Hi, my name is Marie and I am a nursing student at Ivy Tech Community
College. I have a close friend who is obese, and expecting her first child in
Febuary. I am wondering if her weight will have any affect on her plans to
breastfeed.
I did some research on the matter, and I found that one study had observed a
failure to initiate and also to sustain lactation in obese and/or prepregnant
overweight women. A couple of possible factors seemed to affect this
outcome. One factor was that being overweight or obese possibly made the
mechanics of latching on and proper positioning of the infant difficult. This in
turn, made women who were obese and/or prepregnant overweight, have a
lower prolactin response to suckling than those women who were normal-
weight. When this prolactin response is compromised, early lactation failure
increases. However, if overweight/obese women have longer breastfeeding
episodes, this can increase the chances of prolonged lactation.
I also found some nursing interventions helpful for those who face this possible
dilemma:
-Getting your patient set up with a lactation consultant before discharge so
as to be sure that they have advice on the breastfeeding techniques suited
for their tailored probrlems.
-Also offer information about support and counseling services for
breastfeeding. This can help the obese/overweight mom to continue to
breastfeed.
If any of you here on Lacnet would like to share your experiences or advise
with me about this subject it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you, Marie Merritt-Reed
Rasmussen, K., & Kjolhede, C. (2004, May). Prepregnant Overweight and
Obesity Diminish the Prolactin Response to Suckling in the First Week
Postpartum. Pediatrics, 113(5), pgs465-471.
Lovelady, C. (2005, October). Is maternal obesity a cause of poor lactation
performance. Nutrition Reviews, 63(10), pgs352-355.
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