Challenges of feeding premature babies during the first six months of life: a survey on experiences by teenage mothers
Abstract
Background: Feeding of premature babies is a challenge and more so by teenage mothers. The
challenges experienced by teenage mothers in regard to successful breastfeeding of premature
babies are uniquely associated with their age and the surrounding environment (Smith, 2012).
Objective: To determine the challenges faced by teenage mothers when feeding premature
babies during the first six months of life.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey involving 167 teenage mothers whose babies
were born prematurely and were within the age group of six weeks to six months was conducted
among the teenage mothers attending Maternal Child Health (MCH) clinic at Pumwani
Maternity Hospital, Nairobi. Both quantitative and qualitative data was collected using a semistructured
questionnaire and a focus group discussion guide respectively. Quantitative data was
analyzed using SPSS version 20 while the qualitative data was categorized and analyzed and
references made based on the study themes. Descriptive statistics was used to examine
quantitative variables. Person’s Correlation Coefficient was used to test the association and
significance between the variables. Confidence interval was set at 95%, p value at <0.05.
Results: Results were presented in form of frequency tables, charts, graphs and narrative
explanation. Majority (68%, n=115) of the mothers used breastfeeding method to feed their
babies. Teenage mothers aged 18 to 19 years were likely to exclusively breastfeed compared to
those within the age bracket of 15 to 17 years. Majority (82.6%, n = 138) of the mothers fed the
babies on demand. Feeding options of the babies were influenced by the health care providers,
family members and peers. More than half (52%, n = 87) of the respondents reported insufficient
breast milk supply as a challenge they faced when breastfeeding the baby among other
challenges.
Conclusion: Not all the babies were exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life. The
babies were introduced to other feeds before attaining the age of six months. This is because
teenage mothers perceive they have insufficient breast milk supply for the babies. The mothers’
decision on feeding options during illness dependents on advice they get from family members
among other people around them.
Recommendations: Creation of awareness among the teenage mothers and the significant
members of their families on importance of breastfeeding exclusively before six months of age is
necessary. Initiation of interventions that will improve lactation among teenage mothers is
necessary. There is need for technical and positive family support to improve the feeding
practices among teenage mothers at home
Publisher
University of Nairobi
Rights
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United StatesUsage Rights
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/us/Collections
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