Research investigates women's body image after birth

The postpartum period can be a challenging time for women as they transition into parenthood and grapple with changes to their self-identities, physiology, and bodies. In Western culture, dominant media imagery and cultural representations depict the ‘thin-ideal’, a portrayal of thinness as a standard of female-specific attractiveness. Studies have found that in the postpartum period, women continue to hold themselves to their pre-pregnancy standards for appearance, and that they feel concerned about meeting these standards.

Researchers at the Australian Catholic University are investigating women's perceptions of their post-baby bodies, along with other associated factors. They are seeking 200 women who have given birth in the past 12 months to complete an anonymous online survey.

If you have the time to contribute to this research, entitled "You and Your Body After Baby", please follow this link: bit.ly/youandyourbody

Thank you in anticipation.
Dr Renée Miller
Principal Clinical Psychologist
Antenatal & Postnatal Psychology Network

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