Study Results
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Basic Information
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RECRUITING
NA
72 participants
INTERVENTIONAL
2025-09-30
2028-08-31
Brief Summary
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Detailed Description
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Objectives. The Mindful Moms, Mindful Meals (MMMM) study aims to evaluate the effects of a Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training Postpartum (MB-EAT-P) intervention on infant feeding practices and maternal eating behaviors.
Research Questions.
* Does MB-EAT-P improve mothers' recognition of infant hunger and satiety cues?
* Does MB-EAT-P enhance maternal mindful eating?
* Does MB-EAT-P improve dietary quality of mother and infant?
* Does MB-EAT-P improve behaviour change constructs (e.g., knowledge, confidence, self-efficacy?)
* Does MB-EAT-P improve sleep quality, weight control, and anxiety symptoms?
Methodological Approach. This parallel, waitlist-control randomized controlled trial will adapt an 8-week mindful eating intervention for postpartum participants. Approximately 72 participants, aged 19-45 years, with infants aged 6-12 months who have started solid foods, will be recruited from social media, community outreach, and local health clinics in Fredericton, NB. Exclusion criteria include active eating disorders, substance use disorders, unmanaged medical/mental health conditions such as diagnosed postpartum depression or anxiety, cognitive impairments, recent trauma or untreated post-traumatic stress disorder, participation in a similar program within 12 months, strict dietary regimens, recent major surgery that affects nutritional intake, preterm infants, or no English proficiency.
Mothers will be randomized to either the intervention group or a control group using REDCap®. The intervention group will begin the MB-EAT-P program immediately upon enrollment, participating in 2-hour weekly group sessions over eight weeks, guided by MB-EAT certified instructor, with supplemental at-home mindfulness practices. Sessions will cover topics such as transitioning from breastfeeding and formula-feeding to solid foods, hunger and satiety awareness, recognition and management of emotional and mindless eating, and mindful eating strategies tailored for the postpartum period, including infancy. Meanwhile, the control group will be waitlisted for eight weeks. After the waitlist period, the control group will receive the intervention materials via the MMMM website, including recordings of guided mindful eating meditations, session worksheets, and responsive feeding infographics.
Phenotypic assessments will occur at the University of New Brunswick by telephone and/or online. Data will be collected at baseline, 4 weeks (midpoint), and 8 weeks (post-intervention). Infant feeding practices will be observed, using the validated Responsiveness to Child Feeding Cues Scale, during a recorded individual mealtime session in the PEADS Lab Metabolic Kitchen. The Mindful Eating Scale (MES) and Mindful Eating Behavior Scale (MEBS) will measure maternal mindful eating. Other questionnaires will measure maternal and infant feeding, weight control strategies, sleep, and mental health. Dietary quality of mothers and infants will be measured using the Healthy Eating Food Index and the WHO Infant and Young Child Feeding Indicators, respectively, derived from a 24-hour dietary recall.
Infant feeding practices, maternal eating behaviours, and dietary quality are among the top priorities for mothers. Our outcomes draw from this literature, as well as the priorities identified by moms in our Parent Advisory Committee (PAC). Specifically, the investigators established a PAC consisting of five diverse postpartum mothers from across Canada following the Canadian Institutes for Health Research recommendations for patient engagement. PAC mothers have collaborated (level 4 of 5 of the IAP2) with the research team by contributing to the development of MB-EAT-P session materials as well as informed session timings, postpartum specific programming, MMMM website and child-minding volunteer program.
Statistical Analysis. A repeated measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) will be conducted to evaluate the interaction between time (three measurements) and group (intervention vs. control). Based on a repeated measures within-between group interaction (ie. whether the pattern of change over time differs between groups), and assuming a small-to-medium effect size (f = 0.2), α = 0.05, and 95% power, 66 participants (28 per group) are required; to account for an anticipated \~10% drop-out rate, 72 participants (36 per group) will be recruited. A comprehensive analysis of 32 studies reported pooled effect sizes ranging approximately from f = 0.11 to f = 0.35, indicating small to moderate improvements in mindless eating behaviors such as controlled eating, fullness awareness, and impulsive food choices. The effects on stress-related eating behaviors, including emotional and binge eating, were generally smaller and less consistent across studies. However, an effect size of f = 0.32 for fullness awareness and f = 0.25 for long-term improvements in hunger eating were reported in adults, reflecting a medium-sized effect in the context of mindful eating interventions, suggesting an f = 0.20 for MMMM is appropriate yet conservative for an infant population.
Expected Outcomes. This study will generate evidence on how mindful eating interventions, like MB-EAT-P, may enhance maternal and infant feeding practices. Our findings may inform the development of public health programs to promote lifelong mindful eating and feeding habits.
