Significant differences exist between adults and teenage
mothers who breastfeed

A study conducted at the USDA's Children's Nutrition Research Center in Houston showed that teenage mothers produced one-fourth less milk than do adult mothers, an amount insufficient to support solely the nutritional needs of their infants.

"The nutrient composition of the teen's milk was preserved throughout lactation," said Dr.Kathleen Motil, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. "However, there is cause for concern, because early nutrition is very important, and if you short change an infant through insufficient milk, then you have adverse consequences that affect not only their growth but also their cognitive development."

Motil studied 22 lactating mothers 11 adolescents and I I adults who were healthy nonsmokers with uncomplicated pregnancies resulting in healthy, full term infants.

The mothers' height, weight, and body composition were measured throughout the first year after the birth of their children. Their milk production, milk composition, and lactational behavior also were evaluated and recorded.

"It is not evident whether teenage mothers are biologically incapable of producing enough milk for their infants or if other factors are involved," Motil said.

New mothers need to eat a well balanced diet to keep up the nutrient requirements their bodies require for pregnancy and lactation, but the need is even stronger for teenagers because they are still maturing.

The study also found that the teens' lactational behavior also differed from adult mothers. They tended to spend a shorter amount of time nursing their infant, nursed less often, and quit nursing sooner than the adult moms.

"As a result, formulas were introduced at a younger age, thereby lessening the beneficial effects of mothers milk on the infant," Motil said.

Breast milk/Breastfeeding Research