Postpartum Comfort and Breastfeeding Behavior of Primipara Obese and Non-Obese Mothers

Abstract

Objective: Maternal obesity negatively affects the health of the mother and the newborn during pregnancy and in the post-partum period. This study was carried out to determine if there was any difference with regard to breastfeeding behavior and postpartum comfort between obese and non-obese mothers. Materials and Methods: This prospective case-control study included 104 mothers, of whom 54 were obese, in the Obstetrics Clinic Department of a university hospital in Turkey. Data were collected using the Individual Information Form, Postpartum Comfort Questionnaire (PPCQ), and LATCH breastfeeding assessment tool. Results: The LATCH and PPCQ total scores in obese mothers were lower compared to non-obese mothers, and the difference was statistically significant. For obese women, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between the LATCH score and the PPCQ total score, and the physical, psycho-spiritual, and sociocultural comfort subscale scores. For non-obese mothers, a positive correlation with the LATCH score was found only for the physical comfort subscale score. Conclusion: Obesity affects the postpartum comfort and breastfeeding negatively, so mothers who are obese require more support than mothers who are not obese.