Negative association between higher maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index and breastfeeding outcomes is not mediated by DNA methylation.

ABSTRACT: The benefits of breastfeeding for the health and wellbeing of both infants and mothers are well documented, yet global breastfeeding rates are low. One factor associated with low breast feeding is maternal body mass index (BMI), which is used as a measure of obesity. The negative relationship between maternal obesity and breastfeeding is likely caused by a variety of social, psychological, and physiological factors. Maternal obesity may also have a direct biological association with breastfeeding through changes in maternal DNA methylation. Here, we investigate this potential biological association using data from a UK-based cohort study, the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). We find that pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) is associated with lower initiation to bre

SUBMITTER: Elliott HR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11199553 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature