Early Initiation of Breastfeeding Among Adolescent Mothers: A Quality Improvement Study

Background: The prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) was found to be low among adolescent postnatal mothers. EIBF is associated with improved parenting skills and better neurodevelopment in babies. We aimed to improve the prevalence of EIBF among teenage mothers to at least 90% through a quality improvement (QI) initiative. Materials and methods: It was a QI intervention conducted over a period of 15 months involving mothers under the age of 20 years at the time of present delivery. Six Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles consisting of multiple interventions, each lasting for one month, were conducted to improve the prevalence of EIBF. Rate of improvement in EIBF was noted and plotted against time. Post-intervention follow-ups of observations were done for six months. Results: The prevalence of EIBF among adolescent mothers was 28.5% during the pre-intervention baseline phase. QI team meeting was held and the barriers to EIBF among the adolescent mothers were discussed and depicted in the form of a fish-bone analysis model. The prevalence of EIBF increased during each intervention cycle to 50%, 60%, 62.5%, 72.7%, 88%, and 100%. At the end of six months follow-up phase, the prevalence of EIBF sustained at around 100%. Conclusion: This QI initiative has proven to be effective in improving the prevalence of EIBF with simple but effective measures. Adolescent women comprise of a vulnerable sub-population of high-risk mothers. Proper counseling and respectful maternity care will help them face the challenges of motherhood boldly.