Early marriage and unsuccessful exclusive breastfeeding among Semarang district of Indonesian teenage mothers

Abstract

This study aimed to analyse breastfeeding practice among teenage mothers. The study was conducted on 16 teenage mothers in and outside the city of Bandungan Subdistrict of Semarang District, Indonesia. Current study used qualitative exploratory observational studies with in-depth interview and observation method for obtaining breastfeeding behaviour data. Anthropometric measurements of teenage mother were measured to determine nutritional status. Results showed that half of the women (50%) had only elementary school education. Regarding marital status, 13 mothers (81.25%) were not ready for marriage, while the rest were married. Unwanted pregnancy happened to 9 mothers (4 in the city and 5 outside the city). The majority of mothers (81.25%) had normal nutritional status. Majority of mothers lacked the knowledge of early breastfeeding initiation and breast milk. Mothers' attitude (cognitive, affective, and conative) toward breastfeeding were found to be negative, despite others realized its importance. Family, health professionals and peers support were less optimal. The majority of mothers (87.5%) provided non-exclusive breastfeeding and 2 mothers (12.5 %) stopped breastfeeding. Specific intervention is needed for successful exclusive breastfeeding among teenage mothers.