Comparison of breastfeeding attitudes and practices: low-income adolescents and adult women.

Abstract

Breastfeeding attitudes and practices of two independent samples of low-income adolescents were compared to a third sample of low-income, adult women. Low-income status was based on subject eligibility for the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Breastfeeding attitudes were significantly related to setting, race, and age. Other factors, such as previous exposure to breastfeeding, also influenced breastfeeding attitudes. Breastfeeding rates were 16.7% and 32.4% for the two teen samples, and 35.4% for the sample of adult women. Choice of infant feeding method post delivery was significantly related to intention regarding feeding method during pregnancy. Implications of these findings for health care professionals are discussed.