مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - The Effect of Maternal Obesity on Breast-feeding

Abstract :

Obesity is a significant public health problem the prevalence of which shows a significant increase all around the world. Obesity in pregnancy not only causes many health problems for mother and baby but also affects breast-feeding period negatively. In the studies conducted, it is stated that the obesity of mother in pregnancy period increases the risk of gestational diabetes and cesarean delivery; and lactogenesisis delayed because of such complications. Obese mothers start breast-feeding later and have less tendency to breast-feed due to psychological problems such as the lack of self-esteem and confidence, and postpartum depression. Moreover, that obese mothers have big breasts due to obesity makes breast-feeding of the baby more difficult. Since breast-feeding increases uterus contractions, it reduces hemorrhage risk in the maternal obese and prevents anemia. Depending on approximately 500 kcal daily energy consumption for lactation, the metabolic rate of breastfeeding mothers increases and maternal weight retention is prevented with breast-feeding. Breast-feedingalso prevents the formation of hypoglycemia in the baby with macrosomia, which is a complication of maternal obesity. Consequently, maternal obesity affects breast-feeding and breast-feeding prevents maternal obesity. Therefore, obesity must be prevented in women in the reproductive age group; mothers starting pregnancy with overweight or gaining more weightin the pregnancy period than suggested must be directed to a dietitian by doctors or nurses. Since early and frequent breast-feeding stimulates lactogenesis, maternal obese mothers must be certainly encouraged for breast-feedingby nursesbefore their discharge from the hospital.