Electronic Monitoring of Mom's Schedule (eMOMSTM): A Qualitative Study of Experiences in a Lifestyle Change Program with Lactation Support

Abstract

Purpose: To elicit feedback from participants who completed the eMOMS^TM study, a feasibility randomized controlled trial (NCT04021602), on their perceptions of program strengths and weaknesses.

Study design: Qualitative - Semi-structured, telephone interview guide using open-ended questions.

Setting: Rural Great Plains state, United States.

Participants: Of 26 individuals who completed the eMOMS^TM study, 24 consented to an interview.

Method: Interviews were completed between October 2020 and May 2021. Audio-recordings were transcribed verbatim and organized in Microsoft 365. Data were analyzed using an exploratory, inductive thematic analysis.

Results: Participants' mean age was 27.5 (± 5.4) years and mean pre-pregnancy BMI was 29.5 kg/m² (± 2.7). The majority (71%) were non-Hispanic White and 54% had a high school education/some college. Based on specific areas of inquiry, the following themes emerged: convenience of online program access using Facebook, importance of health coach's support and online interaction, positivity toward improving one's health, increased consciousness of health behaviors, diverse lactation educational needs, importance of educational materials on depression, and grief over the loss of birth expectations during COVID-19.

Conclusion: Findings suggest participants' perceived value of a lifestyle change program coupled with lactation education and support delivered using social media. Findings inform future studies to further adapt lifestyle change programs.

Keywords: BMI; breastfeeding; lactation; lifestyle change; postpartum; pregnancy.