Women moving forward in pictures: using digital photographs to explore postpartum women’s physical activity experiences

ABSTRACT While much research sees physical activity as an intervention for the postpartum body, there is limited literature understanding how postpartum physical activity affects women’s mental health and physical well-being. Unpacking how physical activity affects postpartum women holistically is critical because of the negative physical and mental health consequences accompanying the postpartum period. Thus, the purpose of this study was to use digital photographs to explore women’s experiences engaging in physical activity during the first-year postpartum. Auto-photography was used as it allowed postpartum women to share a photograph illustrating their physical activity experiences. This method allowed for comprehension regarding how participants believed physical activity impacted their mental health and physical well-being. Fifty women (M age  = 31.82 years; M age of infant = 6.22 months) submitted a photo with a short text description explaining the photo context and what it represented. A reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the photos through a critical feminist lens. Study findings were organised into three themes. First, postpartum women engaging in physical activity experienced feelings of empowerment that helped heal the body and mind while reconnecting with their athletic identities. Second, doing so meant adapting their physical activity to motherhood or around motherhood. Third, postpartum women navigated many obstacles, including the COVID-19 pandemic, weather, and finding activewear that fit their changing bodies. Insights into these experiences may inform health promoters, healthcare professionals, recreation leaders, and women’s support networks to understand their needs when engaging in physical activity during the postpartum period.