Body composition changes among lactating mothers In Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was carried out to evaluate body composition changes among nursing mothers in relation to their breastfeeding pattern. This prospective study was carried out at Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. A total of 213 mothers were recruited consecutively during BCG immunization of their babies aged 0-7 days. At recruitment, the mothers were classified into exclusive and nonexclusive breastfeeding (EBF and NEBF) groups. Maternal body weight, height, arm circumference and skinfold measurements were taken. Body fat (kg and %) and lean body mass (LBM) were calculated from predicted equations. These measurements were repeated during follow up visits at 6, 14 and 24 weeks. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 13. There was no significant difference in anthropometric and body composition parameters between mothers in the EBF and NEBF groups throughout the period (p>0.05). Significant changes occurred in arm circumference, triceps, percentage of body fat and lean body mass among the EBF group over the period (P< 0.05). The mothers in both groups were overweight (BMI>25kg/m 2 ) throughout the study period. Initial weight and body fat (kg) loss occurred in both groups at 6 weeks, thereafter, there was progressive weight and body fat gain up to the 14 th week, after which a slight decline occurred. LBM loss was higher in EBF (0.43kg/month) compared to the NEBF group (0.16kg/month) over the study period. Irrespective of the breastfeeding pattern, this study revealed that there was no significant difference in body composition changes between EBF and NEBF mothers.

A Study of the Nutritional Status and Dietary Intake of Lactating Women in Umuahia, Nigeria

“…This creates an opportunity for them to nurse their baby, feed well and reduce their activity level. [10] Similarly, other authors have reported that lactating women they studied were overweight [32,33] while some others have shown that they were either normal or obese. [9,34,35] Data on food consumption showed that the women consumed a variety of foods from cereals, roots/tubers, legumes and fruits/vegetables.…”

“…[8] In a cross sectional study [9] , it was reported that breastfeeding when practiced either exclusively or otherwise had no significant negative effect on the nutritional status of the mothers. Likewise, a longitudinal study [10] observed that irrespective of breastfeeding pattern, lactation also had no profound effect on maternal body composition. However, the high energy cost of lactation as well as the nutritional and health risk it could pose for the woman emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring of their nutritional status and dietary intake in poor resource countries.…”

Nutritional Status and Associated Factors Among Lactating Mothers in Nekemte Referral Hospital and Health Centers, Ethiopia

“…In a cross sectional study (Sansui and Falana, 2009) it was reported that breastfeeding when practiced either exclusively or otherwise had no significant negative effect on the nutritional status of the mothers. Likewise, a longitudinal study (Ukegbu et al, 20012). Observed that irrespective of breastfeeding pattern, lactation also had no profound effect on maternal body Composition.…”

Faktor-Faktor yang Berhubungan dengan Praktik ASI Eksklusif di Daerah Pertanian Kabupaten Semarang (Studi pada Ibu yang Memiliki Bayi Usia 0−6 Bulan)

“…Angka ini masih lebih rendah dari target nasional yaitu 80%. 2 Faktor-faktor yang dapat mempengaruhi keberhasilan ASI eksklusif antara lain usia ibu 3 , pendidikan ibu 4 , pekerjaan ibu, pendapatan keluarga 5 , paritas 6 , pengetahuan ibu tentang ASI eksklusif 7 , sikap ibu terhadap ASI eksklusif, dukungan tenaga kesehatan, paparan promosi susu formula, dukungan suami, dukungan keluarga 8 , tempat persalinan 9 , pelaksanaan Inisiasi Menyusu Dini 6 , kadar hemoglobin ibu 10 , makanan prelakteal 11 , umur kehamilan ibu 12 , pengalaman menyusui 13 , status gizi ibu 14 , penolong persalinan 15 , cara persalinan 16 , panjang lingkar lengan atas (LILA) ibu 17 , dan Indeks Massa Tubuh (IMT) ibu 18 .…”