A Prospective Controlled Study of Postpartum Breastfeeding Rates in Women with Type 2 Diabetes: Does Obesity Matter More Than Diabetes?

Breastfeeding is associated with metabolic benefits for women with type 2 diabetes and their infants, yet breastfeeding rates in these women are poorly described. Obesity is associated with type 2 diabetes, and lower breastfeeding rates, making it difficult to disentangle type 2 diabetes vs. obesity effects on breastfeeding. AimsThe primary objective was to examine breastfeeding rates in women with type 2 diabetes, compared to normoglycaemic women with either (1) matched body mass index (BMI) or (2) normal BMI. The secondary objective was to examine variables associated with breastfeeding. MethodsPregnant women with type 2 diabetes (cases) or normoglycaemia (controls) were prospectively recruited. Each case was matched with two controls by age and parity and either (1) matched or (2) normal (18-25 kg/m{superscript 2}) BMI. Data were collected from in-person surveys antenatally, medical records, and a four-month postpartum telephone survey. Analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics. ResultsFour-month breastfeeding data were available for 29, 29 and 28 women in each group. Breastfeeding rates were similar in women with type 2 diabetes and BMI-matched controls, both significantly lower than normal-BMI controls. ConclusionsMaternal obesity, rather than type 2 diabetes, may be the major determinant of reduced breastfeeding rates four-months postpartum.