Nutritional Practices During the Transition to Motherhood: A Systematic Qualitative Review

Area of Science:

• Maternal Health
• Nutritional Psychology
• Sociology of Food

Background:

• The transition to motherhood involves significant biological, psychological, and social changes.
• Women's nutritional practices are influenced by physiological needs, identity shifts, and societal expectations.
• Existing research on maternal nutrition primarily adopts a biomedical perspective, neglecting women's lived experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review qualitative evidence on women's experiences with nutrition during the transition to motherhood.
• To explore food as self-care, control, autonomy, identity formation, and mental well-being.
• To synthesize women's perspectives on nutritional practices in early motherhood.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of electronic databases for qualitative studies.
• Inclusion of studies using interviews, focus groups, or ethnographic approaches.
• Thematic synthesis of findings following PRISMA guidelines and quality appraisal.

Main Results:

• Nutrition is experienced as self-care and emotional regulation.
• Women report loss of autonomy and increased moral scrutiny regarding food choices.
• Food practices are used to perform and negotiate "good motherhood," impacting mental health and identity.

Conclusions:

• Maternal nutritional practices are complex, intertwining health behaviors with identity, autonomy, and caregiving.
• Social and emotional dimensions of maternal nutrition require recognition for holistic support.
• Woman-centered approaches to nutritional guidance are essential for maternal well-being.