Ready, Set, Nourish Study
Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute
Summary
This study is about preparing women with excessive weight to have better breastfeeding outcomes. By doing this study, the investigators hope to learn more about how hand expression of breast milk or colostrum during pregnancy can help prepare a mother to breastfeed after she has her baby and about how her diet affects the composition of her breast milk and her baby's growth and development.
Description
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months followed by continued breastfeeding with the introduction of complementary foods as long as desired. When started during the first hour after birth, breastfeeding is more successful. In Arkansas, 74% of infants are breastfed at some point and 24% are exclusively breastfed through 6 months. As such, human milk serves as the primary source of nutrition for many infants. Current research demonstrates lower breastfeeding initiation and shortened duration of breastfeeding in women with obesity. Barriers are…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- Female
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria * Age 18 or older * Less than 37 weeks of pregnant with singleton fetus * Pre-pregnancy excessive weight (Body Mass Index ≥ 25 kg/m2) * Interested in breastfeeding * Willing to express colostrum from around 37 weeks of pregnancy if randomized to the prenatal intervention group * Willing to express human milk for sample collection during a 24-hour period * Willing to adhere to a meal plan for 5.5 months post-partum if randomized to the postnatal intervention group * Able to engage in study procedures for the first 24 months postpartum * Reside in Central Arkansas region Excl…
Interventions
- OtherLactation Support and ABME
Participants randomized to this group will receive lactation support as group 1. They will also receive education and training (video and handout) on hand expression of colostrum, ABME technique, starting at \~ 37 weeks of gestation. They will have Q\&A session with a CLC to address individual concerns and reinforce proper technique. Participants will be asked to perform hand expression 2 times per day for 2-5 minutes, store the colostrum according to the instructions they will receive and bring the sample on the first postnatal study visit.
- OtherLactation Support and meal plan
Participants randomized to this group will receive similar lactation support as group 1. They will also receive a 5.5-month dietary program postpartum, designed to align with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The plan emphasizes lean proteins, legumes, nuts, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and healthy fats. Up to two daily meals (lunch and dinner) will be delivered as packaged, made-to-order meals. Breakfast items, wraps, and snacks (e.g., shakes) will be prepared by participants using whole foods provided by the facility, with a blender supplied if needed. Additional snacks and items will be given during study visits. Participants will be encouraged to follow the plan consistently, including outside the home, but may have one "flex" day per week to eat outside the plan. Compliance will be monitored with 24-hour recalls and consultations with a nutritionist at each visit.
- OtherLactation Support
Participants randomized to this group will receive standard prenatal and postnatal lactation support, including prenatal breastfeeding education with handouts, videos and interaction with certified lactation counselors (CLC), as well as postpartum lactation support as needed by CLCs.
Locations (2)
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition CenterLittle Rock, Arkansas
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition CenterLittle Rock, Arkansas