Women’s body image and breastfeeding

Abstract

Only a small number of studies draw attention to the relationship between body image after pregnancy and during lactation with the decision to undertake and continue breastfeeding. Body image is a complex mental construct, which consists of: cognitive, emotional and behavioural components, and which is subject to change during the life of the woman. Pregnancy, childbirth and lactation affect the physicality of women, which is also reflected in the way of defining their body image. Dissatisfaction with own body can affect the decision to breastfeed or cause discomfort during breastfeeding. At the same time, undertaking breastfeeding can, through the hormones secreted at the time, positively influence the assessment of the woman’s body before and during pregnancy. The discovery of this relationship, and in the future indicating the precise correlation phenomena, could have a practical use in working with patients whether to breastfeed. By noticing and identifying an early onset of irregularities in the forming body image of a pregnant women, healthcare professionals can support those in need to build a real body image and positive attitude towards occurring changes and thus increase their comfort. Recognising and understanding the obstacles women experience on the road to breastfeeding, educators and professionals can create programs which consider a more complex, psycho-physical dimension of breastfeeding.