Young mothers and the infant feeding decision : participation in a postpartum breastfeeding support group

This study explored whether young mothers who attend a postpartum breastfeeding support group are likely to breastfeed for six months and beyond. A focus group was conducted with twelve mothers ranging in age from 15 to 22 and included their children. The women were asked about their experience in the support group and their breastfeeding behaviors. They were also given a demographic questionnaire. The findings indicated that participants did find the support group to be helpful and most of the participants had chosen to breastfeed for at least six months. Discussion of the difficulty in conducting a focus group with the children present as well as implications for further studies of young mothers and breastfeeding behaviors are highlighted