A recent study conducted by KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) has highlighted a significant benefit of exclusive breastfeeding: it aids postpartum weight loss, particularly for women with a high body mass index (BMI) prior to pregnancy. This study, supported by the Tanoto Foundation, provides valuable insights into the impact of exclusive breastfeeding on postpartum weight retention and overall metabolic health.
Study Findings: Impact of Exclusive Breastfeeding on Weight Loss
The KKH study tracked 379 first-time mothers over a year following childbirth, analyzing their weight changes based on their feeding practices—exclusive breastfeeding, mixed feeding, or exclusive formula feeding. The findings reveal notable differences in weight retention:
Women with High BMI: Those who exclusively breastfed not only lost their pregnancy weight but also shed an additional 200 grams on average after 12 months. In contrast, women with normal BMI who exclusively breastfed retained about 1,330 grams of postnatal weight during the same period.
Exclusive Breastfeeding vs. Mixed or Formula Feeding: Women practicing exclusive breastfeeding retained significantly less weight compared to those who mixed breast and formula feeding or exclusively formula fed. Six months post-delivery, exclusive breastfeeders retained approximately 910 grams, whereas mixed feeders retained 3,280 grams, and formula feeders retained 4,150 grams. These patterns persisted at 12 months, with exclusive breastfeeders retaining about 960 grams, compared to 2,800 grams for mixed feeders and 3,740 grams for formula feeders.
Dr. Loy See Ling, Study Lead Author and Assistant Professor at the Department of Reproductive Medicine, KKH, explained, “Women with high BMI who exclusively breastfed showed a notable reduction in postnatal weight, potentially due to hormonal changes that aid in body fat redistribution.”
Broader Implications for Maternal Health
This study is particularly relevant in Singapore, where obesity rates are rising. The research suggests that encouraging exclusive breastfeeding, along with targeted lifestyle changes, can be an effective strategy for improving the metabolic health of young mothers and reducing the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
Dr. Loy added, “Postnatal weight retention can contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression, especially in a culture that emphasizes rapid return to pre-pregnancy weight. Each instance of retained weight in multiple pregnancies can accumulate, increasing the risk of long-term health issues.”
The CRADLE Program and Future Directions
This research is part of the Community-enabled Readiness for the first 1,000 Days Learning Ecosystem (CRADLE) program, funded by the Tanoto Foundation. CRADLE aims to support first-time parents through various interventions, including standard care, behavioral nudges, and midwife-led continuity care. The program is designed to enhance parenting skills and promote positive child development from pregnancy through early childhood.
The findings underscore the importance of exclusive breastfeeding not only for immediate postpartum weight management but also for long-term health benefits. As part of its ongoing mission, CRADLE will continue to develop innovative, evidence-based strategies to support first-time parents and optimize maternal and child health.