Conditions
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Study Design
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RANDOMIZED
PARALLEL
TREATMENT
SINGLE
Study Groups
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Intervention
Participants in this group will take part in an 8-week, tailored Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training Postpartum (MB-EAT-P) program. Weekly sessions will include mindfulness meditations, training in hunger and satiety awareness, responsive feeding education, light-intensity physical activity, and food tasting experiences. In addition to the group sessions, participants will be encouraged to engage in at-home practices, including mindfulness meditations, mindful eating, responsive feeding techniques, and journaling their experiences to support reflection and integration of the training into daily life.
Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training Postpartum
Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training Postpartum (MB-EAT-P) is an 8-week, patient-oriented intervention co-developed with a Parent Advisory Committee. Designed for postpartum individuals, it integrates mindfulness practices, responsive feeding education, and experiential learning. Weekly sessions include guided meditations, mindful eating exercises, infant feeding strategies, and reflective journaling. Activities cover hunger/satiety cues, emotional balance, cultural feeding practices, and light physical activity. MB-EAT-P stands out for its postpartum-specific design, parent-led development, and holistic approach to maternal-infant well-being.
The intervention group receives the full program following the baseline visit, in an in-person group setting.
Control
Participants in the control group will receive access to the Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training Postpartum (MB-EAT-P) program following the initial 8-week period. This self-guided version of the program will be delivered through the MMMM website and will include recorded sessions, meditation scripts, worksheets, and all core components of the intervention. These components encompass mindfulness meditations, hunger and satiety awareness training, responsive feeding education, light-intensity physical activity guidelines, and food tasting guidance.
Waitlist Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training Postpartum
Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training Postpartum (MB-EAT-P) is an 8-week, patient-oriented intervention co-developed with a Parent Advisory Committee. Designed for postpartum individuals, it integrates mindfulness practices, responsive feeding education, and experiential learning. Weekly sessions include guided meditations, mindful eating exercises, infant feeding strategies, and reflective journaling. Activities cover hunger/satiety cues, emotional balance, cultural feeding practices, and light physical activity. The control group will not receive any components of the intervention until after the final clinical visit. MB-EAT-P stands out for its postpartum-specific design, parent-led development, and holistic approach to maternal-infant well-being.
The control group will then receive the full program post-study via the MMMM website in a self-guided format with recorded sessions, scripts, and worksheets.
Interventions
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Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training Postpartum
Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training Postpartum (MB-EAT-P) is an 8-week, patient-oriented intervention co-developed with a Parent Advisory Committee. Designed for postpartum individuals, it integrates mindfulness practices, responsive feeding education, and experiential learning. Weekly sessions include guided meditations, mindful eating exercises, infant feeding strategies, and reflective journaling. Activities cover hunger/satiety cues, emotional balance, cultural feeding practices, and light physical activity. MB-EAT-P stands out for its postpartum-specific design, parent-led development, and holistic approach to maternal-infant well-being.
The intervention group receives the full program following the baseline visit, in an in-person group setting.
Waitlist Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training Postpartum
Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training Postpartum (MB-EAT-P) is an 8-week, patient-oriented intervention co-developed with a Parent Advisory Committee. Designed for postpartum individuals, it integrates mindfulness practices, responsive feeding education, and experiential learning. Weekly sessions include guided meditations, mindful eating exercises, infant feeding strategies, and reflective journaling. Activities cover hunger/satiety cues, emotional balance, cultural feeding practices, and light physical activity. The control group will not receive any components of the intervention until after the final clinical visit. MB-EAT-P stands out for its postpartum-specific design, parent-led development, and holistic approach to maternal-infant well-being.
The control group will then receive the full program post-study via the MMMM website in a self-guided format with recorded sessions, scripts, and worksheets.
Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria
* Have started or plan to start solid foods for their baby by the time of enrollment
* Have an infant aged 6 to 12 months
* Willing to participate in a recorded mealtime observation for the study
* Willing to complete an 8-week MB-EAT-P intervention, including homework assignments
* Have an infant born at or after 37 weeks of gestation.
