American Academy of Health Behavior

 
 
 

 

Factors Related to New Mothers' Readiness to Manage Weight     

Lorraine O. Walker, RN, EdD  

Objective: To examine new mothers' readiness for weight management and relationships to weight and lactation. Methods: Survey of 86 women at 4 to 5 months postpartum. materials were provided by the office receptionist and supported by the family physician. Results: Women who were trying to lose weight, trying to prevent gain, or planning future weight-loss efforts held more favorable views (pros) of losing weight and were heavier. Women who bottle-fed were more likely to be trying to lose weight and were heavier than women who breast- fed, but did not differ on plans for future weight-loss. Conclusion: Weight, pros of weight loss, and lactation are salient to mothers' readiness for weight management.

Am J Health Behav
1999;23(4):268-279

 
 
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