In the end, say researchers, it may be good for them. Davis School of Medicine studied the effects of breastfeeding and maternal bone mineral density in teen mothers. Typically, bone mineral density diminishes during lactation.
Researchers say levels return to normal when the baby is weaned.
Doctors at UC Davis wanted to know if the long-term effects would be different in teen mothers, who are still developing bone mass. Their research shows that teenage mothers who breastfeed have no signs of bone loss when studied three years after the birth. The study also found that bone mineral density in mothers who breastfed as teens is actually stronger once breastfeeding is over than in those who did not breastfeed. Researchers say teen are less likely to breastfeed because of myths surrounding its impact on young mothers. They say this study underscores the overall advantage breastfeeding has for both mother and baby.