To explore the feasibility, acceptability, and potential benefits associated with a mind–body intervention and varied delivery styles among women during the postpartum period.
Mixed-methods feasibility study.
Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada.
Forty-three women (93% White), with an average age of 32.1 (SD = 2.9) years, who had given birth within the last 6 months.
Participants were randomized to three physical activity groups. Validated questionnaires were administered before and after the 12-week intervention. Attendance and feasibility metrics and qualitative semistructured interviews were conducted to assess the intervention.
The intervention and trial were partially feasible, and retention to the intervention was high; however, adherence as assessed by attendance was lower than expected. There was high acceptability among those in the group-based, in-person intervention. There was moderate acceptability among those in the individual, home-based asynchronous program.
Findings highlight the necessity of better understanding what is desired by this population or simply providing more options to participants so that we can tailor physical activity to their needs and provide the necessary support.
The rates of human milk feeding are suboptimal worldwide. Recommendations for healthy, term mother–infant dyads include early breastfeeding initiation, frequent skin-to-skin contact, and frequent breastfeeding. The normal physiology of lactation can be affected by prenatal factors such as diabetes, obesity, and excessive gestational weight gain. Furthermore, birth-related factors such as early-term gestation, stressful labor, unscheduled cesarean birth, and postpartum hemorrhage can additionally disrupt recommended practices such as early initiation of breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact. Given that the first 2 to 3 days postpartum are critical to achieving timely secretory activation and establishing an adequate volume of milk, a proactive approach to care can include building awareness of risk factors and development of protocols for the effective early initiation of lactation.