The Effect of Maternal Pre-Pregnancy Obesity on Breastfeeding: A Pilot Prosoective Cohort Study

Authors : Renginar Öztürk Dönmez, Aynur Uysal Toraman, Gulbiye Celik

Pages : 23-30

Doi:10.61399/ikcusbfd.1243387

View : 53 | Download : 29

Publication Date : 2025-01-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: This prospective cohort study was conducted to investigate the effect of mothers who have obesity according to body mass index (BMI) in the pre-pregnancy period on their infant’s exclusive breastfeeding status six months after delivery. Material and Methods: The study sample consisted of 44 obese and 44 non-obese mother-infant pairs registered to a Family Health Center in Izmir, Türkiye. The data were collected during the 1st week, 1st, 3rd, and 6th months after delivery using the Individual Identification Form, LaTCH Tool, and Breastfeeding Status Follow-up Form. Independent t-test, Chi-square and Cochran’s Q tests, and Cox’s regression analysis were used. Results: A significant difference was found between the exclusive breastfeeding status of the infants of obese and non-obese participants in all follow-up weeks. In the Cox regression model, the only significant explanatory variable on exclusive breastfeeding in all follow-ups was prepregnancy BMI of the participants. The infants of obese participants were exclusively breastfed by 2.25 times less in the 1st week, 4.50 times less in the 1st month, 2.20 times less in the 3rd month, and 1.69 times less in the 6th month than the infants of non-obese participants. Conclusion: It was determined that maternal obesity statistically decreased the exclusive breastfeeding status. It can be recommended to monitor women of the reproductive age for obesity during pre-pregnancy follow-ups and to implement nursing interventions such as health education and counselling to reduce obesity.
Keywords : Gebelik öncesi obezite, emzirme, kohort çalışması