Body Image Perception, Nutrient Intake, and Nutritional Status of Working Breastfeeding Mothers

Abstract

Background: The nutritional intake of breastfeeding mothers is often suboptimal, despite the increased energy and nutrient requirements needed to support breast milk production and infant growth. Inadequate intake may adversely affect both the mother’s nutritional status and the baby’s health. Additionally, postpartum physical changes can lead to negative body image perceptions, which may encourage inappropriate dietary behaviors. These behaviors can further reduce nutritional intake and ultimately impact the nutritional status of breastfeeding mothers.

Research Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design with a purposive sampling technique involving 36 breastfeeding mothers working in Tampan District, Pekanbaru City. Data on body image perception were collected using questionnaires, nutrient intake was collected through a 24-hour Food Recall, and nutritional status was measured using Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC).

Research Result: The results showed that the majority of breastfeeding mothers were employed in the non-self-employed sector (63.9%), with most having a positive body image perception (94.4%) and normal nutritional status (91.7%). However, many still experienced inadequate nutrient intake, particularly in energy, protein, and carbohydrates. Bivariate analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between body image perception and nutritional status (p=0.028), while no significant correlation between energy, protein, fat, and carbohydrate intake and nutritional status of breastfeeding mothers (p>0.05).

Conclusion: This study showed that there was a significant correlation between body image perception and the nutritional status of working breastfeeding mothers (p-value = 0.028), indicating that psychological factors may play a role in determining maternal nutritional status. However, no significant correlation was found between energy, protein, fat, and carbohydrate intake and the nutritional status of breastfeeding mothers (p-value > 0.05), suggesting that other factors may have a greater influence on maternal nutritional status.