Table 1.

Summary of the themes identified via inductive thematic analysis relating to the perceived benefits of breastfeeding identified by mothers.

Theme	Subtheme	Example Quotation (Participant ID)
1. Returning to pre-pregnancy body shape	Loss of baby weight	“I've lost 2.5 stone in 7 months and I think that’s partly due to breastfeeding” (M 11) “I lost the baby weight quicker than friends who didn’t breastfeed” (M 43)
	Uterus contraction/flatter stomach	“It helped my uterus contract faster” (M 7) “Uterus shrunk back quicker” (M 44)
		“Tummy reduced quickly after birth” (M 4) “Helped stomach return to almost normal quicker” (M 47)
2. Health benefits (for mother and/or child)		“Reduces cancer risks, reduces weight, reduces diabetes and other health benefits to baby” (M 6)
3. Physical benefits		“Immediately, better hormonal regulation” (M 48) “My skin and hair still look great” (M 18)
4. Eating benefits		“I was able to eat more food without gaining weight” (M 24) “I’m smaller than pre-pregnancy and I eat like a horse!” (M 28) “I also ate healthier than I normally would as I was aware that I was feeding my baby” (M 61) “I can eat more because I burn more calories” (M 67)
5. Psychological benefits		“I feel comfortable in my own skin!” (M 8) “Proud my body was able to do it” (M 47) “Made me a more confident, less shy person” (M 52) “Made me feel more comfortable with my body” (M 62) “Mood more balanced” (M 68) “It made it feel useful” (M 88)