An evaluation of the role of infant feeding type on later maternal feeding styles and later childhood eating behaviors

Introduction: Recent research indicates that breastfeeding may be protective against obesity risk, but little is known about the nature of this association. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms behind this protection is important for developing obesity prevention and intervention strategies. As such, The purpose of the proposed study is to investigate the possible associations between breastfeeding, later maternal feeding strategies, and later child eating behaviors that could to protect against obesity.

Methods: This study will examine hypothesized associations between previous infant feeding type (breastfed, bottle-fed breast milk, bottle-fed formula) during the child's first 3 months of life and both current child eating styles (use of internal vs. external feeding cues) and current maternal feeding styles (related to control) in a group of three to six year old children. Infant feeding information will be obtained via retrospective self-report with medical chart verification. Maternal feeding styles of “restriction” and “monitoring” will be measured by the Child Feeding Questionnaire [CFQ] (Birch, Fisher, Grimm-Thomas, Markey, Sawyer, & Johnson, 2001), given these feeding styles have been associated with increased risk of obesity. Childhood eating behaviors of “satiety responsiveness” and “food responsiveness,” as measured by the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire [CEBQ] (Wardle, Guthrie, Sanderson, & Rapoport, 2001), will be examined given that the ability to respond to satiety or fullness and being less responsive to the presence of food have been shown to decrease obesity risk (Johnson, 2000; Satter, 1996). It is hypothesized that children who were breastfed without bottle will have less restriction and monitoring in their feeding and higher satiety response and lower food responsiveness than children who were not breastfed with bottle.

Results: Data collection is ongoing and it is expected that approximately 125 mothers will be recruited prior to the presentation. Data will be presented on the hypothesized relatonships of infant feeding and the outcomes of interest.

Conclusions: Results from this study may elucidate mechanisms that underlie the breastfeeding-obesity relationship. Understanding these factors may lead to infant feeding strategies that lower obesity risk, thereby potentially creating significant public health impact in future generations.