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Hi, I

User Profile: Mlinds
Mlinds December 8th, 2017

So, Im 33. Mother of three sons. I have a husband and my life is pretty much perfect. Except for this. I am addicted to food and constantly cycling between binging and purging and restricting and its just a mess. I am overweight, just barely across the line to obese.

I lost 147lbs two years ago. Got pregnant, had my baby. Hes 7 months old now and I havent lost any weight since the day he was born. Hes breastfed, so I have to carefully count calories to not restrict too much. Adding an eating disorder into that has been a nightmare.

Could I get some input from other moms who struggling with unhealthy eating habits while also breastfeeding a baby?

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User Profile: HannahCaradonnnaMSW
HannahCaradonnnaMSW December 9th, 2017

@Mlinds

Hi Mlinds. I am one of the therapists here on 7 Cups. I know you are looking for peer support and hopefully others will be able to relate to you but in the meantime I thought I could offer some support from a different perspective. It sounds like this isn't your first baby so you are aware of the huge change that occurs in that first year after a baby is born. You know how much is asked of you physically and emotionally. And I am guessing you are now adjusting to taking care of 3 little ones. So, its no wonder that motherhood is a huge trigger for things like depression, anxiety and of course eating disorders. You are not alone in that.

I have a couple of suggestions to help mothers cope in general. First, take time for yourself. There are a million reasons not to prioritize it but it is probably the most important thing to keep in your life. It could be time during the day to relax or an evening out with friends but keep a part of your own identity alive. Second, it's ok to admit when things aren't going well. I read in your note a contradiction about feeling like everyhing is "perfect" except for the eating problems. I would dig deep and question that. And know that we all have struggles and are not perfect and that's ok. So, seek support when you need it. And last is about taking care of your marriage too.

I hope that feels supportive. I am happy to respond again if you want to ask any questions or respond to what I have said. :)