A new study highlights the multiple factors that make it difficult for women with maternal obesity to breastfeed.
- There is a consistent association between maternal obesity and a lower likelihood of breastfeeding initiation, as well as a shorter duration of total breastfeeding.
- Women of childbearing age continue to be strongly and disproportionately affected by the obesity pandemic.
- Studies continue to shed light on the biological plausibility of the association between maternal obesity and suboptimal lactation.
The Journal of the American Center for Nutrition found that there is a consistent association between maternal obesity and a lower likelihood of breastfeeding initiation, as well as a shorter duration of total and exclusive breastfeeding. This research highlights a major public health issue, as women of childbearing age are heavily impacted by the obesity pandemic.
Obesity and breastfeeding: additional risk factors
According to this work, women who are overweight or obese have multiple risk factors that prevent them from breastfeeding successfully. These include obesity-related metabolic alterations, mechanical latching difficulties due to bulky size, psycho-emotional stigma related to body image, and delayed onset of lactation accompanied by introduction of pre-lactated feedings.
Although the mechanisms have not been fully elucidated, studies continue to shed light on the biological plausibility of the association between maternal obesity and suboptimal lactation. The inflammation seems to disrupt the normal absorption of fatty acids by the mammary gland. This can lead to low milk production in obese mothers.
Overweight mothers: need for personalized breastfeeding support
A recent systematic review and meta-analysis found that breastfeeding counseling interventions can have a positive impact on the onset and duration of breastfeeding in overweight or obese women. However, to be most effective, these programs will need to take into account the potential metabolic alterations and stigma issues that these women face.
For the researchers, the crucial role of breastfeeding support in overweight women must be highlighted. The findings suggest, in fact, that overcoming obesity-related barriers requires providing these moms with the resources and support needed to help them breastfeed successfully. This may include specialist counseling and interventions that take into account the additional risk factors these mothers face.
Breastfeeding: a very good practice for your health
For researchers, maternal obesity and its consequences on breastfeeding should be a major public health concern. Indeed, this practice has many benefits for the baby as well as the mother.
Breast milk contains all the essential nutrients an infant needs to develop harmoniously. Among these, we find in particular the antibodies of his mother which strengthen his immune system, vitamins, mineral salts, trace elements, sugars, fats and proteins. All these elements contribute to the growth of the little one and allow him to start well in life.
Breastfeeding is not only good for the baby, it also has advantages for the mother: it promotes faster weight loss in the first 6 months after delivery. Moreover, “the uterus resumes its place more quickly thanks to the contractions of the uterus caused by the feedings, it is the phenomenon of the trenches”specifies theHealth Insurance.
Second, breastfeeding helps reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. The hormones released during testing contribute to better blood sugar regulation and can therefore help prevent this disease. This practice would also have a long-term protective effect against certain diseases, in particular breast and ovarian cancer before menopause. Studies have shown that the longer a woman breastfeeds, the lower the risk of developing these cancers.