Does body image influence the relationship between body weight and breastfeeding maintenance in new mothers?

Health professionals should consider women's body image when discussing breastfeeding. A focus on breast function over form may support breastfeeding for all women. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Obesity can negatively affect breastfeeding initiation and maintenance, but there is little information about how psychosocial factors affect this relationship. Body image may be an important factor, but has not been studied in relation to breastfeeding maintenance. What does this study add This article examines the influence of body image on obese and healthy-weight women's breastfeeding maintenance at 6-8 weeks. Different aspects of body image mediated but did not moderate the relationship between weight status and breastfeeding maintenance, but in multivariate regression, maternal education level was the most significant predictor. Obese women had poorer body image and were less likely to maintain breastfeeding; however, for all women, body image became more negative in this postpartum period. Interventions should normalize positive aspects of women's postnatal bodies, including function rather than form. Addressing body concerns could encourage new mothers to maintain breastfeeding, irrespective of weight status.