Nature and nurture in the development of childhood obesity: early infant feeding practices of overweight/obese mothers differ compared to mothers of normal body mass index

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe early infant feeding practices among overweight/obese mothers using the Infant Feeding Practices Study II (IFPS II).Methods: In this study, we used data pertaining to the first 2 months postpartum of IFPS II. The data set includes 2387 mothers who provided information about infant feeding habits at the 2-month postpartum period.Results: Overweight/obese mothers were less likely to breastfeed exclusively at 2 months infant age and more likely to breastfeed at low intensity the first 2 months compared to mothers of normal body mass index (BMI). Logistic regression analysis revealed, that after controlling for potential confounders, obese mothers were 1.38 (95% CI: 1.11, 1.72) times more likely to introduce solids to their infants before 4 months of age, and 1.37 (95% CI: 1.10, 1.89) times more likely to add cereal to the infant formula than their normal BMI counterparts.Conclusions: In conclusion, overweight/obese mothers not only fall short of clinical practice guidelines in regards to breastfeeding, but also are more likely to initiate early introduction (<4 months infant age) to solid foods compared to their normal BMI counterparts. Interventions should be targeted to this group.