Postpartum is defined as the period from the delivery of a newborn to the age of two years old. It is a period of time filled with many adjustments and new experiences, and it is also the period of time when parents bond with their babies. However, this period often involves hormonal fluctuations, sleepless nights, and for some, feelings of overwhelming anxiety and stress.
Throughout the postpartum period, our bodies and minds undergo significant changes. Physiological changes include increased appetite during lactation, among emotional, and psychological changes, such as adapting to the additional responsibilities of a new parent. These changes can induce positive as well as negative emotions.
Postpartum can be especially challenging for folks who lived with an eating disorder (ED) during or before their pregnancy. Others may be more vulnerable to developing disordered eating patterns. Folks may feel like they lack control in their lives, feel pressured to lose the ‘baby weight,’ return to their normal routines, and re-gain a familiar identity – whether psychologically, physically, or both.
Causes of Postpartum Eating Disorders
Eating Disorder and Pregnancy
Folks who have lived with eating disorders during or prior to pregnancy are at an increased risk of struggling with an ED in postpartum. Folks may have been less likely to engage in eating disorder behaviours while pregnant for fear that it could harm the baby. During the postpartum period, folks may believe that engaging in eating disorder behaviours will have less of an impact on the baby. This may contribute to the risk of relapse in the postpartum period.
Research has shown that approximately 40% of those living with anorexia and 70% of those living with bulimia experienced a relapse during the postpartum period. Additionally, folks who were previously diagnosed with an eating disorder are also more likely to be predisposed to postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety, further compounding the challenges they may face.
Birth Trauma and Emotional Stress
Recent studies suggest approximately 34% of people experience traumatic births. A traumatic birth may include intense pain during the first stage of labor, feelings of powerlessness experienced during birth, poor interactions with healthcare professionals, a history of sexual trauma, or a lack of social support, among many others. These factors can significantly contribute to the development of PPD which is correlated to higher risks of ED susceptibility and relapse.
Postpartum Physical Changes
The physical changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth can trigger body image concerns. Unfortunately, society’s standards and media messaging also consistently reinforce the notion that we should look the same in postpartum as we did prior to being pregnant.
As a result, folks may have a desire to quickly lose the weight they gained in pregnancy during the postpartum period. Disordered eating behaviours commonly observed during the postpartum period include restricting intake and over-exercising.
Repercussions of an ED During Postpartum
Impact of EDs on Lactation
Eating disorders (EDs) and disordered eating during the postpartum period can have significant impacts on both the parent and the baby. For example, folks struggling with eating disorders can be at risk for producing low milk quality and quantity due to inadequate nutrition. As a result, we commonly see these parents stop breastfeeding by three months postpartum. This can affect the overall growth and development of the baby.
Impact of EDs on Infant Temperament
An infant’s temperament can be influenced by their parent’s mental well-being. Therefore, the emotional well-being and mental health of the parent play a crucial role in shaping the child’s mood and attitude. When a parent is living with disordered eating, it can have a ripple effect on the baby and trigger fussiness, irritability, or difficulty in self-regulation during toddlerhood.
Impact of Parental EDs on Children’s Eating Patterns
The effects of postpartum EDs can extend beyond infancy and into long-term eating patterns of children. Parents with EDs may face challenges in keeping food items available and accessible to their toddlers due to ED behaviours. This can impact eating patterns in toddlers and potentially lead to poor nutritional intake and overall well-being in the long-term.
The Bottom Line
By understanding the underlying causes of postpartum EDs and educating ourselves on the repercussions of EDs on infants, we can foster greater awareness and support for folks navigating these challenges. Education on prevention strategies for EDs can promote positive health outcomes for both parent and child.
If you or a loved one is living with an ED and experiencing postpartum anxiety or stress, it is important to seek support and receive treatment from a team of dietitian nutritionists and therapists. If you would like to learn more about how we can help in eating disorder recovery, please book a free consultation call with us.
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