The influence of pregnant?s body image on the decision to breastfeed: A systematic review

Objective: This systematic review aimed to assess scientific evidence regarding the association between body image and the decision to breastfeed during pregnancy. Methods: This study used the methodology proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute and included studies from Scopus, Web of Science, B-On, and EBSCO. Inclusion criteria were primary studies published within the last 12 years, while gray literature, communications, and studies focusing on postpartum, body image, and newborn feeding were excluded. Results: The initial search yielded 77 articles, of which 73 were excluded after the identification process. Our analysis revealed that (i) there was a relationship between body image and the decision and duration of breastfeeding, and (ii) the decision to breastfeed seems to depend on a woman's positive or negative perception of her body. Conclusions: Understanding the influence of body image on the decision to breastfeed is crucial for health professionals to develop effective strategies for promoting this practice. However, the limited number of publications on this topic highlights the need for further research. Therefore, we suggest that future studies should investigate the relationship between body image and the decision to breastfeed and promote breastfeeding literacy among the general population.