Recognizing Postpartum Signs of an Eating Disorder

By Chloe at Bloom

The postpartum period is a transformative time for new mothers, filled with both joy and challenges. Amidst the adjustments to caring for a newborn, some women may experience or relapse into eating disorders or disordered eating behaviors. Recognizing the signs is crucial for timely intervention and support.

Understanding Postpartum Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are serious behavioral conditions characterized by severe disturbances in eating behaviors and distressing thoughts and emotions. Common types include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. These disorders can significantly impact physical, psychological, and social functioning (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2023).

The postpartum period can be particularly vulnerable for the onset or recurrence of eating disorders due to factors such as body image dissatisfaction, hormonal changes, and the pressures of new motherhood (Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Women’s Mental Health, 2021).

Signs of Postpartum Eating Disorders

Identifying the signs of an eating disorder in the postpartum period is essential for early intervention. Common indicators include:

1. Preoccupation with Weight and Body Shape: An intense focus on losing pregnancy weight, often accompanied by dissatisfaction with body appearance (Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Women’s Mental Health, 2021).
2. Erratic Eating Patterns: Behaviors such as restrictive dieting, skipping meals, binge eating, or purging (Karges, 2022).
3. Excessive Exercise: Engaging in intense physical activity beyond what is typical for postpartum recovery, aiming to alter body shape or weight (Karges, 2022).
4. Social Withdrawal: Avoiding social interactions, particularly those involving food, due to anxiety or shame about eating habits or body image.
5. Mood Swings and Irritability: Experiencing significant mood fluctuations, depression, or anxiety, which may be linked to disordered eating behaviors (Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Women’s Mental Health, 2021).
6. Difficulty Bonding with the Baby: Feelings of detachment or lack of interest in the newborn, potentially stemming from preoccupation with weight and eating (Karges, 2022).
7. Secrecy Around Eating: Hiding eating behaviors or lying about food consumption to conceal disordered habits.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing a postpartum eating disorder:

• History of Eating Disorders: Previous struggles with eating disorders can resurface during the postpartum period (Postpartum Support International, n.d.).
• Body Image Dissatisfaction: Negative perceptions of body changes during and after pregnancy can trigger disordered eating behaviors (Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Women’s Mental Health, 2021).
• Psychosocial Stressors: Lack of social support, relationship issues, or high stress levels associated with new motherhood can contribute to the development of eating disorders (Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Women’s Mental Health, 2021).

Seeking Help

If you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of a postpartum eating disorder, it is vital to seek professional assistance. Treatment options include therapy, nutritional counseling, and support groups.

Please reach out to Bloom today for specialized support in postpartum eating disorders and disordered eating. Connect here

Early recognition and intervention can lead to better outcomes for both mother and child, fostering a healthier postpartum experience.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2023). What are eating disorders? https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/eating-disorders/what-are-eating-disorders

Karges, C. (2022). 7 revealing signs of a postpartum eating disorder. Crystal Karges Nutrition. https://www.crystalkarges.com/blog/7-revealing-signs-of-a-postpartum-eating-disorder

Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Women’s Mental Health. (2021). Perinatal disordered eating. https://womensmentalhealth.org/posts/perinatal-disordered-eating

Postpartum Support International. (n.d.). Eating disorders. https://www.postpartum.net/eating-disorders