Volunteer-ran in-school postpartum physical activity programme for adolescent mothers: initial steps towards sustainability

Abstract

Postpartum physical activity has several health benefits for both the mother and newborn including reducing the risk for maternal depression and improved parent–child bonding.1 An underserved population that may have unique barriers to being physically active are adolescent postpartum individuals who face the additional challenges of stigma of being a young mother, lower social support and socioeconomic status and completing their high school education.2 3 Adolescent or teenage mothers are at a significantly higher risk of prenatal and postpartum complications than adults, including depression, preterm birth and low birth weight.4 Notably though, adolescent mothers who have higher perceived social support are more likely to complete their education and have improved maternal and child outcomes such as better bonding and reduced mental health complications.5 Group-based physical activity can offer social support to new mothers, and it may be possible to deliver this through schools.6 Braemar School in Edmonton, Canada, provides high school education to pregnant and postpartum individuals aged 14–20 years.7 In collaboration with the Terra Centre, Braemar School offers high school credits to young mothers with childcare services onsite. Included in their curriculum is the option to engage in a flexible physical education programme. The flexible approach to the …