Pregnancy as a teachable moment: The postpartum weight management study

Background The Postpartum Weight Management Study aims to reduce postpartum weigh retention and increase breastfeeding duration for low income, postpartum women. The goal is to develop, implement and test an effective postpartum weight loss intervention focusing on pregnancy as a "teachable moment.” An academic-community partnership implemented a holistic intervention providing motivational text messages, in-home physical activity aids, social support and education for at-risk, low income women.

Methods The intervention has been implemented in five community-based sites serving clients of the community partner. The project is being evaluated using a randomized control methodology with a control group provided with enhanced standard care, allowing delivery of the intervention components to all women at different times. Since community staff was uncomfortable with a control group left without education or incentives, the design allows for scientific rigor with staff buy-in.

Results Initial results are promising. After six months, women in the intervention group lost an average of 4 inches of waist circumference, compared to control group women who lost only 0.2 inches. Intervention women showed more overall weight loss (3 pounds) at six months, compared to an average weight gain among control women of 3 pounds. There were significant differences in self-efficacy and depression risk.

Conclusion Demonstrating an evidence base for this relatively low cost intervention could lead to wide replication in other settings to address the health needs of low income, minority women and children in other communities. The presentation will provide details of the intervention, challenges to implementation and study outcomes.