Eating Disorder Therapy for Pregnant and Postpartum Individuals
Specialized Support for Pregnant and Postpartum Individuals in Rockville, Bethesda, Potomac, Gaithersburg, Maryland, Arlington, Fairfax, Virginia, and Surrounding Areas
You worry about weight gain throughout pregnancy.
With a history of an eating disorder, the pregnancy nausea and food aversions are really triggering.
You feel totally out of control with all of the new changes and your brain starts suggesting that eating less would help (this is false!)
Postpartum bounce back culture is exhausting-you don’t like your body and are also overwhelmed with everything that is going on.
Pregnancy and the postpartum period bring intense physical, emotional, and hormonal shifts. For many people, these changes can trigger or worsen eating disorders, disordered eating, or body image distress. What may look like “trying to be healthy” or “getting back on track” can quietly turn into restriction, guilt around eating, anxiety about weight, or feeling disconnected from your body during a time that’s already overwhelming.
Eating disorders during pregnancy and after childbirth are more common than most people realize. Medical monitoring, rapid body changes, sleep deprivation, and societal expectations can all increase vulnerability, especially if you have a history of an eating disorder or perfectionism.
If this sounds familiar, we can help. We specialize in supporting pregnant and postpartum individuals navigating eating disorders, body image concerns, and the emotional complexities of this season. Our approach is compassionate, nonjudgmental, and tailored to your needs—so you can focus on healing, not fighting your body.
At The Eating Disorder Center, we provide specialized eating disorder therapy for pregnant and postpartum individuals across Maryland and Virginia, including Rockville, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Potomac, Gaithersburg, Arlington, Fairfax, Falls Church, and Alexandria. We also offer confidential virtual therapy for individuals located in Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, Florida, and California.
There is no shame in needing support during this time. You deserve care, stability, and relief.
With a history of an eating disorder, the pregnancy nausea and food aversions are really triggering.
You feel totally out of control with all of the new changes and your brain starts suggesting that eating less would help (this is false!)
Postpartum bounce back culture is exhausting-you don’t like your body and are also overwhelmed with everything that is going on.
Pregnancy and the postpartum period bring intense physical, emotional, and hormonal shifts. For many people, these changes can trigger or worsen eating disorders, disordered eating, or body image distress. What may look like “trying to be healthy” or “getting back on track” can quietly turn into restriction, guilt around eating, anxiety about weight, or feeling disconnected from your body during a time that’s already overwhelming.
Eating disorders during pregnancy and after childbirth are more common than most people realize. Medical monitoring, rapid body changes, sleep deprivation, and societal expectations can all increase vulnerability, especially if you have a history of an eating disorder or perfectionism.
If this sounds familiar, we can help. We specialize in supporting pregnant and postpartum individuals navigating eating disorders, body image concerns, and the emotional complexities of this season. Our approach is compassionate, nonjudgmental, and tailored to your needs—so you can focus on healing, not fighting your body.
At The Eating Disorder Center, we provide specialized eating disorder therapy for pregnant and postpartum individuals across Maryland and Virginia, including Rockville, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Potomac, Gaithersburg, Arlington, Fairfax, Falls Church, and Alexandria. We also offer confidential virtual therapy for individuals located in Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, Florida, and California.
There is no shame in needing support during this time. You deserve care, stability, and relief.
Specialized Eating Disorder Care During Pregnancy and Postpartum
Our eating disorder therapy services are thoughtfully designed for pregnant and postpartum individuals throughout Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, Florida, and California. We understand the unique intersection of eating disorders, reproductive health, and perinatal mental health.
Our experienced team provides evidence-based, nonjudgmental care that prioritizes safety, nourishment, and emotional support, for you and your baby. Treatment is collaborative and can be coordinated with obstetricians, midwives, primary care providers, and lactation professionals when appropriate.
Our experienced team provides evidence-based, nonjudgmental care that prioritizes safety, nourishment, and emotional support, for you and your baby. Treatment is collaborative and can be coordinated with obstetricians, midwives, primary care providers, and lactation professionals when appropriate.
Our Perinatal Eating Disorder Services Include:
- Individual therapy for eating disorders during pregnancy and postpartum
- Support for body image concerns and identity shifts
- Treatment for co-occurring anxiety, depression, trauma, or perinatal mood disorders
- Care for individuals trying to conceive, pregnant, or in the postpartum period
- Flexible scheduling for new and expecting parents
Each treatment plan is personalized to your medical needs, stage of pregnancy or postpartum recovery, and personal goals. Our approach focuses on gentle, sustainable healing while supporting both physical health and emotional resilience.
Why Early Support Matters for Pregnant and Postpartum Individuals
Untreated eating disorders during pregnancy or postpartum can increase medical and emotional risks, including nutritional deficiencies, heightened anxiety, depression, and difficulties with bonding and recovery. Early intervention can reduce these risks and help you feel more grounded, supported, and confident during this transition.
