Diet quality is higher among overweight and obese women who breastfeed as compared to those who formula feed

Prior studies report less postpartum (PP) weight retention (WR) among women who fully breastfeed for at least 6 mos. A healthy diet may also reduce the risk of excessive PPWR. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which breastfeeding and sociodemographic factors related to diet quality of overweight/obese women during the early PP period. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI)‐2005, based on recommendations of the 2005 Dietary Guidelines, was used to determine diet quality. At 3 mos PP, 392 women were asked how they were feeding their infant. Two 24‐hr dietary recalls were collected and HEI‐2005 scores were calculated. In multivariate analyses, the significant predictors of maternal diet quality were infant feeding status, income, and BMI (r 2 = 0.20). Women who fully breastfed had a higher diet quality compared to those who only formula fed (p<0.01). They had significantly higher energy intake (2159 vs 1846 kcal), and ate more whole fruit, dark green and orange vegetables, whole grains, and dairy; and less solid fat and added sugars. Diet quality was higher in women with household income ≤$30,000 compared to $30,000 (p<0.01), and for those with a BMI <40 kg/m 2 compared to those with higher BMIs (p<0.01). Future research is needed to determine if interventions promoting full breastfeeding for at least 6 mos and a healthy diet result in PP weight loss and decrease risk for long term obesity. (NIDDK # R01‐ DK075439 ) Grant Funding Source : NIDDK # R01 ‐ DK075439