She “didn’t see my weight; she saw me, a mom who needed help breastfeeding”: Perceptions of perinatal weight stigma and its relationship with breastfeeding experiences
Rachel Dieterich, Judy C. Chang, Cynthia A. Danford, Paul Scott, Caroline Wend, Jill R. Demirci
Abstract
Weight stigmatization is related to emotional and psychological distress including low self-esteem, body image dissatisfaction, depression, and anxiety; all linked with suboptimal breastfeeding outcomes. This qualitative descriptive study explored postpartum individuals’ recalled experiences of weight stigma during interactions with perinatal healthcare professionals and its perceived influence on their breastfeeding experiences. Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted with (n= 18) participants. Three themes emerged: (1) “Size Doesn’t Matter: They Looked Beyond the Scale,” (2) “My Self-Confidence and Desire to Breastfeed is More Important than Weight,” and (3) “I Was on My Own”— Limited Social Support not Weight Stigma Influenced Breastfeeding.