Pregnancy and the postpartum period bring about some of the most rapid and profound body changes a person can experience. For those with a history of disordered eating or a diagnosed eating disorder, these changes can be particularly challenging. Our mainstream medical system often exacerbates this stress by focusing heavily on weight changes during pregnancy. At Lutz & Alexander Nutrition Therapy, we provide a weight-inclusive choice for mothers, positioning ourselves as your ally in navigating this transition without the pressure of diet culture.
The Unique Challenges of Pregnancy in Recovery
During pregnancy, outside influences like nutrition advice and body image concerns can interfere with your recovery and/or ability to eat according to your body’s needs. Traditional prenatal care often relies on a weight-normative approach, which can be triggering for someone trying to maintain eating disorder recovery. You might feel overwhelmed by all the nutrition advice as your body changes in ways it hasn’t before.
Our Registered Dietitian Nutritionists specialize in prenatal and postpartum nutrition, with compassion and sensitivity that honor your history. We understand that:
- Body Changes are Necessary: We help you reframe weight gain as a vital part of supporting a healthy pregnancy rather than a number to be managed.
- Internal Cues Shift: Hormonal changes and physical changes can affect hunger and fullness, and we work with you to listen to these evolving signals and eat adequately to support your pregnancy.
- Medical Oversight can be Stressful: We can help you advocate for weight-inclusive care at your OBGYN or midwife appointments, ensuring you receive evidence-based care without the shame or fear of the scale.
Postpartum: Navigating the “Bounce Back” Myth
The pressure to “bounce back” after giving birth is one of the loudest diet culture messages in our society. This narrative suggests that your primary goal after having a baby should be to shrink your body. At Lutz &Alexander, we practice exclusively with a non-diet, weight-inclusive approach. We believe that the postpartum period should be a time of healing, nourishment, and bonding, not restriction.
Our postpartum support focuses on:
- Adequate Nourishment: Ensuring you have the energy and nutrients needed for recovery and, if applicable, lactation.
- Healing the Relationship with Food: Protecting your recovery from the cultural messages and social media pressures that target new mothers.
- Modeling Body Neutrality: Helping you create a weight-inclusive environment for your growing family and lay the foundation for your child’s best health.
Specialized Care for Raleigh and Beyond
Whether you are in Raleigh, Durham, Charlotte, or Chapel Hill, our team is equipped to support you through every stage of motherhood. We offer individual nutrition therapy that addresses the intersections of prenatal health, eating disorders, and intuitive eating. If a meal plan is necessary to meet your nutritional needs during this time, we will implement it as a supportive tool toward your ultimate goal of food freedom.
You Are Not Alone in This Journey
Healing our relationship with food can often feel like swimming against a swift current, especially when navigating the complexities of pregnancy. Connecting with our Registered Dietitians can make all the difference in maintaining your recovery and finding joy in this transition. We believe in full recovery and are committed to helping you reclaim joy and freedom in eating for yourself and your family.
If you are looking for a prenatal dietitian in Raleigh who understands the nuances of eating disorder recovery, we invite you to reach out. We would love to get to know you and help you live your best life during this transformative time.
Are you currently working with a medical team that supports your recovery goals, or are you looking for help in finding weight-inclusive providers? We are here to help.