Healthy Eating for My Infant: A Community- Informed Infant Obesity Prevention Program Addressing the Impact of Maternal Mental Health on Eating and Feeding

Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Phase II Efficacy Testing of a Community-Informed Infant Obesity Prevention Program Addressing the Impact of Maternal Mental Health on Eating and Feeding.

Infants from low-income families are at increased risk for obesity, but obesity prevention programs tailored specifically to the needs of these infants are lacking. Our team developed Healthy Eating for My Infant (HEMI) to address the specific obesity risk factors, barriers to health behaviors, and needs articulated by community members and low-income families (e.g., maternal mental health, realistic feeding options within the context of food insecurity). The current study will examine the feasibility and acceptability of HEMI delivered via home visiting, as well as preliminary efficacy for improving infant growth trajectories, diet, and parenting/feeding factors related to future obesity risk among infants from low-income families.

Inclusion Criteria

• Child age 2 months 0 days to 2 months 30 days at baseline.
• Child is a singleton.
• Mom's must be fluent in English or Spanish.
• Mom must be 18 years or older.

Exclusion Criteria

• Child has major congenital abnormalities or medical conditions requiring specialized feeding.
• Family is currently enrolled in home grocery delivery.