Healthy eating and physical activity among breastfeeding women: the role of misinformation

Abstract

Background Eating healthy, being physically active and breastfeeding can greatly support a new mother’s physiological and psychological health. However, within the United States, only 8.5% of women are meeting fruit and vegetable recommendations and only 35% of women are maintaining their pre-pregnancy physical activity after childbirth. Preliminary investigations suggest barriers such as lack of time and knowledge hinder a breastfeeding woman’s ability to eat well and be physically active. The purpose of this study was to explore women’s perceptions of healthy eating and physical activity while breastfeeding. Methods This qualitative study utilized a 33-question semi-structured interview guide developed using the constructs of Self-Determination Theory. Data were analyzed via the process of immersion/crystallization. Results A total of 24 breastfeeding women completed a roughly 40-min telephone interview. The mean age of the mother was 32 ± .88 and the mean age of the child being breastfed was 8.5 ± 1.4 months old. Findings demonstrate mothers see value in engaging in physical activity primarily for reasons related to self-care. In addition, breastfeeding women have a lack of information and support regarding healthy eating and physical activity while breastfeeding and many are receiving misinformation through resources such as Facebook support groups. Finally, mothers want more resources available that focus specifically on healthy behaviors while breastfeeding. Conclusion Women need greater access to education and resources regarding healthy eating and physical activity while breastfeeding. Ideally, information and resources would come from an educated health professional such as their healthcare provider rather than an internet source.

Examining Supports and Barriers to Breastfeeding through a Socio-Ecological Lens: A Qualitative Study

“…34 Unfortunately, social media has also been associated with presenting inaccurate education. 35 Thus to combat isolation innovative strategies to provide support via mHealth technologies such as mobile health applications should continue to be improved to ensure mothers are not only receiving support but accurate support. 36 Second, supportive normalization of breastfeeding was identi ed at the community and organizational levels but a lack of normalization was reported at the individual and interpersonal levels.…”

Healthy Habits and Emotional Balance in Women during the Postpartum Period: Differences between Term and Preterm Delivery

“…Several studies have shown that eating healthy, being physically active, and breastfeeding can be of great help to a new mother's physiological and psychological health. However, the adherence to fruit and vegetable intake recommendations and physical activity adapted to their stage of the life cycle is low [34]. Women need greater access to education and resources related to healthy eating and physical activity during breastfeeding.…”

“…Women need greater access to education and resources related to healthy eating and physical activity during breastfeeding. This information should come from healthcare professionals and not from the internet [34,35]. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that a Mediterranean diet protects against depression and mood disorders, also reducing their intensity [36,37].…”

Examining Supports and Barriers to Breastfeeding through a Socio-Ecological Lens: A Qualitative Study

“…The rst step in the analysis process was a direct content analysis which included two researchers reviewing all interview transcripts in their entirety twice. 32 The two researchers separately identi ed and coded statements that directly related to one of the SEM levels. Both researchers kept memo notes throughout their coding process and came together to discuss discrepancies.…”