Navigating Pregnancy and Postpartum With A History Of EDs

Pregnancy and the postpartum experience bring about change. In a way, it brings with it the biggest change to life as we know it — physically, emotionally, and mentally. As incredibly fulfilling as this transition is touted to be, for those of us with a history of Eating Disorders (EDs), this time can stir up old struggles, enhanced by hormonal rollercoasters and moments of isolation.

EDs remain one of the most highly misunderstood and stigmatised mental health conditions, despite being among the disorders with the highest mortality rates in the world. This fact alone should highlight the need for greater awareness, empathy, and open conversations about the complexities of EDs. It couldn’t be more wrong, that people with EDs are shallow and superficial, caring only about their external appearances. It’s a much deeper and enduring illness that many develop to cope with the hardships and uncertainties of life.

With so many people suffering in silence, it’s crucial that the stigma around EDs are broken down. The only way to do this is to acknowledge their presence in our lives and communities with compassion rather than criticism or judgement. Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens when we create spaces of support, where those who are suffering feel seen, heard, and understood.

No matter what stage of recovery or sickness one is at, it’s important to remember that we are far more than the outdated, unhelpful mental patterns that perpetuate EDs in our lives. Self-worth isn’t—and should never be—defined by how you look, the number on a scale, or how neatly and perfectly life seems to unfold. Self-worth is a reflection of who you are—the love you give, the kindness you show, and the grace with which you embrace the constant change that life demands.

Pregnancy x EDs

Pregnancy changes everything. Your body grows in ways you might not have anticipated, and the postpartum phase can feel like an unpredictable rollercoaster, with a newborn to care for, physical recovery, and the resulting changes to your body. These changes can feel unsettling — and that’s okay. It’s valuable to acknowledge these feelings, they are valid.

In this transitional time of pregnancy and postpartum, your support network become more important than ever, to share your thoughts and worries. The disease only magnifies in isolation, and often prevents us from focusing on the bigger picture. The fact that you grew a life in your womb should empower you and is a testament to the strength and resilience of your body. This time is a chance to show appreciation to your body, knowing everything it is capable of. It’s performed an act of creation that should be celebrated, not an act of perfection.

At the lowest pit of my ED journey, I found it difficult to look past the current day to the potential my life held. I was fixated on each moment, each meal, and being perfect in every situation. My world became small, and I found less enjoyment in things I used to love. With the addition of a new life, we want our worlds to be big and limitless. We want to look forward to the milestones and laughter ahead. We want to remain open to the possibilities.

Eating disorders often start by being a way to cope—with stress, fear, or a need for control. But during pregnancy and postpartum, it’s important to acknowledge that those old coping mechanisms are not the answer. They’re a false sense of control that only pulls you away from what you really need.

When the urge to return to those patterns creeps in, pause. You can ask yourself:

• What do I really need in this moment?

• How can I show myself compassion instead of judgment?

• What will honor the person and parent I’m becoming?

Sometimes, the answer might be as simple as taking a deep breath, calling a friend, or giving yourself permission to rest. It’s never the wrong time to seek professional help too.

Things to Focus On Instead

Know Your Value

It’s easy to feel pressure to “bounce back” or maintain a picture-perfect image of being a new mom. Society, and often those closest to us (family, friends) bombards us with unrealistic expectations. Not just about our bodies, but about how to parent. But your value has nothing to do with how you look or whether you meet some damn impossible standard.

Your value lies in the love you demonstrate for yourself and your baby. It’s in showing up, imperfections and all, and choosing to focus on what truly matters: becoming the best version of yourself.

Your worth is not something you have to earn. It’s inherent. You are valuable simply because you are.

Practice Self-Compassion

Navigating pregnancy and postpartum with a history of eating disorders requires strength and courage. It’s important to be kind to yourself in this process. Healing isn’t linear, and there will be moments that feel harder than others. But every act of self compassion is a victory. In every situation, you have a choice and a power to navigate your actions away from old thought patterns and behaviours.

Celebrate the small wins. The days when you nourish your body without fear. The times when you choose rest over perfection. The moments when you remind yourself that you are enough, just as you are.

Surround yourself with voices that uplift and remind you of your worth

This journey isn’t just about bringing a new life into the world—it’s about reclaiming your own and building your new identity. And every time you choose strength over an old coping mechanism, you are not only healing yourself but also creating a powerful foundation of self-worth for your child to look up to.

You are enough. You are strong. And you are so much more than your past.