A Systematic Review of the Influences and Outcomes of Body Image in the Postpartum via a Socioecological Framework

Women in the postpartum come under societal pressure to return to post-birth body shape and size. This pressure can lead to reduced body image satisfaction, self-esteem and mood. This systematic review explored the influences and outcomes of body image dissatisfaction during the postpartum. Four electronic databases were searched using keywords: postpartum OR postnatal OR “new mother” OR “breast feed*” AND “body image” OR “body dissatisfaction” OR “body satisfaction” OR “body attitude” OR “body shape”. Themes were organised from 55 international studies using the socioecological model. Intrapersonal factors influencing body image satisfaction included; body shape and size concerns, mental health experiences, attitudes and behaviours. Interpersonal, social support and sexual functioning. Institutional factors; experiences with the healthcare system and returning to work. Societal factors; cultural, media influences and social norms such as the thin ideal. Rather than body image dissatisfaction impacting individuals in isolation, its influences and outcomes are identifiable across all four domains of the socioecological model. Future practice and research could include more intrapersonal, institutional, and societal influences and outcomes on body image dissatisfaction in the postpartum.