Background: Childbirth among adolescents continues to be an urgent matter of public health concern, in developing and middle-income nations. Notwithstanding efforts to tackle this matter, obstacles persist regarding access to postnatal healthcare and assisting adolescent mothers. The study investigated the childbearing experiences of adolescent mothers residing in the Dormaa East District of Ghana. Methods: The research employed qualitative methods and a cross-sectional descriptive design to gather data. In-depth interviews were conducted individually with 30 adolescent mothers, selected using purposive sampling. Data collected was analysed using qualitative content analysis using NVIVO 10 qualitative software. Results: The findings showed that adolescent mothers exhibited a moderate level of understanding and proficiency in childcare protocols such as breastfeeding, complementary nutrition, and infant hygiene, according to the study. The knowledge of respondents regarding the advantages of lactation, particularly exclusive breastfeeding, was comprehensive; they frequently sought advice from healthcare professionals, family members, and personal experiences. Teenage mothers employed coping mechanisms to navigate the challenges of early motherhood such as financial constraints, societal stigmatization, and postpartum complications including preterm birth and haemorrhage. Conclusion: Teenage mothers were resilient and driven to ensure that their children received the finest possible upbringing. Additionally, the study acknowledges the importance of personal development, continuous learning, and assistance throughout the period when adolescent girls become mothers. Recommendation: The study's findings underscore the significance of implementing vocational training programs to enhance financial assistance for adolescent mothers, augmenting funding for initiatives targeting the reduction of teenage pregnancies, ensuring affordable maternal and childcare services, and intensifying comprehensive sexuality education.
Keywords: Adolescent motherhood, childbearing experiences, coping mechanisms