Breastfeeding and pumping as maladaptive weight control behaviors
Suzanne M Bailey-Straebler1,2, Leah C Susser1, Zafra Cooper3
1Weill Cornell Medicine - New York Presbyterian Hospital, White Plains, New York, USA.
The International Journal of Eating Disorders
|June 1, 2023
Summary
Breastfeeding and pumping may be used by women with eating disorders (EDs) for weight control. Further research is needed to understand this under-recognized behavior and its potential harms to mothers and infants.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Breastfeeding is known to expend calories.
- Postpartum women with eating disorders (EDs) may use breastfeeding/pumping for weight control.
- This behavior is not recognized as maladaptive or researched.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the prevalence of using breastfeeding/pumping for weight control in women with EDs.
- Determine the role of this behavior in ED maintenance or postpartum relapse.
- Understand potential harms to mothers and infants.
Main Methods:
- Clinical observations of postpartum women with EDs.
- Literature review on eating disorders and postpartum behaviors.
- Call for further research into this under-recognized practice.
Main Results:
- Anecdotal evidence suggests breastfeeding/pumping is used for weight control by women with EDs.
- This behavior is under-recognized in clinical settings.
- There is a lack of research on this topic.
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding and pumping may serve as maladaptive weight control behaviors in women with EDs.
- This practice warrants further investigation due to its potential role in EDs and harm.
- Increased clinical awareness and research are crucial.
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