Exploring Healthy Eating and Exercise Behaviors During the Postpartum Period

Abstract

ObjectiveDuring the childbearing years, women are at an increased risk for overweight or obesity, yet little is understood about their motivators or barriers to healthy eating and physical activity. A better understanding of women's postpartum experience could improve nutrition education for this population. The objective of this study was to explore factors that influence healthy eating and exercise among low-income mothers of infants 3 to 12 months old.Study Design, Setting, Participants, and InterventionSix focus groups (n=21) with black, white, or Hispanic women residing in Michigan were conducted. The Theory of Planned Behavior informed the focus group guide.Outcome, Measures and AnalysisEstablished qualitative analysis methods were used to evaluate the transcripts.ResultsMothers prioritized their needs below infant and child care, chores, errands, and jobs. When mothers were able to attend to personal needs, mothers felt that activities like showering, sleeping, or taking care of their appearance were the most important. Mothers opted for foods that were convenient and highly palatable over healthy foods, feeling healthy eating was less relevant post-pregnancy or past weaning. Healthy foods were prioritized only when mothers felt it would benefit the infant. Strenuous daily tasks, such as working or infant care, justified a lack of exercise for many participants. Support and advice from female relatives was valued by mothers and facilitated exercise and healthy eating. Though small differences did exist between racial and ethnic groups, the major themes were consistent.Conclusions and ImplicationsMothers may be more open to nutrition education or interventions that focus on the mother-infant dyad rather than solely on maternal health.FundingMichigan State University AgBioResearch ObjectiveDuring the childbearing years, women are at an increased risk for overweight or obesity, yet little is understood about their motivators or barriers to healthy eating and physical activity. A better understanding of women's postpartum experience could improve nutrition education for this population. The objective of this study was to explore factors that influence healthy eating and exercise among low-income mothers of infants 3 to 12 months old. During the childbearing years, women are at an increased risk for overweight or obesity, yet little is understood about their motivators or barriers to healthy eating and physical activity. A better understanding of women's postpartum experience could improve nutrition education for this population. The objective of this study was to explore factors that influence healthy eating and exercise among low-income mothers of infants 3 to 12 months old. Study Design, Setting, Participants, and InterventionSix focus groups (n=21) with black, white, or Hispanic women residing in Michigan were conducted. The Theory of Planned Behavior informed the focus group guide. Six focus groups (n=21) with black, white, or Hispanic women residing in Michigan were conducted. The Theory of Planned Behavior informed the focus group guide. Outcome, Measures and AnalysisEstablished qualitative analysis methods were used to evaluate the transcripts. Established qualitative analysis methods were used to evaluate the transcripts. ResultsMothers prioritized their needs below infant and child care, chores, errands, and jobs. When mothers were able to attend to personal needs, mothers felt that activities like showering, sleeping, or taking care of their appearance were the most important. Mothers opted for foods that were convenient and highly palatable over healthy foods, feeling healthy eating was less relevant post-pregnancy or past weaning. Healthy foods were prioritized only when mothers felt it would benefit the infant. Strenuous daily tasks, such as working or infant care, justified a lack of exercise for many participants. Support and advice from female relatives was valued by mothers and facilitated exercise and healthy eating. Though small differences did exist between racial and ethnic groups, the major themes were consistent. Mothers prioritized their needs below infant and child care, chores, errands, and jobs. When mothers were able to attend to personal needs, mothers felt that activities like showering, sleeping, or taking care of their appearance were the most important. Mothers opted for foods that were convenient and highly palatable over healthy foods, feeling healthy eating was less relevant post-pregnancy or past weaning. Healthy foods were prioritized only when mothers felt it would benefit the infant. Strenuous daily tasks, such as working or infant care, justified a lack of exercise for many participants. Support and advice from female relatives was valued by mothers and facilitated exercise and healthy eating. Though small differences did exist between racial and ethnic groups, the major themes were consistent. Conclusions and ImplicationsMothers may be more open to nutrition education or interventions that focus on the mother-infant dyad rather than solely on maternal health. Mothers may be more open to nutrition education or interventions that focus on the mother-infant dyad rather than solely on maternal health.