The Association Between Covariates, with Emphasis on Maternal Body Mass Index, and Duration of Exclusive and Total Breastfeeding

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between possible covariates, with emphasis on maternal body mass index (BMI), on exclusive breastfeeding and on total breastfeeding during the first postnatal year.Design: A longitudinal study encompassing 723 women who were followed during the first postnatal year Methods: Data concerning pregnancy, delivery, neonatal period and breastfeeding were extracted from respective medical records. Sociodemographic data on the participants were self-reported. The Cox Proportional Hazard Model was used for investigating the effects of different covariates.Results: Compared with women with BMI <25.0, obese women ran a higher risk of ceasing exclusive breastfeeding prematurely (Hazard ratio (HR) = 1.38, p=0.009). Multiparous women had a lower risk of ceasing the exclusive breastfeeding prematurely, than primiparous women (HR= 0.78, p= 0.009). Concerning exclusive breastfeeding as well as total breastfeeding, the risk of prematurely ceasing the breastfeeding decreased with increasing age (p=0.028 and p=<0.001, respectively).Median duration of exclusive breastfeeding was shorter among obese women compared with women with BMI <30.0 (3.0 vs 6.0 months). Corresponding figures for total breastfeeding were 4.0 vs 8.0 months. Concerning parity and exclusive breastfeeding there was no difference in median duration between primiparous women and multiparous women (4.0 months), whereas multiparous women had a longer median duration of total breastfeeding, than primiparous women (8.0 vs 7.0 months) Conclusion:The risk of ceasing exclusive breastfeeding prematurely is high among obese women. This result indicates the need for targeted supportive interventions, individualized according to BMI. With increasing age, the risk of ceasing breastfeeding prematurely decreases, and compared with primiparous women, multiparous women run a lower risk of ceasing exclusive breastfeeding prematurely.

The effect of multi-dimensional postpartum visits on increasing the breastfeeding rate of parturients with inverted nipple: a randomised study

“…It will also help mothers realize that, through targeted nipple care, indentation of the nipple will not affect normal breastfeeding, thereby strengthening their confidence for exclusive breastfeeding (15,16). Through the process of home visits, intervention staff can help the parturients solve problems in breastfeeding by formulating individualized measures, and ultimately increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding (17).…”

Role of Perinatal Biological Factors in Delayed Lactogenesis II Among Women With Pre-pregnancy Overweight and Obesity

“…Those who might benefit the most from long-term breastfeeding are less likely to initiate it or to breastfeed as long or as exclusively as recommended. Previous studies have demonstrated that women who were overweight or obese before pregnancy have significantly lower rates of breastfeeding initiation and exclusivity, running an almost 40% higher risk of ceasing breastfeeding prematurely (Claesson et al, 2020). Today, increasing rates of overweight and obesity among reproductive-age women have increased the need to carefully examine factors contributing to lower breastfeeding rates in this population (Chen et al, 2021; Poston et al, 2016).…”