Exploring the lived experiences of pregnant and breastfeeding teenage mothers in the conflict and post conflict Acholi sub Region, Uganda.

Background: Globally, the ever-increasing numbers of teenage pregnancies reported is worrying, despite the commitment of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) declaration, 1994. Behind these numbers, there are voluminous untold stories. This study documented vividly the lived experiences of teenage pregnant and breastfeeding mothers born during the Lord's Resistance Army LRA war in Acholi sub region that lasted for two decades (1986-2006). Methods: Qualitative cross-sectional case study design was used. Data was collected between January-March 2020. We interviewed 15 pregnant and lactating teenage mothers who were purposively selected. Data was collected using in-depth interviews (IDI) and analysed thematically using atlas ti version 5. Results: The lived experiences prior to their pregnancy, characterized by orphan-hood, school drop out, single parenthood, lack of basic needs and large family size posed server hardships and were detrimental. Equally, their experiences during and after pregnancy was troublesome as close to 80% of the participants were sole parenting. Stigma, worries, limited baby care skills and inadequate basic needs all mirrored very gloomy lived experiences of the teenage pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Conclusion: The hardship life experienced prior to the teenage pregnancy was so detrimental and as such greatly contributed to the teenage pregnancy and motherhood. These factors were largely caused by the two decades of the LRA war that weakened the family and societal fabrics. The study recommends promotion of sexuality education, mentorship and skills building for young parents (mothers).