Association of Full Breastfeeding Duration with Postpartum Weight Retention in a Cohort of Predominantly Breastfeeding Women

Full breastfeeding (FBF) is promoted as effective for losing pregnancy weight during the postpartum period. This study evaluated whether longer FBF is associated with lower maternal postpartum weight retention (PPWR) as compared to a shorter FBF duration. The MILK (Mothers and Infants Linked for Healthy Growth) study is an ongoing prospective cohort of 370 mother–infant dyads, all of whom fully breastfed their infants for at least 1 month. Breastfeeding status was subsequently self-reported by mothers at 3 and 6 months postpartum. Maternal PPWR was calculated as maternal weight measured at 1, 3, and 6 months postpartum minus maternal prepregnancy weight. Using linear mixed effects models, by 6 months postpartum, adjusted means ± standard errors for weight retention among mothers who fully breastfed for 1–3 (3.40 ± 1.16 kg), 3–6 (1.41 ± 0.69 kg), and ≥6 months (0.97 ± 0.32 kg) were estimated. Compared to mothers who reported FBF for 1–3 months, those who reported FBF for 3–6 months and ≥6 months both had lower PPWR over the period from 1 to 6 months postpartum (p = 0.04 and p < 0.01, respectively). However, PPWR from 3 to 6 months was not significantly different among those who reported FBF for 3–6 versus ≥6 months (p > 0.05). Interventions to promote FBF past 3 months may increase the likelihood of postpartum return to prepregnancy weight.

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How do pregnancy-related weight changes and breastfeeding relate to maternal weight and BMI-adjusted waist circumference 7 y after delivery? Results from a path analysis

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition ◽

10.3945/ajcn.113.067405 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 99 (2) ◽

pp. 312-319 ◽

Cited By ~ 58

Author(s):

Helene Kirkegaard ◽

Henrik Stovring ◽

Kathleen M Rasmussen ◽

Barbara Abrams ◽

Thorkild IA Sørensen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Weight Gain ◽

Waist Circumference ◽

Gestational Weight Gain ◽

Breastfeeding Duration ◽

Postpartum Weight Retention ◽

Weight Retention ◽

Weight Changes ◽

Maternal Weight ◽

Gestational Weight ◽

Postpartum Weight

ABSTRACT Background: Reproduction has been related to long-term maternal weight gain, and changes in fat mass, with gestational weight gain, have been identified as an important contributor. However, the influence of weight changes during the whole reproductive cycle and the modifying effect of breastfeeding are unknown. Objective: The objective was to examine how prepregnancy weight, gestational weight gain, postpartum weight changes, and breastfeeding influence maternal weight and body mass index–adjusted waist circumference (WCBMI) 7 y after delivery. Design: This was a prospective cohort study of 23,701 women participating in the Danish National Birth Cohort with singleton births and no births during follow-up. Path analysis was used to assess the total, direct, and indirect effects; the latter was mediated through weight changes on the pathways. Results: Postpartum weight retention at 6 mo and weight gain from 6 to 18 mo postpartum were highly positively associated with both outcomes. A 1-kg increase in weight retention at 6 mo postpartum corresponded to an average increase of 0.5 kg at 7 y. Gestational weight gain was not associated with WCBMI but was positively associated with weight at 7 y; 87% of this effect was mediated through later weight changes. For both outcomes, a small inverse association was observed for breastfeeding duration. This was strongest for WCBMI, for which 97% of the effect was direct, ie, not mediated through postpartum weight. Conclusions: These findings show that postpartum weight retention at 6 mo and weight gain from 6 to 18 mo postpartum contribute equally to adverse maternal anthropometric measures 7 y after delivery. Breastfeeding duration may have a beneficial effect.

