers who have
the advantage of greater experience, maturity and
resources. Yet the positive experience of one young
mother in this study, and her ability to exclusively
breastfeed for six months despite a complicated life situation,
indicates that these young mothers can breastfeed
and continue their education if they have the determination,
knowledge, skills, control, resources and support
they need to have a high quality breastfeeding experience.
This determination seems to depend on a complex
interplay between different factors, including the having
made an informed choice, and having the skills, support
and experiences needed to sustain the belief that breastfeeding
is the best choice for them and their baby given
their life situation. It is important that they have a positive
and enjoyable breastfeeding experience in the early
days postpartum, that they are able to identify and claim
a reliable support system that both supports their breastfeeding
and can help them problem solve, and that the
young women gain through their experience a belief in
their own agency and competency as mothers.