Assessing the Feasibility and Acceptability of Pre- and Postnatal Mindfulness-based Programs with Mothers Experiencing Low Income

This study examined the feasibility and accessibility of brief perinatal mindfulness-based interventions (1 prenatal, 2 postnatal) aimed at supporting the wellbeing of women and their infants living in the context of low income. First time expectant mothers (n = 202) were recruited through clinics and community-based organizations. We examined the feasibility of recruitment, research assessments and intervention implementation, and the acceptability of the intervention programs. Feasibility was assessed by recruitment and attendance numbers, and participant self-report on barriers and facilitators to participation. Intervention acceptability was assessed by class evaluation questions and qualitative interview. The study showed mixed feasibility with successful recruitment and retention in the study, attributable to incentives and strong community relationships which lead to high levels of completion of research assessments. However, there were low levels of group intervention attendance in the postpartum groups due to significant barriers to in-person program attendance. In qualitative interviews, participants indicated having an online or combined online and in-person option would address attendance challenges. Program evaluation and participant interview data show high levels of program acceptability, with over 95% reporting satisfaction with skills and information taught. The high level of class satisfaction across all three intervention programs, along with responses in the qualitative interviews suggests that a mindfulness approach is accepted and valued by this population. Intervention groups were valued by participants, pointing to the need for future iterations of such interventions to explore the use of online and combined online and in-person formats to assess their success in addressing attendance barriers.