Maternal obesity adversely affects early breastfeeding in a multicultural, multi‐socioeconomic Melbourne community

Background Maternal breastfeeding support and maternal obesity are concerns effectively addressed at the community level. International, national and regional surveys have established that elevated maternal body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for early cessation of breastfeeding. However, the ext...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Australian & New Zealand journal of obstetrics & gynaecology 2021-02, Vol.61 (1), p.78-85
Main Authors: Fan, Wei Qi, Molinaro, Amanda
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Australia
Body Mass Index
Breast Feeding - adverse effects
breastfeeding
ethnicity
Female
Humans
Infant
maternal obesity
Mothers
Obesity - epidemiology
Obesity, Maternal
Overweight
Pregnancy
severe obesity
Socioeconomic Factors
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Summary:Background Maternal breastfeeding support and maternal obesity are concerns effectively addressed at the community level. International, national and regional surveys have established that elevated maternal body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for early cessation of breastfeeding. However, the extent of these concerns in the local community is often an unknown and related to variables such as socioeconomic status, education, culture and ethnicity. Aims We believed that a survey of post‐natal breastfeeding and BMI status would provide a valuable insight into developing targeted local health initiatives. Materials and Methods In 2014, we teamed up with the Whittlesea Maternal and Child Health Service to complete a questionnaire of mothers and babies attending the eight‐week infant review. Data included: infant and maternal weight, medical conditions, breastfeeding experience and satisfaction, prime language, education level, support. Results Maternal obesity at eight weeks postpartum was high at 28.9%, with 63.6% of mothers being overweight or obese. Obesity was associated with a lack of higher education (P 
ISSN:0004-8666
1479-828X
DOI:10.1111/ajo.13232