Postpartum Body Image and Eating Behaviors: Receptivity to Nondiet Approaches in a Qualitative Study of Perinatal
Megan Meyer1, Jocelyn Carter1, Emily Woodworth2
1Department of Health Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ.
Objective:
This study explored body image as well as barriers and receptivity to nondiet approaches among pregnant and postpartum individuals.
Design:
Eight focus groups were conducted online with 2 facilitators. Data were collected from January through July 2024.
Setting:
Focus groups lasting 60-90 minutes were conducted virtually.
Participants:
Twenty participants were recruited from the Arizona Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children program, a doula support group, and snowball sampling.
Phenomenon Of Interest And Variables:
Pregnant and postpartum participants provided responses regarding body image, practicing self-care, and receptivity to incorporating nondiet approaches.
Analysis:
Downloaded Zoom version 6.0, 2024 audio files were transcribed, followed by thematic analysis. Coding took place iteratively among independent coders. After consensus of the code book, each coder analyzed all the focus groups. Major themes and subthemes were refined and finalized throughout the analysis.
Results:
Five themes were identified: (1) current engagement in and openness to nondiet approaches, (2) perceived barriers, (3) misinterpretations, (4) ambivalence, and (5) sources of body image support in the perinatal period.
Conclusions And Implications:
Maternal nutrition providers can discuss societal pressures, misinterpretations of nondiet principles, and practical challenges related to infant care throughout the perinatal period.
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