There is a paucity of knowledge regarding the specific populations of adolescent mothers who are least likely to breastfeed
their infants. We are unaware of any prior studies comparing adolescent mothers with a normal age reference group of mothers
in order to identify important sociodemographic, medical, and pregnancy-related risk factors that negatively influence breastfeeding
initiation in adolescent mothers. It is unclear whether known risk factors for lack of breastfeeding in adult mothers are
the same factors contributing to poor breastfeeding rates in adolescent mothers (ie, black race, unmarried, low socioeconomic
status, obstetric complications, obesity, and cesarean delivery). Considering the knowledge that focused support and education
in this population of young mothers results in improved breastfeeding rates, we found it imperative to identify the group of
adolescents least likely to initiate breastfeeding. Therefore, this study was aimed to identify factors most influential on breastfeeding
initiation in order to identify a target population to focus education and support services in an effort to improve breastfeeding
rates for this particularly vulnerable population of infants born to adolescent mothers.