Obesity1 is a
national epidemic with wide consequences and cost to
America’s health. In Los Angeles County 1 in 3 women of
reproductive age are overweight or obese, with a
disproportionately higher number of Hispanic and African
American women being affected. Maternal overweight and
obesity are linked to poor birth outcomes and lower
breastfeeding rates. Being overweight or obese before
pregnancy increases the likelihood of retaining at least
11 pounds postpartum. Preventive measures and
nutritional care should begin preconception and
interconception to mitigate overweight problems and
other obesity-related pregnancy consequences. As the
first teachers in a child’s life, parents play a
critical role in teaching healthy behaviors and modeling
those lifestyles. Focusing on empowering postpartum moms
obtain a healthy weight will not only impact and improve
her health, but potentially her children’s as well.
Up until now, little is known about weight management
during the postpartum period. Over four years, LA MOMs
will provide guidance on nutrition, physical activity,
and stress reduction, in particular for breastfeeding
moms and those who had a surgical or complicated vaginal
delivery, with the goal of reducing obesity among
postpartum women in Los Angeles County. Breastfeeding
education, resources, and support will be offered online
and through referrals. The Internet and social media
channels will enable women to connect to information,
resources, and each other. Upon completion of the
project, we hope to create a sustainable, evidence based
postpartum weight management program with a strong
social media platform that will be incorporated into
groups supporting new moms such as WIC, mother’s groups,
health plans, and daycare centers.
Collaborative partners receive training on
increasing Knowledge, Skills & Desire for weight
improvement:
Nutrition training: Focusing on healthy food choices,
eating out, and cooking demonstration
Breastfeeding Support: Focusing on educating and linking
women to resources and support
Exercise training: Focusing on the timing and various
types of exercises
Stress Management & Motivation: Focusing on
identifying high stress areas and providing support and
understanding on the motivating reasons for overeating and the
desire for change
Contraception education: Focusing on providing
information on all methods, in particular, long acting
reversible contraception so that participating women can use the
most effective method for them to plan their next pregnancy
Overall Goal: Reduce obesity among postpartum women in
Los Angeles County
Objectives:
Develop LA MOMs, an evidence based postpartum toolkit for weight
management
Have community organizations and other stakeholders incorporate
LA MOMs into their programs
Use existing surveys such as the Los Angeles Mommy and Baby (LAMB) project to track and communicate improvement in postpartum obesity
1U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines obesity as an excess body fat for an individual having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg or greater. Overweight is defined as a BMI of greater than or equal to 25 kilograms/m2.
Prenatal & Postnatal