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Postpartum weight retention among women in Rio de Janeiro: a follow-up study

Cadernos de Saúde Pública ◽

10.1590/s0102-311x2003000700016 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 19 (suppl 1) ◽

pp. S149-S161 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Gilberto Kac ◽

Maria Helena D'Aquino Benicio ◽

Joaquim Gonçalves Valente ◽

Gustavo Velásquez-Meléndez

Keyword(s):

Body Fat ◽

Rio De Janeiro ◽

Single Women ◽

Outcome Variable ◽

Postpartum Weight Retention ◽

Weight Retention ◽

Variable Weight ◽

Postpartum Weight ◽

Pregnancy Weight

This study presents follow-up results on trends in postpartum weight retention among women in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at 0.5, 2, 6, and 9 months postpartum. The outcome variable, weight retention, was calculated by subtracting the reported pre-pregnancy weight from the observed weight at each interview. Statistical analyses used means and a 95% confidence interval for weight retention. Mean weight retention was 4.7, 4.1, 3.4, and 3.1kg at 0.5, 2, 6 and 9 months postpartum, respectively. At completion of the study, the largest weight retention was observed in women over 30 years of age (4.2kg) and with 30% or more of body fat (5.9kg). The rate of reduction in weight retention was 0.4kg/month, 0.2kg/month, and 0.1kg/ month for the periods 0.5-2, 2-6, and 6-9 months, respectively. The largest reductions were observed among young, single women and those with < 30% of body fat at baseline. The results suggest that variables such as age, parity, schooling, and body fat may be important predictors of postpartum weight retention.

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Associations of Maternal Material Hardships During Childhood and Adulthood with Prepregnancy Weight, Gestational Weight Gain, and Postpartum Weight Retention

Journal of Women s Health ◽

10.1089/jwh.2014.5016 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 24 (7) ◽

pp. 563-571 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Audrey M. Provenzano ◽

Sheryl L. Rifas-Shiman ◽

Sharon J. Herring ◽

Janet W. Rich-Edwards ◽

Emily Oken

Keyword(s):

Weight Gain ◽

Gestational Weight Gain ◽

Postpartum Weight Retention ◽

Weight Retention ◽

Gestational Weight ◽

Prepregnancy Weight ◽

Postpartum Weight

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Associations Among Leisure-Time Physical Activity, Gestational Weight Gain, and Postpartum Weight Retention With Varying Estimates of Prepregnancy Weight

American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine ◽

10.1177/1559827615627144 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 501-510

Author(s):

Rebecca A. Schlaff ◽

Claudia Holzman ◽

Kimberly S. Maier ◽

Karin A. Pfieffer ◽

James M. Pivarnik

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Weight Gain ◽

Leisure Time ◽

Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽

Postpartum Weight Retention ◽

Weight Retention ◽

Gestational Weight ◽

Prepregnancy Weight ◽

Pregnancy And Postpartum ◽

Postpartum Weight

Prospective studies examining postpartum weight retention (PPWR) in relation to the appropriateness of gestational weight gain (GWG) and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) during pregnancy and postpartum are lacking. While utilizing varying estimates of prepregnancy weight, we sought to prospectively examine associations among the aforementioned variables. Our sample consisted of a subset of women from the Archive for Research on Child Health Study (n = 68). Prepregnancy weight was obtained via questionnaire and birth certificates. GWG (2 estimates) was calculated by subtracting prepregnancy weight estimates from weight at delivery and classified as “excess” or “not excess.” Pregnancy and postpartum LTPA were self-reported and dichotomized at recommended levels. Prepregnancy weight estimates were subtracted from self-reported postpartum weight to calculate 2 estimates of PPWR at 6 months. Linear regression was used to examine relationships among GWG and LTPA, and PPWR. Estimates of excess GWG were associated with increased PPWR (mean difference = 3.3-8.9 kg), even after adjustment for prepregnancy body mass index and breastfeeding. Meeting pregnancy and postpartum LTPA recommendations did not significantly predict PPWR. Our findings highlight the importance of encouraging appropriate GWG and provide insight into the impact varying estimates of prepregnancy weight may have when exploring associations among these variables.

