How young pregnant women in Leeds decide to feed their baby.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An exploration of the influence of self-efficacy and social relationship for young first time pregnant women (age 18-24) in Leeds, when considering how to feed their baby.
IRAS ID
197502
Contact name
Shenaz Ahmed
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 17 days
Research summary
This study aims to explore the influence and interplay of self-efficacy and social relationship for young first time pregnant women (age 18 to 24) in Leeds when considering how to feed their baby. It is hoped to answer how first time young pregnant women arrive at their chosen infant feeding method given the complexity of balancing the need for social inclusion, individuality and conformity?
Breast feeding is seen to make a positive contribution to the health and well-being of the child and as such is included in the Public Health Outcomes Framework for England (DH 2012). The benefits of breast feeding are well publicised and evidence suggests that women are aware of these (Dyson et al 2006, Unicef 2015). Despite this, England and Wales have had, in the last 50 years, the lowest breast feeding rates in the world (McAndrew et al 2012). National initiation rates for breast feeding are lower among younger mothers, and there is a greater fall out rate from breast feeding in this group compared with other age groups. The fall out rate is greater in the 20-24 age group compared with the under 20’s (McAndrew et al 2012).
If pregnant young women understand the public health message regarding breast feeding as being the ideal then an understanding of the influences which contribute to their decision regarding breast feeding is necessary. Pregnant women between 18-24 years choosing to birth in Leeds, will be invited to participate in an interview undertaken prior to the birth, conducted in their home.
REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/SW/0084
Date of REC Opinion
18 Mar 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion