4200.0 It takes a stigma-free village: Empowering pregnant patients facing weight stigma through community skill building classes and midwife education

Session: Student Poster Session

Program: Maternal and Child Health

Time: 2:30 - 3:30 PM

Presenters:

Anushka Jain

Lupita Galvan Tinoco

Ngozi Okoli

Jacqueline Sandoval

Abstract

Weight gain is an inherent component of pregnancy, but is often accompanied by self-directed bias and stigma from friends, family, and healthcare providers – harming an already vulnerable population. Consequences of weight stigma include worsening mental health, increased risk of gestational diabetes, and negative child health outcomes, yet weight stigma remains understudied with few interventions to combat it, especially in pregnant populations. We conducted a literature review and needs assessments with key stakeholders including local healthcare providers, previously pregnant people, and leading researchers to better understand this gap. We propose a multi-level intervention composed of community-based skill building classes with pregnant people and their support systems to build resilience against weight stigma and an educational component for certified nurse midwives (CNMs) in New Haven, Connecticut. Pregnant people will engage in group dialogues about weight stigma experiences, practice role-playing to advocate for themselves in clinical settings, and learn how to resist body image pressures. CNMs will learn how to balance their healthcare responsibilities without perpetuating weight stigma, maximizing patients’ well-being and working towards affirmative care for all pregnancy body types. The intervention’s setting, dose, and inclusion of childcare services and free meals are designed to be as accessible as possible to promote enrollment among low-income racial minorities – primarily Black and Hispanic pregnant individuals – as these historically marginalized groups experience weight stigma at even greater levels. This crucial, innovative health promotion plan addresses a glaring need and is designed to promote sustainability, trust, and community engagement to maximize feasibility and impact.