| Summary: | Introduction
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and antenatal exercise are independently
associated with positive short- and long-term health effects for women and their children.
The aims of the study were to investigate whether antenatal exercise promotes EBF three
months postpartum and further to explore factors associated with EBF at three months
postpartum.
Methods
This study was a follow-up of a Norwegian two-center randomized controlled
trial to assess the effect of an antenatal exercise protocol. The recruited pregnant women
were randomized to either a 12-week standardized antenatal exercise program with one
weekly group training led by a physiotherapist and two weekly home training sessions or
standard antenatal care. Women reported breastfeeding status in a questionnaire at three
months postpartum.
Results
Of the 726 women, 88% were EBF at three months postpartum. There was no
significant difference in EBF rates between the intervention group (87%) and the control
group (89%). EBF was positively associated with maternal education (AOR=3.4; 95% CI:
1.7–6.7) and EBF at discharge from the hospital (AOR=22.2; 95% CI: 10–49). Admission
to neonatal intensive care unit was identified as a significant barrier to EBF (AOR=0.2; 95%
CI: 0.1–0.4). Significantly more women in the non-EBF group had sought professional help
compared to women in the EBF group (p≤0.001).
Conclusions
Regular physical exercise during pregnancy did not influence the exclusive
breastfeeding rates at three months postpartum. Considering the health effects of
exclusive breastfeeding and antenatal physical exercise, studies with follow-up periods
beyond three months postpartum are warranted.
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