Maternal Adiposity, Milk Production and Removal, and Infant Milk Intake During Established Lactation

Area of Science:

• Human Physiology
• Lactation Biology
• Maternal Health

Background:

• Maternal body mass index (BMI) is associated with suboptimal breastfeeding outcomes.
• Maternal body composition's impact on milk production (MP) remains understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between maternal body composition and milk production parameters.
• To determine the mediating role of breast storage capacity (BSC) in the association between adiposity and MP.

Main Methods:

• 281 lactating mothers (1-6 months postpartum) measured 24h MP using the test-weigh method.
• Body composition assessed via bioimpedance spectroscopy; BSC and percentage of available milk removed (PAMR) calculated.
• Linear regression and structural equation modeling analyzed associations and mediation.

Main Results:

• Higher maternal adiposity correlated with lower BSC, MP, and infant milk intake.
• BSC was confirmed as a significant mediator (67.5%) between adiposity and MP.
• Lower PAMR observed with lower BSC and milk removal frequency; pumping frequency also influenced PAMR.

Conclusions:

• Maternal adiposity is a key factor in reduced milk production, mediated by breast storage capacity.
• Findings support antenatal lactation assessments for high-risk mothers.
• Timely interventions can optimize lactation potential in mothers with higher adiposity.