A systematic review examining the association between female body image and the intention, initiation and duration of post-partum infant feeding methods (breastfeeding vs bottle-feeding)

Abstract

A systematic review was conducted to examine female body image in relation to the intention, initiation and duration of post-partum infant feeding methods. A search of 10 databases was conducted to identify studies. A total of nine studies were included in the systematic review. All studies were of a non-randomised control design with a total of 13,046 participants. Findings suggest that exclusive breastfeeding is more likely in pregnant women with a higher body image, while those with body concerns had less intention to breastfeed or initiate, with those who start having a shorter duration.

The Associations Between Breastfeeding Duration and Body Dissatisfaction, Ethnicity, and Obesity Among Mexican Women, a Cross-Sectional Study, ENSANUT 2012

“…A number of studies showed similar findings; women with positive body image with higher body satisfaction and who are less concerned with their shape and weight during postpartum are more likely to initiate breastfeeding and maintain it for a longer duration. 17,18,26,27 For example, a study by Brown et al, 26 followed 128 pregnant women in the United Kingdom for 6 months, found that higher body image concerns during pregnancy and after delivery were associated both with an intention to use and actual use of baby formula starting at birth and with shorter breastfeeding duration.…”

“…According to seven out of nine peer-reviewed studies identified in a systematic review study, 18 women with body concerns for weight, shape, and the perception of feeling fat influenced on their decision on which infant feeding methods to choose during pregnancy (i.e., intention to breastfeed), after delivery (i.e., breastfeeding initiation), and during postpartum, (i.e., breastfeeding duration). Mothers who expressed a more positive perception of their body were more likely to breastfeed and continue with it for a longer duration.…”

“…This survey has rich and unique data, 20 which comprise various measures like sociodemographic factors and biological variables to ensure accurate and valid estimation of the results. 23 Furthermore, the study sample was relatively large compared to other studies in the area, 18 allowing us to detect significant effects even after stratification.…”

“…14,15 Given its body-focused nature, unsurprisingly, breastfeeding has been found to be associated with body image concerns. 17,18 It involves exposing a woman's body, sometimes publicly, causing some to avoid breastfeeding ever or for longer duration. 18 A previous study in Mexico showed an inverse relation; women with higher body dissatisfaction scores were less likely to initiate breastfeeding.…”

“…17,18 It involves exposing a woman's body, sometimes publicly, causing some to avoid breastfeeding ever or for longer duration. 18 A previous study in Mexico showed an inverse relation; women with higher body dissatisfaction scores were less likely to initiate breastfeeding. 19 However, despite the growing literature, less is known about this association when women are trying breastfeeding for a longer duration of at least 6 months.…”