A Phenomenological Exploration of Body Image and Mental Health in Multiparous Mothers

The purpose of this study was to investigate the lived experience of mothers with multiple children as they traversed body image and related mental health implications. Mothers with multiple children may experience compounded physical recovery demands, caregiving stress, and sociocultural pressure to “bounce back,” which may uniquely shape postpartum body image and mental health experiences. Using a transcendental phenomenology approach, in-depth interviews were conducted to capture the lived experiences of 11 women with two or more children as they navigate the challenges of postpartum recovery. Findings revealed five themes including postpartum and parenting challenges, body image and self-acceptance, the mental health impact of body image concerns, role-modeling body acceptance to children, and the influence of postpartum body changes on relationships and well-being. The study underscores the need for mental health professionals and opportunities for advocacy including: comprehensive, empathetic care that addresses the unique challenges faced by postpartum mothers with multiple children.