Mommy and Me From Birth to Three: An Infant Obesity Prevention Project

Background: 

From TV news shows to peer-reviewed journal articles, childhood obesity is making headlines as America’s newest epidemic.  Childhood obesity and overweight raises special concerns, such as hypertension, diabetes, as well as, being at risk for becoming an obese adult, with all its related health issues.  Like many other health problems, emerging research shows racial disparities in the incidence of childhood obesity/overweight and that Black non-Hispanic and Hispanic children are particularly at risk.  To address this health problem a unique approach was attempted.  Rather than trying to prevent and/or treat childhood obesity/overweight when the child reaches school age, an obesity prevention program beginning prenatally and in infancy was developed to prevent overweight in this high risk population. 

Framework for the talk:

We recognize genetics, food intake, and energy expenditure are thought to be the most important factors that lead to the development of childhood obesity/overweight.  There is not much written in regard to infant obesity but it is recognized that overweight during this time can be due to even more complex factors.  Maternal attitudes toward feeding, mother-infant interactions, and perception of weight as an indicator of health and socioeconomic wellbeing play a major role in choice of feeding types and other behaviors.  Cultural beliefs and practices, handed down from generation to generation, need to be addressed including attitudes towards breastfeeding.  In order to succeed, not only the parent(s) of the child, but also other generations of relatives and friends who have a strong influence on the childrearing practices, need to be considered.  This program attempts to break the cycle of obesity with a culturally sensitive approach that is medically accurate and allows for a relationship to build between the program coordinator, healthcare provider, and the mother.

Implications for practice:  

To change behavior in a population that believes a certain practice is beneficial to them is difficult.  Cultures that believe being overweight is a sign of health, prosperity, and success are wary and may find it impossible to believe that it is actually healthier for their child to be within the CDC guidelines for weight.  They may feel it is a reflection on them, a sign of not being a good parent or being unsuccessful in providing for their child if their infant is not overweight.  By providing education in a culturally sensitive way we try to build new foundations and frames of reference for families in the area of nutrition and activity.