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BACKGROUND: While diet and activity interventions are modestly effective, sufficient sleep is crucial to weight loss success but is often not a focus in postpartum programs. OBJECTIVES: To identify (1) perceived factors affecting sleep, diet, and physical activity of postpartum individuals, (2) how these behaviors influence one another, and (3) how interventions can be designed to address them. DESIGN: Qualitative study using individual semi-structured interviews with postpartum individuals. METHODS: Fourteen postpartum individuals were interviewed to explore their experiences, perspectives, and needs regarding sleep, diet, and physical activity. They were also asked to share thoughts and suggestions regarding potential interventions. All interviews were transcribed verbatim, and transcriptions were double-coded using an inductive approach. Coded transcripts were examined for patterns, categories, and themes. RESULTS: Four themes were identified: (1) participants identified modifiable cognitive factors (e.g., sleep-related worry) and behavioral factors (e.g., social media use) impacting sleep after childbirth. (2) They noted that fatigue from poor sleep hindered postpartum exercise, yet exercise improved both mood and sleep quality. (3) While wanting to maintain a healthy diet, fatigue from inadequate sleep influenced their food choices. (4) Participants suggested flexible interventions-including online resources and support during well-child visits-that provide sleep education, tailored nutritional guidance for breastfeeding, structured exercise programs, and peer support. CONCLUSION: Postpartum individuals perceive an interconnectedness among sleep, diet, and physical activity and are interested in flexible interventions that address all three behaviors simultaneously.
Hawkins et al. (Wed,) studied this question.