Mothers Eating and Drinking Study (MEADS)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Effects of infant feeding style on maternal appetite and food choice in the postpartum period: A pilot study
IRAS ID
140977
Contact name
Gretel M Finch
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bristol
Research summary
This is a pilot study to examine appetite and food intake in women who either breastfeed exclusively, partially (breastfeed and infant formula) or who use infant formula. The role of breastfeeding in maternal appetite is little understood. Although studies have examined differences between infant feeding method and maternal energy consumed, few studies, if any, have addressed differences in maternal appetite between infant feeding methods and related beliefs about appetite changes, and dietary advice during breastfeeding. It is a phenomenon that women who breastfeed experience greater levels of appetite than those who use infant formula, especially because of the mother's additional energetic demands of breastfeeding and hormonal actions in breastfeeding mothers associated with increased appetite, stimulation of food intake and reduced satiety.
Quantitative and qualitative data on eating behaviour, including a 24 hour recall food diary, and a computerised task measuring changes in portion size and satiety, will be collected during the 37th to 38th week of pregnancy and weeks 2 and 6 postpartum. This will help in the understanding of weight control and appetite regulation and the potential impact on obesity, as breastfeeding women appear to lose more postpartum weight than their non-breastfeeding counterparts, although evidence is conflicting.
Additionally, health challenges such as obesity management in the postnatal period are highlighted in recent National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. These findings may have applications for health professionals supporting mothers and improving exclusive breastfeeding rates, and how breastfeeding may help with postpartum weight management in terms of energy expenditure and energy balance. The findings may also show which factors contribute to frequency and types of postpartum snacking, particularly of energy dense foods, during a time period when eating patterns may have greater variability.
The research is funded by a Daphne Jackson Research Fellowship at the University of Bristol.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NW/1252
Date of REC Opinion
26 Aug 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion