Table 5 Barriers to breastfeeding among adolescents 17 and younger in North Carolina's Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System

Number of reasons given for not initiating breastfeeding (n = 115)

   0

   1

   2

   3+

Reasons for not initiating breastfeeding*

   I didn't like breastfeeding

   I went back to work or school

   Other

   I was embarrassed to breastfeed

   I didn't want to be tied down

   I wanted my body back to myself

   I had too many household duties

   I had other children to take care of

Number of reasons given for stopping breastfeeding (n = 102)

   1

   2

   3+

Reasons for stopping*

   I went back to work or school

   Breast milk alone did not satisfy my baby

   I thought I was not producing enough milk

   My nipples were sore, cracked, or bleeding

   Other

   My baby had difficulty nursing

   I felt it was the right time to stop breastfeeding

   I wanted/needed someone else to feed the baby

   I thought my baby was not gaining enough weight

   I had too many other household duties

   I got sick and could not breastfeed

   My baby got sick and could not breastfeed