Postpartum weight self-management: a concept analysis.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this concept analysis is to create a clear definition and framework to guide weight self-management research and promotion of healthy weight self-management during the postpartum period.


BACKGROUND
A woman's ability to manage her weight through the postpartum transition has lifelong implications for her weight status.


METHODS
This concept analysis was guided by Walker and Avant (2005). A broad search of sources was performed, yielding 56 articles in which postpartum weight self-management was the main focus.


RESULTS
From consideration of the attributes of postpartum weight self-management, a descriptive, situation-specific theory emerged: Postpartum weight self-management is a process by which the transition to motherhood is viewed by the woman as an opportunity to intentionally engage in healthy weight self-management behaviors by minimizing the salient inhibitors and maximizing the salient facilitators to action.


CONCLUSIONS
This analysis provides a clarification of the process concept of postpartum weight self-management and its consequences, giving direction for measurement, clinical application, and further research. Future nursing interventions and research should be aimed at helping women to view the postpartum period as a normative transition in which they have the opportunity to take charge of their own health and the health of their family.
Marquette University, USA. Jennifer.ohlendorf@marquette.edu
Jennifer M
JM
Ohlendorf
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D012648:Self Care; D015431:Weight Loss