Teen breastfeeding support group

BACKGROUND: Rates of breastfeeding among U.S. women have increased in the last two decades; however, this trend has not been observed among adolescents. Research has shown that peer support and breastfeeding education without typical lectures are effective means of promoting breastfeeding with teens. METHODS: The Teen Breastfeeding Support Group, founded in 1998, meets biweekly, serving pregnant and/or breastfeeding adolescents. Facilitated by a breastfeeding counselor and a nurse practitioner, the focus of the group is peer support. Goals of the group include promoting breastfeeding with the adolescent mother through education and support, ultimately increasing breastfeeding rates. Three to ten teens attend each group, as well as their mothers, boyfriends, friends, and other support people. RESULTS: Since 1998, approximately 100 pregnant teens and teen mothers have attended at least one group, with most teens attending 3-5 groups. Satisfaction surveys completed by the teens after attending their first meeting indicate positive changes in knowledge, attitude and intention to breastfeed. CONCLUSIONS: The Teen Breastfeeding Support Group provides peer support for breastfeeding and breastfeeding education tailored to the teensʹ developmental needs, which have been shown to increase breastfeeding rates with teens.