Perceptions of Physical Activity While Breastfeeding: A Mixed Methods Analysis of the Perspectives of Women
Advisor Information
Danae Dinkel
Location
Room 232
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
1-3-2019 9:00 AM
End Date
1-3-2019 10:15 AM
Abstract
Perceptions of Physical Activity While Breastfeeding: A Mixed Methods Analysis of the Perspectives of Women
Kailey Snyder, Aja Kneip Pelster, Danae Dinkel
University of Nebraska-Omaha
Omaha, NE 68106
Background: Being physically active and breastfeeding can greatly support a new mother’s physiological and psychological health. However, within the United States, only 35% of women are maintaining their pre-pregnancy physical activity after childbirth and only 31% of infants are being breastfed at 12 months of age. Preliminary investigations suggest barriers such as lack of time and knowledge hinder a breastfeeding woman’s ability to be physically active however more research is needed. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore women’s perceptions of physical activity while breastfeeding. Methods: This mixed methods study utilized quantitative (survey) and qualitative (interview) measures, both guided by constructs of Self-Determination Theory. Quantitative data were analyzed via descriptive and correlation analysis. Qualitative data were analyzed via the process of immersion/crystallization. Results: A total of 633 breastfeeding women completed a 34- question survey. 24 of those women were randomly recruited to participate in a follow-up in-depth interview. The mean age of the child being breastfed was 12 months old. The majority of women were Caucasian (95.8%), with a bachelor’s degree or higher (75%) and a household income greater than $75,000 (62.5%). Findings demonstrate mothers are not returning to pre-pregnancy physical activity levels. In addition, mothers see value in engaging in physical activity primarily for reasons of self-care such as for stress relief or as a way to increase energy. However, breastfeeding women have a lack of information and support regarding physical activity while breastfeeding and many are receiving misinformation through uninformed resources such as Facebook support groups. Finally, mothers want more resources available that focus specifically on physical activity while breastfeeding. These might include educational materials as well as more education for their health providers. Conclusion: Women need greater access to education and resources regarding physical activity while breastfeeding. Ideally, information and resources would come from an educated health professional such as their health provider rather than an internet resource. Future research should consider the development of educational resources or health provider trainings as well as evaluating the effectiveness of these materials on improving breastfeeding mothers’ physical activity.
Perceptions of Physical Activity While Breastfeeding: A Mixed Methods Analysis of the Perspectives of Women
Room 232
Perceptions of Physical Activity While Breastfeeding: A Mixed Methods Analysis of the Perspectives of Women
Kailey Snyder, Aja Kneip Pelster, Danae Dinkel
University of Nebraska-Omaha
Omaha, NE 68106
Background: Being physically active and breastfeeding can greatly support a new mother’s physiological and psychological health. However, within the United States, only 35% of women are maintaining their pre-pregnancy physical activity after childbirth and only 31% of infants are being breastfed at 12 months of age. Preliminary investigations suggest barriers such as lack of time and knowledge hinder a breastfeeding woman’s ability to be physically active however more research is needed. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore women’s perceptions of physical activity while breastfeeding. Methods: This mixed methods study utilized quantitative (survey) and qualitative (interview) measures, both guided by constructs of Self-Determination Theory. Quantitative data were analyzed via descriptive and correlation analysis. Qualitative data were analyzed via the process of immersion/crystallization. Results: A total of 633 breastfeeding women completed a 34- question survey. 24 of those women were randomly recruited to participate in a follow-up in-depth interview. The mean age of the child being breastfed was 12 months old. The majority of women were Caucasian (95.8%), with a bachelor’s degree or higher (75%) and a household income greater than $75,000 (62.5%). Findings demonstrate mothers are not returning to pre-pregnancy physical activity levels. In addition, mothers see value in engaging in physical activity primarily for reasons of self-care such as for stress relief or as a way to increase energy. However, breastfeeding women have a lack of information and support regarding physical activity while breastfeeding and many are receiving misinformation through uninformed resources such as Facebook support groups. Finally, mothers want more resources available that focus specifically on physical activity while breastfeeding. These might include educational materials as well as more education for their health providers. Conclusion: Women need greater access to education and resources regarding physical activity while breastfeeding. Ideally, information and resources would come from an educated health professional such as their health provider rather than an internet resource. Future research should consider the development of educational resources or health provider trainings as well as evaluating the effectiveness of these materials on improving breastfeeding mothers’ physical activity.