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1309Breastfeeding and weight retention in women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM): LINDA-Brasil Cohort

International Journal of Epidemiology ◽

10.1093/ije/dyab168.169 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Michele Drehmer ◽

Kadhija Cherubini ◽

Alvaro Vigo ◽

Maria Inês Schmidt

Keyword(s):

Post Partum ◽

National Health System ◽

Weight Retention ◽

Maternal Weight ◽

Relative Risks ◽

Multicentre Cohort Study ◽

Postpartum Weight ◽

Telephone Calls ◽

One Year ◽

Pregnancy Weight

Abstract Background Breastfeeding seems to be inversely related to postpartum weight retention (PPWR), but this relationship is unclear in women with GDM. We aimed to describe the association between breastfeeding and PPWR at 1 year postpartum in women with GDM. Methods Multicentre cohort study of 524 women with GDM enrolled in prenatal clinics of the Brazilian National Health System and followed by telephone up to one year postpartum. Socio-demographics and pre-gestational weight were obtained during recruitment. Breastfeeding and post-partum maternal weight through telephone calls. PPWR was defined as 1-year postpartum weight minus pre-pregnancy weight and categorized as above and below the 80th sample percentile of retention. Breastfeeding was categorized as duration greater or less than 6 months. Adjusted Poisson regression was performed to assess relative risks (RR). Results Most women were 30 to 39 years old (50.6%), multiparous (71.0%), 39.5% completed high school, 60.1% were non-white (60.1%). Mean pre-gestational BMI was 30.42 (± 6.7) kg/m² and the mean weight gain during pregnancy was 9.5 (± 7.1) kg. After adjustments for previous variables, breastfeeding for 6 months or more reduced by 35% (RR 0.65; 95% CI 0.47; 0.90, p < 0.01) the incidence of 1-year PPWR up to 80th percentile (≥7Kg) compared to breastfeeding less than 6 months. Conclusions Breastfeeding up to 6 months might be encouraged in women with GDM to help preventing higher levels of 1-year PPWR. Key messages Breastfeeding up to 6 months was associated with less PPWR at 1 year after delivery in women with GDM.

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The Association between Weight-related Variables and Postpartum Depressive Symptoms

American Journal of Health Behavior ◽

10.5993/ajhb.45.5.11 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 45 (5) ◽

pp. 916-923

Author(s):

Meghan Baruth ◽

Rebecca A. Schlaff ◽

Faith C. LaFramboise ◽

Samantha J. Deere ◽

Kaylynne Miesen

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Weight Gain ◽

Online Survey ◽

Bachelor's Degree ◽

Postpartum Weight Retention ◽

Weight Retention ◽

Gestational Weight ◽

Postpartum Depressive Symptoms ◽

Postpartum Weight ◽

Pregnancy Weight

Objectives: Postpartum depressive symptoms (PPDS) are common, and weight-related variables may be risk factors. In this study, we examined associations between weight-related variables and PPDS in postpartum women. Methods: Participants who gave birth within the past 12 months completed an online survey assessing various weight-related variables and PPDS. We examined associations between weight-related variables and PPDS using regression models. Results: Participants (N=315) were 30.1±3.9 years of age and 5.6±3.7 months postpartum. A majority were white (96.2%), married (87.9%), and had a bachelor's degree or higher (70.5%). Having a higher pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and current BMI, lower weight loss at 6 months postpartum, and substantial postpartum weight retention were associated with higher PPDS. There was no relationship between total gestational weight gain, IOM weight gain category, excess weight gain, postpartum weight retention, and pre-pregnancy-to-postpartum change in BMI, and postpartum depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Understanding factors associated with postpartum depressive symptoms can help to develop and implement appropriate screenings/follow-ups and interventions among those at greatest risk. Given the potential connection to PPDS, there is a need for interventions aimed at promoting healthy pre-conception weight and helping women to lose excess pregnancy weight during the postpartum period.

