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. 2024 Jul 8;16(13):2172.
doi: 10.3390/nu16132172.

Breastfeeding Practices and Postpartum Weight Retention in an Asian Cohort

See Ling Loy  1   2 , Hiu Gwan Chan  3 , Joyce Xinyun Teo  4 , Mei Chien Chua  2   5 , Oh Moh Chay  2   6   7   8 , Kee Chong Ng  2   9
Affiliations

Breastfeeding Practices and Postpartum Weight Retention in an Asian Cohort

See Ling Loy et al. Nutrients. .

Abstract

This study examines relationships between breastfeeding practices and postpartum weight retention (PPWR) at 6 and 12 months postpartum among 379 first-time mothers participating in a clinical trial in Singapore. We categorized feeding modes at 6 months into exclusive breastfeeding, mixed feeding, and exclusive formula feeding. Participants were analyzed in two groups based on their PPWR assessment at 6 and 12 months postpartum, with complete datasets available for each assessment. We calculated PPWR by subtracting pre-pregnancy weight from self-reported weight at 6 and 12 months postpartum, defining substantial PPWR as ≥5 kg retention. Modified Poisson regression models adjusted for potential confounders were performed. At 6 and 12 months, 35% (n = 132/379) and 31% (n = 109/347) of women experienced substantial PPWR, respectively. Compared to exclusive breastfeeding, mixed feeding (risk ratio 1.85; 95% confidence interval 1.15, 2.99) and exclusive formula feeding (2.11; 1.32, 3.28) were associated with a higher risk of substantial PPWR at 6 months. These associations were slightly attenuated at 12 months and appeared stronger in women with pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity. This study suggests that breastfeeding by 6 months postpartum may help mitigate PPWR, particularly with exclusive breastfeeding. It also draws attention to targeted interventions to promote breastfeeding among women with overweight or obesity.

Keywords: Singapore; breastfeeding; maternal obesity; postpartum weight retention.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow chart for inclusion of participants in the study. M, months; pp—postpartum; PPWR—postpartum weight retention.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Association of feeding practices at 6 m pp and substantial PPWR (≥5 kg) at 6 m and 12 m: (a) Crude and (b) adjusted analysis of feeding practices at 6 m pp and substantial PPWR at 6 m; (c) Crude and (d) adjusted analysis of feeding practices at 6 m pp and substantial PPWR at 12 m. Models in (b,d) were adjusted for maternal age, pre-pregnancy body mass index, ethnicity, education level, marital status, employment status, total monthly household income, and intervention group. CI—confidence interval; m—months; pp—postpartum; PPWR—postpartum weight retention; RR—risk ratio.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Association of feeding practices at 6 m pp and substantial PPWR (≥5 kg) at 6 m and 12 m: (a) Crude and (b) adjusted analysis of feeding practices at 6 m pp and substantial PPWR at 6 m; (c) Crude and (d) adjusted analysis of feeding practices at 6 m pp and substantial PPWR at 12 m. Models in (b,d) were adjusted for maternal age, pre-pregnancy body mass index, ethnicity, education level, marital status, employment status, total monthly household income, and intervention group. CI—confidence interval; m—months; pp—postpartum; PPWR—postpartum weight retention; RR—risk ratio.
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