Cornerstone: A Collection of Scholarly and Creative Works for Minnesota State University, Mankato
Abstract
The rate of childhood obesity in America continues to climb. Many medical experts believe that childhood obesity can develop as early as prenatal development in the uterus, and infancy. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationships between mothers\u27 health and health behaviors (maternal BMI and infant feeding methods) and childhood obesity. We conducted and analyzed a sample of 307 mothers and their children (307) to examine each mother\u27s maternal BMI and her child or children\u27s BMI. We also examined mothers\u27 feeding methods (bottle vs. breastfeeding).The result of this research did not match with the review of literature. Due to small sample size and limited age of children (0-6 months) in the sample, results were not significant. This study will be an important educational tool for health professions to encourage mothers in regard to maintain maternal healthy weight and promoting breast-feeding