Seeking help is not a failure, it’s an act of care for yourself and your family. You deserve support that honors your experience and respects the complexity of this season of life.
Seeking help is not a failure, it’s an act of care for yourself and your family. You deserve support that honors your experience and respects the complexity of this season of life.
Get Eating Disorder Support
If you are pregnant, postpartum, or planning a pregnancy and struggling with an eating disorder, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Our compassionate team is here to listen, answer your questions, and help you access care that truly fits your needs.
Getting started is easy. Complete the contact form on our website, email us, or call our office to connect with a caring member of our team. Support is available, and recovery is possible during every stage of parenthood.
Getting started is easy. Complete the contact form on our website, email us, or call our office to connect with a caring member of our team. Support is available, and recovery is possible during every stage of parenthood.
FAQ About Eating Disorder Treatment
Can eating disorders affect pregnancy or postpartum recovery?
Yes. Eating disorders can impact both pregnancy and postpartum recovery by affecting physical nourishment, energy levels, emotional well-being, and healing after birth. With appropriate support and treatment, many of these risks can be reduced, and recovery can be safely supported during this time.
Is it common for eating disorders to appear or worsen during pregnancy?
Yes. Pregnancy can be a vulnerable time for eating disorders to emerge or intensify due to body changes, hormonal shifts, loss of control, and increased focus on weight and health. Even individuals who felt stable before pregnancy may notice a return or escalation of symptoms.
What are the risks of eating disorders for my baby and me?
Untreated eating disorders may increase medical and emotional risks, such as nutritional deficiencies, increased anxiety or depression, fatigue, and challenges with postpartum recovery. Early treatment helps support both your health and your baby’s development.
Do I need to stop eating disorder treatment during pregnancy?
No. In most cases, continuing or starting eating disorder treatment during pregnancy is encouraged. Treatment is typically adapted to be pregnancy-informed and focused on safety, nourishment, and emotional support, often in coordination with medical providers.
How can therapy help me manage body image and food concerns while pregnant?
Therapy can help you process body changes, reduce food-related anxiety, challenge guilt or shame, and develop coping skills to navigate pregnancy with greater emotional stability. Treatment focuses on support, not control, and meets you where you are.
Can chestfeeding be impacted by an eating disorder?
Yes. Eating disorders can affect chestfeeding in both physical and emotional ways, including stress around nourishment, body image, or feeding expectations. Therapy and nutrition support can help address these challenges while honoring your individual feeding choices.
How can I talk to my OB, midwife, or pediatrician about my eating disorder safely?
You can share as much or as little as feels comfortable. Many people find it helpful to focus on symptoms rather than labels and to ask for collaborative support. Eating disorder providers can also help you prepare for these conversations or coordinate care with your medical team.
How do I manage anxiety or guilt around eating and my changing body?
Therapy can help you understand where these feelings come from and develop tools to respond with self-compassion rather than criticism. Learning to tolerate uncertainty, challenge harmful beliefs, and prioritize nourishment can reduce anxiety over time.
Is it too late to get help if I’m already postpartum?
No. It is never too late to seek support. Many people experience eating disorder symptoms or body image distress months, or even years, after giving birth. Help is available at any stage, and recovery can begin whenever you’re ready.
I’m ready for help. How do I reach out?
There are multiple ways to reach our team. You can complete the contact form on our website or call our office or send us an email to connect with one of our perinatal eating disorder specialists.
Eating disorder treatment for individuals who are pregnant or postpartum isn’t the only service we offer at The Eating Disorder Center. Other mental health services at The Eating Disorder Center include therapy for children and teens, therapy for dancers, therapy for therapists, recovery coaching, therapy for athletes, therapy for for adults, therapy for college students, EMDR and trauma therapy, and OCD therapy.
Eating disorder therapy in Rockville, Maryland. Serving Potomac, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, and Montgomery County. Specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, as well as obsessive compulsive disorder and trauma.
Eating disorder therapy in Arlington, Virginia. Serving McLean, Vienna, Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Leesburg, Purcellville, and Herndon. Specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, as well as obsessive compulsive disorder and trauma. Virtual eating disorder therapy serving clients throughout Virginia.
Eating disorder therapy in Florida. Serving Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Pinecrest, Parkland, Naples, Miami Shores, and Palmetto Bay. Virtual eating disorder therapy throughout Florida. Specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. Virtual eating disorder therapy in Florida.
Eating disorder therapy in Arlington, Virginia. Serving McLean, Vienna, Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Leesburg, Purcellville, and Herndon. Specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, as well as obsessive compulsive disorder and trauma. Virtual eating disorder therapy serving clients throughout Virginia.
Eating disorder therapy in Florida. Serving Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Pinecrest, Parkland, Naples, Miami Shores, and Palmetto Bay. Virtual eating disorder therapy throughout Florida. Specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. Virtual eating disorder therapy in Florida.