Postpartum Eating Disorders
Pregnancy is hard, postpartum is harder. Once that beautiful bundle of joy enters the world, life is dramatically altered. New moms are sleep deprived, physically healing, and on an emotional rollercoaster. Many are feeding, not only themselves, but supporting their bodies in making breastmilk for their baby. (No shame if you are not breastfeeding, a fed baby is a healthy baby and feeding yourself is still really hard!) New moms find themselves hungry at all hours of the night, craving sweets, and munching on anything in sight. Finding time and energy to plan meals and prepare foods is tough. Do I spend my baby’s 30 minute nap, sleeping or prepping dinner? Caring for a new human is exhausting and all consuming, no wonder why eating can take a backseat leading it to feel chaotic, rushed, and out of control. Add in all the societal pressures to “get your body back” and lose the baby weight and develops conditions ripe for disordered eating.
Studies show that 75% of mothers endorse worry about weight gained during pregnancy and 70% actively try to lose weight within the first 4 months postpartum. Fifteen percent of pregnant women have a history of an eating disorder and this does not account for subclinical disordered eating. Women are at high risk of engaging in disordered eating and relapse into deadly eating disorders postpartum, yet very rarely are women screened for disordered eating or provided support with how to nourish themselves during this time. There is countless advice on how to feed babies, but very little focuses on supporting the parents at feeding themselves. Often moms and dads (postpartum is hard for dad’s too!) are restricting intake, eating erratically, binge eating, and feeling guilty for their food choices. Rarely are new parents reaching out for help, likely due to shame, lack of screening, focus on the baby versus themselves, and much more. It doesn’t have to be this way. Support exists and is important.
If you are concerned about your own eating postpartum or the eating of someone you love, here are some signs to look for.
Negative comments about food consumed or body. “I am so horrible for eating that cookie.” “I’m never going to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight if I keep eating pizza.”
Rigid rules about food. “We are not buying any more junk food.” “I will not eat after 6 pm.” “I can only have salad for lunch.” “I am not eating carbohydrates.”
Feeling out of control with food. “I can’t believe I ate the entire bag of popcorn.” “I feel like once I start eating I can’t stop.” For loved ones, finding larger amounts of food wrappers in trash cans, cars, etc. Needing to purchase groceries more often despite following usual shopping patterns.
Rapid weight loss or weight gain.
Poor healing postpartum.
Postpartum anxiety or depression. Individuals with a history of eating disorders are much more likely to struggle with postpartum mood disorders.
Rigid or excessive exercise. Not allowing rest days. Exercising before being cleared medically. Feeling guilt if unable to exercise in the way that is expected.
Vomiting after eating.
Excessive use of laxatives. Constipation is common postpartum but using larger doses than recommended can be concerning.
Frequent weighing.
Skipping meals.
Not all signs indicate that someone is engaging in disordered eating but if these resonate with you or you are noticing these signs in someone else, reach out for help. You are a good mom (or dad) even if you are struggling. You deserve support. Your baby needs a healthy parent more than anything. Try nutrition counseling at Renovated Wellness, a welcoming space to explore your relationship with food and body and find strategies that work for you and your family.