Does Adolescent Motherhood Effect Macronutrient Contents in Breast Milk?

Objective: Breast milk is the best for newborns due to its rich dietary content, immunologic factors, ease of accessibility and affordability. Given the fact that adolescent birth rate in Turkey is high, this study examines the effects of adolescent motherhood with regard to macronutrient contents in breast milk.

Method: Colostrum samples were collected from mothers of neonates born in our hospital, whose gestational ages were ≥37 weeks. Demographic characteristics of the patients were registered. To analyze breast milk, MIRIS (Mid-Infrared Human Milk Analyzer) device was utilized, using spectroscopy method for measurements. Protein, fat, carbohydrate and energy levels of the samples were measured and groups were compared.

Analysis: The study includes 225 mothers of whom 76 were adolescents and 149 were adults. Maternal weight, maternal body mass index, weight gain during pregnancy, mode of delivery and gestational age, as well as birth weight and gender of the infants were similar. As breast milk contents were compared, there were no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of protein, fat, carbohydrate and energy levels.

Results: Macronutrient contents in colostrum of adolescent mothers constitute no differences to adult mothers. Although adolescent motherhood may adversely affect the infant welfare, likeliness of breast milk contents might be construed positively in terms of nutrition, growth and development.