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Mothers With Gestational Diabetes Are Encouraged to Breast-FeedWhat is the problem and what is known about it so far?There is an increasing number of children with childhood obesity (seriously overweight). Breast-feeding is known to help lower the risk of getting childhood obesity. Why did the researchers do this particular study?Children who are breast-fed are typically at a lower risk for childhood obesity. However, few studies have looked at how common obesity is among children who were breast-fed by mothers who had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy). Does having gestational diabetes affect the benefits of breast-feeding? Who was studied?A total of 324 children who were between 2 and 8 years old, along with their mothers and fathers. How was the study done?The mothers' BMI (a measure of weight based on height) was measured before pregnancy, and the child's weight and length were measured at birth. A few years later, the weight and height of the children, mothers, and fathers were taken at a follow-up exam. Mothers were also asked about their breast-feeding habits. What did the researchers find?Children who were breast-fed for more than 3 months had the lowest occurrence of being overweight. The children who benefited the most from breast-feeding had mothers who were obese, had gestational diabetes, and breast-fed for more than 3 months. Breast-feeding showed the greatest benefits among children from mothers who had these characteristics. What are the implications of the study?Mothers who have gestational diabetes during pregnancy, especially obese mothers, should be encouraged to breast-feed their newborns for at least 3 months. FOR MORE INFORMATIONChildren of Mothers With Diabetes During Pregnancy Gestational Diabetes: What to Expect, 5th Edition |
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