Maternal Responsiveness to Infant Hunger Cues: Is It Possible to Mitigate Risk of Obesity Starting in Infancy?

Background: Childhood obesity is becoming a predominant health concern with over 37 million children under the age of 5 being overweight. Instances of rapid weight gain in infancy correlate to greater risk for obesity later on in life. Methods: This study aimed to look at feeding modality and style for their impact on maternal responsiveness to infant hunger cues and RWG. A database search identified 21 studies eligible to be included in the review out of 150. Discussion: Key findings showed breast-feeding mothers were most responsive to hunger cues, breastfed infants expressed greater cues than their formula-fed peers, and responsive feeding led to less infant weight gain and adipose tissue compared to controlling feeding methods. Additional findings on opaque feeding bottles, prolactin, maternal education, and infant satiety cues were also discussed for impact. Conclusion: In conclusion, breast-feeding was found to be the most beneficial with increased maternal recognition of both hunger and satiety cues. Further studies are necessary to compare methods of feeding as well as feeding styles more directly.