Exclusion Criteria
* Planning to move in the next two months
* Medically diagnosed with an active eating disorder (e.g., Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder)
* Diagnosed with an unmanaged chronic medical condition affecting diet (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, celiac disease, severe GI disorders, kidney disease, sleep apnea, PCOS)
* Diagnosed with unmanaged postpartum depression or anxiety
* Diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia with extreme fatigue or weakness
* Substance use disorder (e.g., alcohol or drug addiction)
* Cognitive impairments affecting memory, attention, or comprehension (e.g., dementia, brain injury)
* Following a strict formal diet or weight loss program
* Enrolled in a weight loss or mindfulness-based program in the past 12 months
* Recovering from major surgery or experiencing an acute medical crisis (e.g., bariatric surgery)
* Experiencing recent trauma or untreated PTSD
19 Years
45 Years
FEMALE
Yes
Sponsors
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University of New Brunswick
OTHER
Responsible Party
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Maryam Kebbe
Associate Professor
Principal Investigators
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Dr. Maryam Kebbe, PhD, CLC
Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR
University of New Brunswick
Locations
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University of New Brunswick
Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
Countries
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Central Contacts
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Facility Contacts
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References
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Madray C, Richardson J, Hornsby P, Grello C, Drake E, Kellams A. Exploring the Unmet Needs of Postpartum Mothers: A Qualitative Study. J Perinat Educ. 2022 Apr 1;31(2):71-81. doi: 10.1891/JPE-2021-00009.
Kao TA, Ling J, Alanazi M, Atwa A, Liu S. Effects of mindfulness-based interventions on obesogenic eating behaviors: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Obes Rev. 2025 Mar;26(3):e13860. doi: 10.1111/obr.13860. Epub 2024 Nov 3.
Ayyala MS, Coughlin JW, Martin L, Henderson J, Ezekwe N, Clark JM, Appel LJ, Bennett WL. Perspectives of pregnant and postpartum women and obstetric providers to promote healthy lifestyle in pregnancy and after delivery: a qualitative in-depth interview study. BMC Womens Health. 2020 Mar 4;20(1):44. doi: 10.1186/s12905-020-0896-x.
Brassard D, Elvidge Munene LA, St-Pierre S, Guenther PM, Kirkpatrick SI, Slater J, Lemieux S, Jessri M, Haines J, Prowse R, Olstad DL, Garriguet D, Vena J, Vatanpatast H, L'Abbe MR, Lamarche B. Development of the Healthy Eating Food Index (HEFI)-2019 measuring adherence to Canada's Food Guide 2019 recommendations on healthy food choices. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2022 May;47(5):595-610. doi: 10.1139/apnm-2021-0415. Epub 2022 Jan 14.
Manafo E, Petermann L, Vandall-Walker V, Mason-Lai P. Patient and public engagement in priority setting: A systematic rapid review of the literature. PLoS One. 2018 Mar 2;13(3):e0193579. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193579. eCollection 2018.
Leahy K, Berlin KS, Banks GG, Bachman J. The Relationship Between Intuitive Eating and Postpartum Weight Loss. Matern Child Health J. 2017 Aug;21(8):1591-1597. doi: 10.1007/s10995-017-2281-4.
Ward K, Herekar A, Wang P, Lindsay KL. Feasibility and Acceptability of a Mindfulness-Based Smartphone App among Pregnant Women with Obesity. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Apr 6;20(7):5421. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20075421.
Vieten C, Laraia BA, Kristeller J, Adler N, Coleman-Phox K, Bush NR, Wahbeh H, Duncan LG, Epel E. The mindful moms training: development of a mindfulness-based intervention to reduce stress and overeating during pregnancy. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2018 Jun 1;18(1):201. doi: 10.1186/s12884-018-1757-6.
Tylka TL, Eneli IU, Kroon Van Diest AM, Lumeng JC. Which adaptive maternal eating behaviors predict child feeding practices? An examination with mothers of 2- to 5-year-old children. Eat Behav. 2013 Jan;14(1):57-63. doi: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2012.10.014. Epub 2012 Nov 10.
Roberts LT, Carbonneau N, Goodman LC, Musher-Eizenman DR. Retrospective reports of childhood feeding in mother-daughter dyads. Appetite. 2020 Jun 1;149:104613. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2020.104613. Epub 2020 Jan 24.
Furman D, Campisi J, Verdin E, Carrera-Bastos P, Targ S, Franceschi C, Ferrucci L, Gilroy DW, Fasano A, Miller GW, Miller AH, Mantovani A, Weyand CM, Barzilai N, Goronzy JJ, Rando TA, Effros RB, Lucia A, Kleinstreuer N, Slavich GM. Chronic inflammation in the etiology of disease across the life span. Nat Med. 2019 Dec;25(12):1822-1832. doi: 10.1038/s41591-019-0675-0. Epub 2019 Dec 5.
Faria-Schutzer DB, Surita FG, Rodrigues L, Turato ER. Eating Behaviors in Postpartum: A Qualitative Study of Women with Obesity. Nutrients. 2018 Jul 10;10(7):885. doi: 10.3390/nu10070885.
Related Links
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Infant and young child feeding. World Health Organization
Government of Canada CIHR. Patient engagement - CIHR
Other Identifiers
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REB 2025-126
Identifier Type: -
Identifier Source: org_study_id
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