Maternal overweight impacts infant feeding patterns--the STEPS Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Maternal Health
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Maternal overweight and obesity are significant global health concerns.
• Breastfeeding and timely introduction of complementary foods are crucial for child development and long-term health.
• Understanding the interplay between maternal pre-pregnancy weight, infant feeding practices, and child growth is essential for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of maternal pre-pregnancy overweight on breastfeeding duration and the timing of complementary food introduction.
• To examine the association between maternal overweight, infant feeding practices, and children's growth trajectory from infancy to two years.
• To determine the protective effects of breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices against childhood obesity.

Main Methods:

• A cohort study involving 848 children from the STEPS Study, with data collected via follow-up diaries and maternity records.
• Maternal pre-pregnancy weight, height, and infant feeding data (breastfeeding duration, complementary food introduction) were recorded.
• Children's anthropometric measurements (weight, length/height, BMI) were taken at 13 months and 2 years of age.

Main Results:

• Overweight mothers exhibited shorter durations of full and total breastfeeding and introduced complementary foods earlier compared to normal-weight mothers.
• Children born to overweight mothers were heavier and had higher BMIs at two years, but maternal overweight did not significantly increase children's obesity risk (OR 1.04, P=0.12).
• Longer durations of full breastfeeding (OR 0.86, P=0.04), partial breastfeeding (OR 0.91, P=0.02), and delayed complementary food introduction (OR 0.69, P=0.03) were associated with a reduced risk of childhood obesity.

Conclusions:

• Women with pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity tend to breastfeed for shorter periods and introduce complementary foods earlier.
• These altered infant feeding patterns associated with maternal overweight may influence children's growth and body composition.
• Promoting extended breastfeeding and appropriate complementary feeding timing may mitigate obesity risk in children, irrespective of maternal pre-pregnancy weight status.