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Breast-feeding reduces maternal lower-body fat
F M Kramer1, A J Stunkard, K A Marshall
1US Army Natick Research, Development, and Engineering Center, MA 01760-5020.
Journal of the American Dietetic Association
|April 1, 1993
Summary
Breast-feeding influences postpartum maternal weight and hip measurements. Exclusive or partial breastfeeding mothers showed greater reductions in hip circumference and were closer to pre-pregnancy weight at one month compared to formula-feeding mothers.
Area of Science:
- Maternal health
- Postpartum recovery
- Infant nutrition
Background:
- Postpartum anthropometric changes are influenced by various factors.
- Understanding the impact of infant feeding practices on maternal physical recovery is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of different infant feeding practices on maternal anthropometric measures.
- To assess changes in weight and body measurements during the first six months postpartum.
Main Methods:
- Study included 24 women observed for six months postpartum.
- Infant feeding practices categorized into exclusive breastfeeding, combination feeding, and formula feeding.
- Maternal anthropometric measures and dietary intake were recorded monthly.
Main Results:
- Mothers exclusively or partially breastfeeding showed greater hip circumference reduction (3.6% and 3.1%) compared to formula-feeding mothers (0.68%).
- Breastfeeding mothers were closer to their pre-pregnancy weight at one month postpartum (7.8% and 8.5% above) than formula-feeding mothers (13.7% above).
- Overall anthropometric changes at six months postpartum were similar across all groups.
Conclusions:
- Infant feeding choice significantly impacts postpartum maternal anthropometric changes.
- These effects on maternal body composition appear to be temporary.
- Further research is needed to understand long-term implications.