First Heroes: Engaging Fathers in the First 1000 Days

First Heroes: Engaging Fathers in the First 1000 Days

The First Heroes study plans to influence weight and health trajectories, modify disease risk, and improve health care services for mother-father-infant triads from racial/ethnic minority and health disparity populations.

This study is a two-arm, randomized controlled trial recruiting from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) obstetrics practices. This study will enroll 250 father-mother dyads in the second trimester of pregnancy and intervene through their offspring's 1-year birthday. Each mother-father dyad participating will be randomly assigned to one of two arms: 1. Obstetric and Pediatric Standard of Care + New Parent Engagement Intervention Arm or; 2. Obstetric and Pediatric Standard of Care + Safety Control Arm.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Parental dyads must meet the following criteria:
• Pregnant females and father of the baby, both aged ≥ 18 years
• Singleton pregnancy
• Planned involvement during the first year of the child's life
• Planning to receive post-partum and pediatric care for child at any pediatric practice within the MassGeneral Brigham (Partners) Healthcare system
• Ability to speak in English or Spanish
• Capable of giving consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Dyads whose unborn child is found to have a severe defect or comorbidity upon 18-20 week ultrasound.
• Mothers who intend on raising a child alone without any participation from the father of the child.