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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2014 Feb 1.
Published in final edited form as: Pediatr Clin North Am. 2012 Nov 3;60(1):31–48. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2012.09.010

Table 3.

Potential reasons why obese women breastfeed for shorter durations1

Anatomical Delayed lactogenesis
Practical difficulties with latch and positioning
Medical Complications of diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome causing delayed lactogenesis or low milk supply
Socio-cultural Obese women are more likely to be of lower SES, which is itself a determinant of reduced breastfeeding duration
Psychological Increased body image dissatisfaction and this increased concern about their bodies makes them less likely to breastfeed
1

Adapted from: Amir L, Donath S. A systematic review of maternal obesity and breastfeeding intention, initiation and duration. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. 2007;7(1):9. PMCID: 1937008.