Early influences on breastfeeding and health

Anzman c.s. explore their article the influence of early interventions and feeding habits on the incidence and prophylaxis of obesity and related illnesses later. Since parents have major influence in the early years and are the ones to decide exactly what their children eat and drinks, this is a good time for placing a health basis and implement healthy habits. What is to be considered healthy food and drinks is not not evident for all parents. Hampson et al found that mothers who scored high on Negative Affectivity during pregnancy were more likely to start solids at 3 months and offer sweet drinks from 6 months on. Health care providers who work with pregnant women might want to observe extra for signs of Negative Affectivity and take extra precautions in the form of prenatal information. Possibly a note in mothers’ charts may assure extra care in the well-baby clinic in order to ensure exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and healthy beverage choices afterwards.
Hampson SE, Tonstad S, Irgens LM, Meltzer HM, Vollrath M: Mothers’ Negative Affectivity During Pregnancy and Food Choices for Their Infants. Int J Obes, 2010, 34(2):327.
Anzman S,  Rollins B, Birch L: Parental influence on children's early eating environments and obesity risk: implications for prevention. Int J Obes 2010, 34
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