Body image and breastfeeding practices in obese mothers.

PURPOSE: This study analyzed body image perceptions and breastfeeding practices in obese mothers. METHODS: Prospective, case-control study on 25 obese (BMI >30 kg/m(2)) and 25 normal-weight puerperae, matched for parity and delivery route. The participants completed the Body Uneasiness Test, a two-part, self-report questionnaire, investigating body image perception before they were discharged from hospital and participated in telephone interviews concerning breastfeeding practices. RESULTS: Obese women demonstrated body image dissatisfaction related to their obesity. On average, they reported significantly higher scores on Global Severity Index (p < 0.0001) and on all of the BUT-A subscales: Weight Phobia (p < 0.02), Body Image Concerns (p < 0.0001), Avoidance (p < 0.0001), Compulsive Self-Monitoring (p < 0.01), and Depersonalization (p = 0.002) than did normal-weight puerperae. Moreover, they also had higher BUT-B scores and the Positive Symptom Total was significantly higher (p < 0.002). Finally, while breastfeeding practices at discharge were similar in the two groups, the obese mothers were more likely to maintain full breastfeeding at 6 months (p < 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Obese mothers have negative body image perceptions but they maintain full breastfeeding longer.

Symptoms of eating disorders and feeding practices in obese mothers.

BACKGROUND: The potential that obesity in pregnancy has to affect symptoms associated with eating disorders and breastfeeding is unclear. AIM: This study analyzed symptoms of eating disorders and breastfeeding practices in obese mothers. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, case-control study. SUBJECTS: Participants included 25 obese (BMI > 30 kg/m(2)) and 25 normal-weight puerperae, matched for parity and delivery route. OUTCOME MEASURES: The participants completed the Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI-2), investigating cognitive, emotional, and behavioral symptoms of eating disorders before they were discharged from the maternity hospital and later participated in telephone interviews concerning breastfeeding practices which were classified according to WHO definitions. RESULTS: Although none of the scores fell in the pathological range, the obese mothers had more and more pronounced symptoms of eating disorders in all EDI-2 subscales with respect to normal-weight mothers. They had, in particular, significantly higher scores in body dissatisfaction (p<.0001), ineffectiveness (p=.004), interoceptive awareness (p=.005), and maturity fear (p=.007). Finally, while breastfeeding practices were similar in the two groups, the obese mothers were more likely to maintain full breastfeeding at 6 months (20 vs 8%) and their tendency to postpone weaning was found to be significant (p<.04). CONCLUSIONS: While the obese mothers studied have more pronounced symptoms of eating disorders with respect to their normal-weight counterparts, they tended to maintain breastfeeding longer, postponing weaning.

Psychological distress and early lactation performance in mothers of late preterm infants.

Late preterm infants are a vulnerable population susceptible to early breastfeeding failure and lactation-associated morbidities. We have found that late preterm gestation has a negative effect on mothers' psychological profiles in the puerperium, with the resulting levels of anxiety, depression, and psychological distress correlating negatively with their early lactation performance.