“Take a minute (or 60) to focus on yourself”: Using autophotography to explore postpartum physical activity experiences and associated psychological constructs

Abstract

The demands of motherhood have been shown to negatively impact physical activity (PA) engagement. Participants in a larger PA-based study in British Columbia, Canada were invited to participate in this sub study. Forty-eight photos and descriptions were provided by 9 participants with infants 3–7 months of age. Photos depicted challenges with PA, PA self-efficacy, body image and self-compassion in motherhood. We noted four themes that reflected the complex and gendered nature of postpartum PA engagement. First, gendered expectations of motherhood placed demands on time and space for PA engagement. Second, how mothers felt about their bodies both positively and negatively impacted their sense of self and PA engagement. Third, moments of self-compassion illustrated how navigating feelings of self-compassion about PA was messy. Fourth, PA self-efficacy was essential and required reimagining PA within the constraints of motherhood. In conclusion, PA postpartum is complex and impacted by broader concepts related to the expected duties of motherhood.