title: Physical exercise and the lactating woman: a qualitative pilot study of mothers' perceptions and experiences.
abstract: This study aimed to explore the lactating woman's perceptions and experiences of physical exercise. Utilising quantitative and qualitative measures, six lactating women (average age = 31.6 years) who had recently given birth and were engaging in regular exercise, took part in open-ended, semi-structured interviews and questionnaires which focused on their individual experiences. The mothers also completed inventories measuring self-esteem, the presence of postnatal depression, and a retrospective survey gauging their preconception, prenatal and current participation in physical activity. The main themes to emerge from teh content analysis of the qualitative data included perceived well-being from improved energy and stress levels, and weight control. Some of the mothers stated that exercise affected their breastfeeding in a negative way by possibly reducing their breastmilk supply. All mothers confirmed exercise as enhancing the maternal-infant relationship. It is recommended that future research be conducted into the exercise prescription guidelines for women to enhance breastfeeding success.
authors: Prenatal Plus Health & Fitness, 56 Binburra Ave., Avalon NSW 2107, Australia.
authors: Monica
authors: M
authors: Rich
authors: Janet
authors: J
authors: Currie
authors: Catherine
authors: C
authors: McMahon
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000523:psychology; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires