newborn and anorexia

[newmommy12]

I just had my son a month ago. I gained 47 lbs during pregnancy. I have struggled with anorexia since I was 13. I still can't fit into n e old jeans. I don't want to go back to my old ways. Help

[aleshadxcherylc]

Hi Newmommy12
Welcome to the foroum
So sorry to hear this.
Have you been back to your Gp recently?
Take care keep strong keep talking
Katie
xx

[newmommy12]

Gp? Thanks for the welcome

[aleshadxcherylc]

sorry have you been back to your doctor recently? x

[newmommy12]

I'm going to my post labor appt in an hr. I'll find out my weight then and how much I've lost. I don't see a primary Dr n e more and I don't go to counseling n e more either.

[aleshadxcherylc]

good luck with that sorry i cant advise as i dont suffer from anexoria so sorry to hear you have suffered and from such a young age, have you tried any kind of therapy before as counselling is much more rexaed with therapy you can get to the root of the problem.
Hope your appointment goes well
xx

[calypso]

Hiya and to the forum

I have had two kids, and understand, even though I am not anorexic. Are you breast feeding? I ask because the quickest way to get your shape back is to breast feed. The muscles in your abdomen naturally clamp down and the weight falls off. Its not actually weight, its loose muscles.

Now, more than ever, you have to keep healthy in your eating. You need the energy to deal with a new little one. They say that giving birth is like running two marathons, I believe that!!) and it can take up to a year to fully recover in all ways, (I believe that too!!). Your body also needs a healthy diet to recover.

Most of all, your baby needs your attention on him, and not you worrying about food. So all I can suggest is that you talk and you are totally honest with your GP/nurse/post partum group etc. let people reach out and support you in this.

I am sorry I can't give you techniques etc, but I wish you all the best. xxx

[Yorkshirelass]

Excellent advice from Calypso, which I will echo, especially re breastfeeding. That said, I didn't lose any weight doing it, even after 9 months of feeding! I did feel better in myself though...

If you have suffered with anorexia since your teenage years you will recognise early warning signs that you are going down that road again. That gives you the opportunity to tackle it before things get out of hand.

A lot of people put weight on in pregnancy. You took 9 months to put on those 47 lbs. It could take that long or a little longer even to lose it, but you can do it - safely and steadily - if you stay strong. That will be hard for you to realise and deal with as someone with a potentially anorexic mindset. You will want it all to be gone tomorrow. The good thing about having kids is the time seems to pass quickly and you stay occupied.

There are all sorts of things you can do to help yourself get back to normal healthily, but they all come down to diet and exercise - you already know this. Lots of walking with your baby will make you feel good and make sure you both get some fresh air. It will also do your body huge favours. As he grows, his body weight will be fantastic for resistance training! I used to lie on the floor and lift my boys up in the air - great for the arms and fun for the baby!

Remember, in a relatively short time, you will be giving your little one his first tastes of food. Do you want him to grow up with an unhealthy way of thinking about food? He will learn from what he sees in you. Try to stay strong even when that voice in your head tells you you shouldn't be eating. You should eat. That's what people do. Every time you do the right thing instead of listening to the anorexic voice, be proud of yourself and the good example you are setting for your boy.

Take care x

[detectivelil]

the previous posters are so right!
i am anorexic, and i have been since i was in nappies - literally!
i have 4 kids...fortunately for me, after giving birth i was right back to how i was beforehand.
i don't worry so much about weight. i just kind of go days without eating and stuff - and not for weight related reasons. i don't know why.
the reason i am commenting for is because like i say, i have 4 kids and what yorkshirelass has said is completely right - about your child picking up your habits.
i thought i was capable of keeping it from the kids. i thought it wouldn't affect them in any way, shape or form. how wrong was i!!
i wish i had changed when my first was born.
my oldest son was a picky eater. my middle son hardly ate anything.
my 3 oldest kids all ask why i am not having any breakfast/dinner/tea...which upsets me alot!

i changed, and started to try - without outside help.
my kids are all eating properly now and healthly. had i of just left it - i would of ended up with my kids following in my footsteps!

i know i've went on a long rant, but just to try and help you see that it is important for your child. and it is excellent motivation to help yourself!

[OobieMoobie]

Hey newmommy

I'm not parenthood expert, but I think first baby weight is generally quite quick to go.

I'm going to urge you to be strong now. The first 5 years of a childs life are when the foundations of their social and emotional development are built. If there's something wrong, such are your illness, it will affect your child even if you try to hide it. I believe that young children are very turned on to the emotional states around them - they need to be in order to create their foundation of self worth. So when you're feeling stressed and upset your child will pick up on it. It can lead to mental health issues later, like poor self esteem and depression.

You and your baby have a connection, which is why you need to be strong and seek help instead of letting this continue down the bad path.

Good luck <3