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Postpartum Patient Navigation and Postpartum Weight Retention

American Journal of Perinatology Reports ◽

10.1055/s-0039-1694700 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 09 (03) ◽

pp. e292-e297

Author(s):

Michelle A. Kominiarek ◽

Sydney Summerlin ◽

Noelle G. Martinez ◽

Lynn M. Yee

Keyword(s):

Race And Ethnicity ◽

Patient Navigation ◽

Care Utilization ◽

Postpartum Women ◽

Program Participation ◽

Postpartum Weight Retention ◽

Weight Retention ◽

Prepregnancy Weight ◽

Navigation Program ◽

Postpartum Weight

Abstract Objective This study aimed to evaluate postpartum weight retention (PPWR) among women who participated in a postpartum patient navigation (PN) program. Study Design English-speaking pregnant or postpartum women receiving publicly-funded prenatal care at a hospital-based clinic were invited to receive PN services through 12 weeks postpartum. Women were eligible for this analysis if height and weight values were available. Weights at 4 to 12 weeks and up to 12 months postpartum were compared in PN and non-PN historical-control groups and analyzed as mean PPWR (difference from prepregnancy weight) and categorically as PPWR > 5kg. Results Among the 311 women, 152 participated in the PN program and 159 were historical controls. There were no differences in age, race and ethnicity, prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), nulliparity, and preterm birth between the groups (p > 0.05). At 4 to 12 weeks postpartum, mean PPWR (4.0 ± 6.7 vs. 2.7 ± 6.3 kg, p = 0.06) and PPWR > 5 kg (61/144 [42%] vs. 50/145 [34%], p = 0.15) did not differ between groups. Similarly, up to 12 months postpartum, mean PPWR (4.5 ± 7.1 vs. 5.0 ± 7.5 kg, p = 0.59) and PPWR > 5 kg (22/50 [44%] vs. 30/57 [53%], p = 0.55) did not differ between groups. Conclusion Although PN is a promising intervention to improve women's health care utilization and other associated health outcomes, in this particular navigation program, participation was not associated with PPWR at 4 to 12 weeks and up to 12 months postpartum.

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Breast-feeding in relation to weight retention up to 36 months postpartum in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study: modification by socio-economic status?

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980013001869 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 17 (7) ◽

pp. 1514-1523 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Martin Brandhagen ◽

Lauren Lissner ◽

Anne Lise Brantsaeter ◽

Helle Margrete Meltzer ◽

Anna-Pia Häggkvist ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cohort Study ◽

Breast Feeding ◽

Low Income ◽

Economic Status ◽

Weight Retention ◽

Maternal Weight ◽

Lower Weight ◽

Mother And Child ◽

Postpartum Weight ◽

Pregnancy Weight

AbstractObjectiveWe investigated the association between full breast-feeding up to 6 months as well as partial breast-feeding after 6 months and maternal weight retention at 6, 18 and 36 months after delivery in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.DesignCohort study. Information on exposure and outcome was collected by questionnaire.SettingNorway.SubjectsWomen at 6 months (n 49 676), 18 months (n 27 187) and 36 months (n 17 343) postpartum.ResultsLonger duration of full breast-feeding as well as partial breast-feeding was significantly related to lower weight retention at 6 months. At 18 months full breast-feeding (0–6 months) and partial breast-feeding for 12–18 months were significantly related to lower weight retention. At 36 months only full breast-feeding (0–6 months) was significantly related to lower weight retention. For each additional month of full breast-feeding, maternal weight was lowered by 0·50 kg/month at 6 months, 0·10 kg/month at 18 months and 0·14 kg/month at 36 months (adjusted for pre-pregnant BMI, pregnancy weight gain, age and parity). Partial breast-feeding resulted in 0·25 kg/month lower maternal weight at 6 months. Interactions were found between household income and full breast-feeding in relation to weight retention at 6, 18 and 36 months, indicating most benefit among women with low income.ConclusionsThe present study supports the hypothesis that full breast-feeding contributes to lower postpartum weight retention and shows that the effect is maintained for as long as 3 years postpartum.

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