Pregnancy is a transformative and challenging time for many women, especially those who have struggled with eating disorders or disordered eating. The journey towards recovery during pregnancy can be complex, but seeking support from a dietitian or nutritionist can make a significant difference. In this blog post, we will explore the role of dietitians and nutritionists during pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of granting yourself full food permission.

Can a Dietitian Help During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a time when the body undergoes numerous changes, and proper nutrition is essential for the health of both the mother and the growing baby. If you're wondering whether a dietitian can help during pregnancy, the answer is a resounding yes. Dietitians are experts in the field of nutrition and can provide invaluable support in the following areas:

1. Nutritional Guidance: Dietitians can offer tailored nutritional guidance, ensuring you receive the necessary nutrients for a healthy pregnancy.

2. Managing Eating Disorders: If you're struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating, a dietitian can help you navigate this challenging period, promoting a healthier relationship with food.

3. Food Permission: They can assist you in granting yourself full, unconditional permission to eat, addressing any anxieties or guilt related to food choices.

4. Support Through Pregnancy Transitions: Dietitians often work with mothers as they navigate the shifts of pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood while focusing on recovery.

The Importance of Full Food Permission During Pregnancy

One recurring theme for women working towards recovery from eating disorders during pregnancy is viewing it as a time of full food permission. This is a common tenet in intuitive eating. Many clients have expressed that the knowledge of needing to gain weight and nurture a growing human being has helped them feel less anxious around food. It's common for individuals to allow themselves more of the foods they love during pregnancy, which they might have previously deemed as "bad," "unsafe," or "unhealthy."

It's natural to experience an innate sense of permission with food during pregnancy, resulting in reduced guilt and anxiety about food choices compared to pre-pregnancy. However, the constant barrage of messages and images surrounding pregnancy and food can be overwhelming and tricky to navigate, especially during the recovery process.

Preparing for the Postpartum Experience

While pregnancy may bring a sense of freedom and permission with food, it's essential to remember that recovery is an ongoing journey. Pregnancy doesn't have to be the only thing giving you permission to eat, nor should it be the only time you enjoy the foods you love and experience freedom from the eating disorder voice.

Continuing to work on giving yourself full, unconditional permission to eat during your pregnancy will set you up to navigate your postpartum experience. Postpartum can be challenging, with heightened concerns about weight, shape, hormonal changes, breastfeeding challenges, and sleep deprivation. Around 40% of women report feeling uncomfortable in their postpartum bodies, highlighting the need for ongoing support during this stage (1).

Seek Support for a Healthier Pregnancy and Postpartum Experience

If you're a mom seeking support during your recovery, experiencing distress around food or body image, or struggling to grant yourself permission to eat after pregnancy, don't hesitate to reach out to a dietitian or nutritionist. They can provide the guidance and support you need to navigate the complex journey of pregnancy and postpartum recovery.

For more information on how I can help, please reach out to Jaren to connect about nutrition counseling for pregnancy and postpartum in Encinitas, San Diego and online.