Moms on the move: A qualitative exploration of a postpartum group exercise program on physical activity behaviour at three distinct time points

Purpose Physical activity (PA) after the birth of a child is associated with improved physical and mental health benefits. The aim of the study was to explore new mothers' experiences of PA before and after participation in a group-based PA program for new mothers. The study has three research questions: how new mothers felt; 1) about PA after the birth of their child 2) about engaging in a group-based PA program and 3) after the program ended about ongoing PA engagement. Methods We conducted an 8-week bi-weekly PA program for postpartum women. To understand the experience of postpartum women engaging in a group-based PA program we conducted one-on-one semi-structured interviews before, after, and at 6-month follow-up. Results Of the n = 21 participants in the Moms on the Move study; n = 17 completed pre interviews.s. One primary theme emerged from pre-program interviews where mothers shared how they were lost as to where to start PA. Post-program interviews produced two primary themes; engaging in PA helped mothers, and mothers learned to rethink PA. Conclusions Postpartum women who participated in this group-based PA program had positive benefits to their mental and physical health and were able to alter their PA behaviour.

Automated summary

This study aimed to explore new mothers' experiences before and after participating in a group-based physical activity program. The findings showed that participating in the program had positive benefits for the mental and physical health of postpartum women and led to changes in their physical activity behavior.