Navigating Body Changes During Pregnancy
Body changes in pregnancy can be tough for some people. This may be especially true for those who are in recovery from an eating disorder. However, due to our culture which is rife with anti-fat bias and diet talk, anyone can struggle.
The following are some tips from an eating disorder therapist:
1. Advocate for blind weight checks at the doctor.
Now, it’s important to note that some doctors may not make this easy. However, it is your right as a patient to ask for blind weights and to stand on the scale backwards during your doctors appointments.
You can also ask your therapist to write you a note if you feel scared about asking your doctor about blind weights. Our team of therapists at Hillary Counseling are always happy to advocate for our clients.
2. Buy clothing that fits your current body and that is comfortable.
We totally get it, spending money on maternity clothes is not always something that is do-able or feels like something you want to invest in. However, “buy nothing groups” on Facebook can be one way to get free maternity clothing. Also websites like Poshmark or Thredup are affordable options for used clothing to fit your changing body.
One idea is to invest in a nice pair of maternity leggings with a very stretchy maternity waistband to wear throughout your pregnancy and then rock a lot of larger t-shirts. You could also purchase a few inexpensive maternity dresses.
If you are wearing clothing that is too tight, it’s only going to serve to make you feel uncomfortable in your body. It’s so important to get clothing that fits and that you feel good in.
Doing a maternity photoshoot can also feel empowering for some!
3. Remind yourself that your body is your child’s first home-how amazing is that.
We get emotional thinking about this concept and encourage you to remember that your body is your child’s first home. Your body is serving the amazing purpose of growing your baby and this is something to celebrate.
Your worth is not found in the appearance of your body or your clothing size. You are inherently worthy. Your body is doing an important job right now of growing your future child.
When your brain is ruminating on your body size or body changes, remind yourself of the amazing things that your body is doing in growing this child. Think about how you can practice kindness and compassion towards your body, even if you don’t feel great about its appearance.
4. Seek out a therapist who specializes in body image and pregnancy.
Seeing a specializing therapist for body image and pregnancy can truly be a game-changer. General therapists typically don’t get much training in either topic.
You deserve as much support as possible during your pregnancy journey. You don’t have to struggle with negative body image in pregnancy alone and without support.
Our team of therapists at Hillary Counseling offer therapy for body image struggles and eating disorders in pregnancy. We also work in collaboration with other perinatal specialists in our care of clients.
The Bottom Line
Pregnancy can be tough on many fronts–from body image struggles for some, to nausea, food aversions, fatigue, and other physical and emotional symptoms.
You deserve to be kind to yourself and your body throughout this process.
It’s important to note that you do not have to love the appearance of your body to practice kindness and compassion towards it.
Your body is doing the amazing thing of growing your child and keeping you alive, it deserves your kindness.
Looking for guidance in Milwaukee? Our clinicians at Hillary Counseling specialize in helping you explore these topics and more. Reach out to take the first step toward deeper self-discovery.
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Other Services Offered with Hillary Counseling
Our holistic therapists are here to help you when it comes to your mental health! We offer a variety of mental health services to support individuals and couples based in Milwaukee (or who live in Wisconsin). Sessions are available both in-person at our office in Milwaukee’s Third Ward, as well as virtually for anyone in the state. We offer anxiety treatment, teen therapy, grief counseling, online therapy, couples counseling, eating disorders, trauma, OCD therapy, therapy for college students, men’s issues, neurodivergent affirming therapy, and LGBTQ+ therapy.