Body Image and Postpartum Depression
Editor's Note: For simplicity and ease of reading, in this community, we use the term "mothers" to refer to pregnant people and those who have given birth. But we want to acknowledge that not all people who can get pregnant identify as women and that some people who give birth identify as men or nonbinary. We also recognize that parenthood exists in many forms, including adoptive and foster parenthood. Health Union strives to create an inclusive space while providing accurate health information.
Mothers go through many changes in the postpartum period, which begins after the birth of their baby. These changes are not only physical but also mental and emotional. Women can struggle with depression or other mental health issues after having a baby. They may have issues with body image, too. Body image is the way someone feels about the way they look. It's also how they think other people view their body.1
Connection between body image and postpartum depression
A 2022 study looked at the connection between body image and postpartum depression. Postpartum depression can have symptoms that make it hard to cope. These symptoms can include:1
- A negative outlook on life
- Low energy
- Avoiding social events
- No longer enjoying activities that used to bring pleasure
- Self-harm
- Thoughts of suicide
Feeling dissatisfied with body
The 2022 study focused on 450 postpartum women. They were given a questionnaire that measured their level of depression. Another questionnaire focused on their body image. It looked at how dissatisfied women were with their bodies. It also measured the women's fear of becoming fat and desire to lose weight. These women were asked about avoiding social situations for fear of attracting other people's attention.1
The study found that women who were unhappy with their postpartum body had higher rates of depression. Women who had lower incomes were more depressed than those with higher incomes. They were also more unhappy with their bodies.1
Social support and other factors
Another factor was the level of social support. Women who felt supported by their partners had less depression and a less negative body image. Women who had support from their mothers also had a more positive outlook and body image.1
Mothers who breastfed were more satisfied with their bodies. This may be because breastfeeding may help women lose weight. On the other hand, women who had cesarean sections were less happy with their bodies.1,4
Women who retained more than 11 pounds after giving birth were more likely to be depressed. So were those who did not exercise during the postpartum period. Their overall weight, mid-torso, and lower-torso were areas that troubled them the most.4
Coping with postpartum body image issues
Women with a negative view of their body during and after pregnancy are 4 times more likely to develop depression. That is why dealing with postpartum body image issues is vital to maintaining your mental health.5
Your body image may be influenced by your parents, media, and culture. But those judgments do not have to define how you feel about yourself. You don't have to look a certain way to value yourself. That type of thinking can be destructive.6
Your goal is to move forward. Your body will look different after you have a baby. Instead of fighting to fit into your favorite dress, buy one that suits your postpartum body. Maybe there is a style of clothing you have been eager to try. It may just fit with this new chapter in your life.6
Weight and body image
Instead of looking at food as the enemy, focus on maintaining a healthy diet. Take the same attitude toward exercise. Instead of saying, "I have to run for an hour," think of exercise as a way to nurture your body.7
This or That
What do you find more difficult to manage?
Try not to weigh yourself every time you're in the bathroom. Do not look at your reflection in every mirror or window you pass by. You are much more than a number on a scale or a certain jean size. You brought a whole new person into the world. Be patient with yourself as you adjust to all the changes new motherhood brings.5
Transgender or nonbinary parents
It is important to note that transgender or gender nonbinary (TGNB) parents have special considerations surrounding body image in the postpartum period. TGNB people experience feelings of gender dysphoria. This term means distress caused by their physical bodies not matching up with their gender identity.2,3