Postpartum hospital nurses are in a unique position to provide high-quality information with strategies for managing postpartum loss of gestational weight. Provision of high-quality online or print information can provide the foundation for successful weight-management support for prevention of gestational weight retention and long-term maintenance of a healthy weight.

Health policy and advocacy education are important aspects of graduate nursing curriculum and have been integrated into curricula. Graduate nursing students at all levels reported that health policy AACN Essential competencies are being included in their program, either as stand-alone health policy courses or integrated health policy learning activities during matriculation.

•Pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain contribute to offspring obesity risk. •Breastfeeding does not protect against the effects of these weight-related factors. •Low-income maternal-child dyads are vulnerable to obesity and its health effects. •Providers must find tailored ways to promote healthy weight among these mothers.