Effects of Exercise and Yogurt on Bone Mineral Density and Immunological Factors in Human Milk: The MEEMA Study (MEEMA)
Lactational Amenorrhea, Body Weight Changes, Bone Loss
About this trial
This is an interventional supportive care trial for Lactational Amenorrhea focused on measuring postpartum, lactation, bone density, exercise, yogurt
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- women must be at least 2 weeks postpartum
- be between the ages of 25 to 40
- have a self-reported body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 35 kg/m2
- be fully breastfeeding (< 4 oz of formula given to the infant only on occasion)
- be sedentary for the past 3 months (< 3 weekly sessions of moderate aerobic activity)
- be non-smokers
- had a singleton birth.
Exclusion Criteria:
- delivery by cesarean section
- have medical complications where exercise was contraindicated
- have an inability to consume yogurt (i.e. maternal or infant allergies/intolerance to the dairy protein or sugar) or
- a have diagnosis with a disease that affects hormone levels.
Sites / Locations
- North Carolina A&T State University
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
No Intervention
Intervention
Control
Intervention Group: Women randomized to the intervention group will be given a 3month membership to a community based exercise program, a pedometer and individual dietary recommendations. They will be asked to attend a minimum of three 45 minute to 60 minute exercise sessions per week but no more than five and will gradually build to walk 10,000 steps per day. Childcare and breastfeeding support will be provided. Trained research assistants will lead all group sessions. Weekly workout volume will be calculated and weekly steps will be monitored by research assistants. For the dietary intervention, the women will be provided 6oz of plain yogurt fortified with vitamin D post workout for the 12-week intervention. If any yogurt is out of date (expired), we will dispose of the expired yogurt. Weekly monitoring for the consumption of the yogurt and energy intake will be conducted by face-to-face or telephone interviews by research assistants.
Minimal Care Group: Women randomized into the minimal care group will be asked not to participate in any structured exercise or make any changes in their diet. They will be permitted to walk their infants in strollers at a leisurely pace (no faster than 2 mph) for no more than 30 minutes per day. After the endpoint measurements of the 12-wk intervention, the minimal care group will be asked to join the community based program provided to the intervention group. The participants will be given the pedometer, individual dietary recommendations and yogurt. Additionally, support by the PI and research assistants for exercise and diet will be provided until the one-year postpartum laboratory measurement.