“No One Told Me About This Part”: What Breastfeeding Women Want and Need to Support their Health

Research & Knowledge,

“No One Told Me About This Part”: What Breastfeeding Women Want and Need to Support their Physical Health

Snyder, Kailey PhD; Peterson, Julie PT, DPT; Bargstadt-Wilson, Kari PT, MPT

Attention providers caring for breastfeeding women!

This recent study surveying breastfeeding women reveals information that you will want to consider in your clinical practice. 

➔ A large proportion of breastfeeding women are sedentary or engaging only in light activity despite the recommended minimum of 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.

➔ Breastfeeding women report greater symptom severity related to urinary incontinence than anal or pelvic organ prolapse distress and these symptoms are not influenced by breastfeeding exclusivity. 

➔ Many women are hindered from being active by time constraints associated with feeding their infant.

➔ Breastfeeding women desire increased education (a combination of in-person/online pelvic floor and general exercise resources) to support their physical activity.

 

Link to journal to find out more about the results of this study.