Effect of Prenatal and Postnatal Intervention Strategies on Breastfeeding Outcomes in Women With Excessive Weight (Ready, Set, Nourish Study)

Inclusion Criteria

* Age 18 or older
* Less than 37 weeks of pregnant with singleton fetus
* Pre-pregnancy excessive weight (Body Mass Index ≥ 25 kg/m2)
* Interested in breastfeeding
* Willing to express colostrum from around 37 weeks of pregnancy if randomized to the prenatal intervention group
* Willing to express human milk for sample collection during a 24-hour period
* Willing to adhere to a meal plan for 5.5 months post-partum if randomized to the postnatal intervention group
* Able to engage in study procedures for the first 24 months postpartum
* Reside in Central Arkansas region Exclusion Criteria
* Pre-existing conditions (e.g. diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, thyroid disorders);
* Use of recreational drugs, tobacco, or 2 or more servings of alcohol per month
* Food allergies, intolerances, or preferences interfering with the meal plan
* Medical history including any contraindication to breastfeeding (medications or supplements incompatible with breastfeeding, substance use)Multiparous pregnancy
* History of breast surgery or radiation
* Congenital defects
* Preeclampsia