title: Postpartum changes in maternal weight and body fat depots in lactating vs nonlactating women.
abstract: Maternal weight and body fat changes were studied in 56 women from delivery to 6 mo postpartum. Six-month weight losses (p less than 0.01) in exclusively breast-feeding (BF), exclusively formula-feeding (FF), and combination breast- and formula-feeding mothers (CF) were 8.30 +/- 0.74, 8.19 +/- 0.96, and 7.22 +/- 0.74 kg respectively; however, only BF experienced a significant change between 3 and 6 mo. Suprailiac and subscapular skinfold thickness decreased over 6 mo (p less than 0.01) with the suprailiac region reflecting a significant feeding-method effect. Increases in triceps fatfold measurements at 3 mo suggest that a temporary redistribution of body fat occurs as the energy stores of pregnancy are mobilized. Lactating mothers consumed more (p less than 0.01) kilocalories (BF, 2055 +/- 435; CF, 2005 +/- 515) than did nonlactating mothers (FF, 1453 +/- 503). Age, parity, and prepregnancy weight exerted significant covariable effects. Results suggest that lactation does play a role in postpartum weight and body fat loss but that the current RDA may be too high to permit such losses.
authors.affiliation: Human Nutrition and Food Section, School of Home Economics, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803-4301.
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Brewer
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Bates
authors.forename: L P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Vannoy
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D000367:Age Factors; D001823:Body Composition; D001835:Body Weight; D001942:Breast Feeding; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007774:Lactation; D010298:Parity; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D012885:Skinfold Thickness