A pilot study to explore postpartum body image and resumed menstruation

The first two years postpartum involve substantial physiological change, increasing vulnerability to distress. Body dissatisfaction may be intensified by gestational weight gain, sociocultural 'bounce-back' pressure, and hormonal changes linked to resumed menstruation, which typically returns within 6-8 weeks postpartum for non-breastfeeding women and 6-18 months for breastfeeding women. Despite this, lived experiences of body image and resumed menstruation remain understudied. The current pilot study aimed to address this literature gap.

A total of eleven UK mothers participated in semi-structured interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis was applied to interview transcripts.

Two major themes were identified: Mind-body feedback (sub-themes: A stranger to myself, Menstrual return - a measure of wholeness) and Depletion as a positive feedback loop (sub-themes: Diet and exercise: stuck between a rock and a hard place; Finding your tribe). Body dissatisfaction and declining self-care often co-existed as women struggled to navigate new infant care responsibilities and grieved their pre‑pregnancy identities. Distress was also felt in relation to gestational weight gain and hair loss. Resumed menstruation was viewed both as an important marker of health and bodily 'wholeness', and as a source of stress when symptoms were severe. Finally, participants reported inadequate healthcare guidance and a desire for more support around menstruation, body changes, and self-care postpartum.

Reframing attitudes towards one's body from its appearance to its functionality supported self-compassion and empowerment. Findings highlight the potential value of self-compassion and cognitive-behavioural interventions, menstrual self-monitoring, and improved healthcare and community support to enhance postpartum wellbeing and body confidence.