RESUMEN
PIP: A longitudinal study was undertaken to observe the weight loss experienced by mothers during active lactation, and to assess the impact of breastfeeding on other anthropometric parameters. About 88 mothers, who had passed through a normal perinatal experience, were included in the study. The mothers were followed-up for a period of 6 months after delivery and were subjected to anthropometric measurements. The findings revealed fluctuations in three nutritional parameters: 1) body weight; 2) mid-arm circumference; 3) skinfold thickness at three body sites. Fluctuations in mid arm circumference and infrascapular sum fold thicknesses were minimal and insignificant, while triceps skin fold thickness showed significant decline with advancing lactation. In conclusion, breastfeeding imposes nutritional stress on lactating mothers and results to selective mobilization of nutrients from within the maternal body tissue.^ieng