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Objective: To explore the relationship between overweight and obesity and breastfeeding behaviors, a cohort study was conducted among 22,131 women who delivered in Ontario hospitals between April 1 2008 and March 31 2010. Methods: Data regarding maternal characteristics, maternal body mass index (BMI), infant characteristics, and breastfeeding practices were obtained through the Better Outcomes Registry & Network birth records Database. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to determine the rates of three outcome measures - intention to breastfeed, exclusive breastfeeding in hospital, and exclusive breastfeeding upon discharge from hospital - between non-obese, overweight and obese patients. Results: While overweight mothers have similar intentions to breastfeed compared to non-overweight mothers (OR 1.03 (0.87-1.21), obese mothers were less likely to intend to breastfeed (OR 0.84 (0.70-0.99). Overweight and obese mothers were less likely to exclusively breastfeed in hospital compared to non-overweight mothers (aOR 0.67 (0.60-0.75) and 0.67 (0.60-0.75), respectively), and overweight and obese mothers were less likely to exclusively breastfeed on discharge (aOR 0.68 (0.61-0.76) and 0.68 (0.61-0.76), respectively). Conclusions: This study highlights that while overweight and obese women may benefit more from exclusive breastfeeding compared to non-overweight women, they are less likely to exclusively breastfeed in the immediate post-partum period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare outcomes of neonates born from women with Class III obesity with those whose mothers were of normal body weight. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of live-born singleton infants was undertaken. Maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) defined matched normal and Class III obese cohorts. Multivariable regression models were used to determine adjusted relative odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for selected adverse neonatal outcomes. Results: Newborns exposed to maternal Class III obesity had greater risks of fetal overgrowth and low cord artery pH. Class III obesity was protective against small for gestational age and low birthweight. There was no difference in the risk of preterm delivery, meconium in the amniotic fluid or breastfeeding initiation. Conclusions: The new knowledge generated by this study provides further information on unique challenges faced by newborns of women with Class III obesity, suggesting more specialized care in the intrapartum and neonatal periods may be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]