Abstract

I felt like I lost my body forever: A qualitative exploration of c-sections, body image, & c-section shelves

Sarah Young, BS¹, Sydney Durrah, BS², Lauren Aydinliyim, PhD³ and Elizabeth Claydon, PhD⁴
(1)West Virginia Univeristy, Morgantown, WV, (2)George Washington University, Washington, DC, (3)Rutgers University, Princeton, NJ, (4)West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV

APHA 2023 Annual Meeting and Expo

INTRODUCTION: Pregnancy and postpartum are accompanied by physical changes that pose new challenges for body image and mental health. Though bodily changes are expected during pregnancy, many new mothers are unprepared for the lasting changes in their bodies postpartum. These changes may also be exacerbated in those who have had cesarean sections (C-sections).

METHODS: Participants were recruited via social media mothers’ groups and asked to complete a survey about their C-section experience. Those who completed the survey and indicated that they were willing to participate further were contacted to set up an interview. A total of 23 women were interviewed between January and April of 2022. Interviews lasted approximately 45 minutes to one hour, in which women spoke to their C-section and postpartum experience.

RESULTS: Emerging themes reveal the C-section shelf and physical discomfort from the incision and scar play a role in body image changes for these women. Other emerging themes suggest a lack of postpartum preparedness and postpartum resources, such as mental health, pelvic floor physical therapy, and pain and wound management resources. The insight from these interviews will be used to suggest next steps in addressing issues related to C-sections, body image, and the postpartum experience.

Chronic disease management and prevention Clinical medicine applied in public health Public health or related nursing Public health or related research Social and behavioral sciences