Influence of weight concerns on breastfeeding: Evidence from the Norwegian mother and child cohort study

Abstract

ObjectivesHigh body mass index (BMI) often predicts truncated breastfeeding, although why is unclear. We test a proposed mediating role of body concerns on breastfeeding initiation and child's age at weaning using longitudinal data for 55,522 mothers from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa).MethodsA linear regression‐based mediation analysis with bootstrapping estimates the indirect effects of BMI on breastfeeding decisions (ever‐initiation of breastfeeding, child's age at weaning, and duration of any breastfeeding beyond six months) through the variables of concern around prepregnancy weight and weight gains due to pregnancy.ResultsContrary to prediction, Norwegian mothers with greater prepregnancy weight concerns had a higher likelihood of initiating breastfeeding. Concerns about weight gain during pregnancy, however, predicted earlier weaning. This relationship was the same for higher and lower BMI mothers.ConclusionIn this very large sample, body image affects some breastfeeding decisions. However, this effect is independent of mother's body size.

Relationships between Breastfeeding Patterns and Maternal and Infant Body Composition over the First 12 Months of Lactation

“…These interventions would include maintaining/achieving healthy maternal BC pre-conception and during pregnancy and lactation, as well as supporting breastfeeding from 9 to 12 months and beyond, as outlined in the NHMRC [ 96 ] and WHO infant feeding guidelines [ 97 ], to improve the outcomes for breastfeeding dyads. An example of an ‘intervention’ is Norway’s promotion of breastfeeding (and extended breastfeeding), which is deployed by overweight/obese mothers as a weight loss strategy, since Norwegian women with greater pre-pregnancy weight concerns are more likely to initiate breastfeeding and breastfeed for longer [ 98 ].…”

Pregnant women's intention to breastfeed; their estimated extent and duration of the forthcoming breastfeeding in relation to the actual breastfeeding in the first year postpartum—A Swedish cohort study

“…The reasons for this circumstance are unknown but it is possible that they had anxiety about the forthcoming breastfeeding and less confidence about their body, which in turn affected the motivation for breastfeeding. Several studies have pointed out psychological as well as technical concerns with breastfeeding (Han & Brewis, 2018;Keely, Lawton, Swanson, & Denison, 2015;McKenzie, Rasmussen, & Garner, 2018;Mok et al, 2008;Mulherin, Miller, Barlow, Diedrichs, & Thompson, 2013;Newby & Davies, 2016). It is also possible that multiparous women have a more realistic view on the forthcoming breastfeeding due to previous experience, compared with nulliparous women who have no breastfeeding experience.…”

The Relationship Between Breastfeeding and Body Weight Change During Postpartum Process: The Scope Review

“…Emziren kadınlardaki emzirmenin yoğunluğu ve süresinin 24 aylık takip sürecinde her aşamadaki kilo kaybı ile ilişkisinin olduğu belirtilmiştir 30 . Emzirmenin kilo vermeye katkısının olmadığını bulan çalışma sonuçları da bulunmaktadır [31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42] . Bir çalışmada emziren kadınların emzirdikleri için doğum öncesi kilolarına dönebilmek konusunda daha özgüvenli oldukları, ancak emzirmeyen kadınlara oranla daha kolay ve fazla kilo vermeleri açısından anlamlı bir farklılık bulunmadığı bulunmuştur 35 .…”

“…Kortizol eğimi yüksek çıkan annelerin doğum sonu dönemde kilo tuttuğu bulunmuştur 41 . Başka bir çalışmada gebelik öncesi dönemde kilo alma kaygısı daha fazla olan annelerin emzirmeye daha erken başladığı ancak emzirmeyi daha erken bıraktığı sonucuna ulaşılmıştır 42 .…”