Snyder, Kailey PhD; Hanson, Corrine PhD; Hill, Jenni PhD; Dinkel, Danae PhD

In this cross-sectional study, the authors investigate the following questions as related to breastfeeding and perceptions of physical activity.

1. What is the physical activity frequency and type for women that are breastfeeding?

2. What motivation (intrinsic/extrinsic) do women have for participating in physical activity while breastfeeding?

3. What barriers exist that prevent women from meeting physical activity recommendations when breastfeeding?

4. How do these barriers to physical activity and differences in motivation relate to the Self-Determination Theory?

5. What can providers do to support and encourage physical activity in breastfeeding mothers?

Read the Research Report to learn more about how the Self-Determination Theory can influence physical activity levels in women that are breastfeeding.

The end of the year campaign for the Global Women's Health Initiative is in full swing and we need your help! The GWHI is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives' of the women globally through physical therapy and education of healthcare providers. Our current end of the year campaign is focused on raising funds to support The Belay Project, our "train the trainer" teaching experience in Ethiopia, and some of the students in Ethiopia who have made extraordinary efforts to learn how to care for pregnant and postpartum women. This past November, GWHI board members, Rebecca Stephenson and Tracy Spitznagle, had the privilege of teaching a course at Mekelle University in Ethiopia on care for pregnant and postpartum women. 8 of the healthcare providers that attended the course have committed to teaching courses in their hometown so that the impact of the Global Women's Health Initiative and the Belay Project can be seen across Ethiopia. As a non-profit, we depend on the support of generous donors to help fund these initiatives and bring physical therapy and empowerment to women worldwide. To learn more about the organization or to make a donation, visit www.gwhi.org.