Supporting Adolescents Who Choose to Breastfeed: Challenges and Best Practices

Adolescent mothers are at high risk for medical complications, developmental delays in infants, and social and systemic barriers. Infants born to adolescent mothers are at an increased risk of low birth weight and prematurity, which are mitigated by breastfeeding. Breastfeeding fosters bonding between mother and infant, enhances infant safety, and creates a sense of purpose in adolescent mothers. Adolescents benefit from support at school to continue breastfeeding. School nurses can provide support and remove barriers. This article will describe best practices in the school environment and explore the role of the school nurse in providing safe and comfortable spaces for adolescent mothers to feed their babies.