Mindfulness for African Americans Postpartum

Women randomized to the MAAP intervention will complete an 8 week (2hr/wk) hybrid adapted Kabat-Zinn's MBSR.(Kabat-Zinn, 1990) MAAP intervention includes activities related to spirituality, self-empowerment, interdependence, and story-telling, which are salient to AAW.(Watson-Singleton et al., 2019) Women will receive practice links and a program work book (5th grade level) containing objectives and weekly MAAP activities/. Individual weekly home practice is expected. Type and minutes of home practice will be recorded in weekly logs. Program attendance, type, amount of practice, and changes in mindfulness (Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire) will be included in data analysis.

"The 8-week Educational Program will be matched in duration, frequency, delivery method, and data collection to the MAAP intervention. Like MAAP, it will be delivered using a hybrid format (virtual Zoom and in person visits).~Sessions will be given in groups by an expert perinatal clinician/educator for all cohorts. Content will be set and delivered consistently across cohorts. Sessions will be audiotaped and rated for achievement of objectives and consistency of delivery. Deviations will be promptly addressed. Subject receipt will be monitored by attendance. Sessions will not include content on stress reduction (yoga, meditation, etc.). Classes will be given in the same setting as the MAAP intervention, at the same time but on a different evening, to avoid crossover (diffusion) of effects."