Why are overweight women statistically less likely to breastfeed?

Abby asked:

Breastfeeding for less than two months or less than four months was noted to be 2 times higher in obese women. Whereas, overweight women when compared to normal weight women, were 52 % more likely to have stopped breastfeeding before two months, and 62 % more likely to have stopped before four months.

In general, overweight of obese women when compared to normal-weight women were 76% more likely to give up breastfeeding before 6 months.
Why statistically is there this correlation?

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obese on February 24, 2010 | Filed Under overweight

6 Comments

The Wiggles on February 26th, 2010

If I had to guess I would think it is because they are already less likely to make healthy choices. Or, because they are uncomfortable with their bodies.

Either that or maybe there is more likely to be a latch problem?

Twins+1 YIAC! on March 1st, 2010

I agree with the first person who answered, if you are overweight it’s probably because you aren’t a health nut.

That said, I am overweight… Ok, my BMI says I am “Obese” although I don’t “feel” obese and I don’t think most people would describe me that way.

Anyhow, I am breastfeeding and have been for 7 months now. I’m glad to have beaten the odds yet again. I also didn’t have gestational diabetes, a hard time conceiving, or a problem giving birth.

ETA-I don’t have a medical reason for my weight. I just love junkfood and hate exercise. :-p

tragic typos on March 2nd, 2010

This statistic cant be right because i am normal weight and i formula feeds.

Liz on March 3rd, 2010

Statistics cannot tell you why a correlation exists and you’ve given no information that would help determine causation or even to make a guess. Were the women overweight before they became pregnant? Perhaps they are overweight in the first place because they work very long hours and rely on fast food for meals. After the baby is born, they simply may not be in a position to continue breastfeeding beyond 2-4 months (a coincidence that this is the average maternity leave?) because they have to go back to work. In that case a third factor is responsible for both the obesity and the short duration of breastfeeding. Perhaps there is a medical reason for their weight, such as hypothyroidism that must be treated with medication that they cannot take while pregnant or breastfeeding. Again, there is not enough information to form any kind of real answer.

Smurfy on March 4th, 2010

Personally, I think it’s because obesity tends to lead to/be coupled with/be a result of other health problems that can lead to breastfeeding issues and low milk supply, like hypothyroidism, PCOS, and other issues.

It could also be a general lack of a healthy lifestyle. Having extremely large breasts can also contribute to breastfeeding difficulties.

That being said, I’m obese, and I have size 38L breasts. I’ve been breastfeeding my youngest for almost 16 months, and I’ve never had milk supply issues with him. The only breastfeeding issue we had was overactive letdown, which is common in women of all sizes and shapes, and it’s easily correctable.

It’s also important to remember that many women are technically “overweight” within the first few months after giving birth. Healthy women can put on quite a bit of weight during pregnancy.

avonmom on March 6th, 2010

I honestly do not know, but I can say…I have been technically “obese” most of the last 14 years and I have breastfed all three of my children–for a grand total of about 6 YEARS of the last 14. My oldest ( almost 14) nursed for more than 2.5 years, my daughter ( almost 10) nursed for about 6-8 months, and my youngest ( almost 4) nursed for over 3 years.

Obesity Fact