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For new moms losing that so-called baby weight can be difficult and for many of them not shedding those pounds can be dangerous.

In an effort to help, the Cal Poly STRIDE program has received a $3 million grant from the National Institute of Health.

Researchers are studying about 400 moms enrolled in WIC, which is a federally-funded health and nutrition program for low income families.

Belen Blanco has been in the Fit Moms program for two months and has already lost about ten pounds. She admits it is hard, but worth it.

"I'm doing this for me and for my baby. He's my motivation, he's my everything," she said.

Researchers track her progress on-line through a personalized website. Her weight, food and exercise is documented daily. She also receives daily text message reminders.

A high tech way researchers can help her make better and healthier decisions.

"Postpartum weight is a risk factor for weight retention into the next pregnancy, which can then affect the rates of type two diabetes as well as obesity in the future," said Project Coordinator Anna Brennan.

There are more than 400 moms enrolled in the program in both Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

Brennan said it is imperative to reach this demographic of new moms. "Lower income women tend to not have access to weight loss programs or information that is accurate on how to lose weight or accurate on what's healthy for them," she said.

It is an emotional journey for Belen, who knows it is more than her health that at stake.

"I just want to be with him all the time and I just want to be healthy for him," she said while holding back tears. "I just want for him to be like, to have a better life than me to be healthier than me."

Researchers hope this program will eventually be implemented throughout the state and nationwide and eventually become a standard part of WIC program.

STRIDE was also recently awarded a $3 million grant to study obese mothers-to-be to see if replacing two meals a day with a liquid shake will prevent dangerous amounts of weight gain during pregnancy.

The Cal Poly Kinesiology department founded STRIDE in 2007. Since then, it has developed research studies and programs to improve the health status and knowledge of the greater community.