Helping Women Manage Eating Disorders during Pregnancy

Watts says she was able to fit into her tighter "feeling-good" clothes six months after giving birth, and that was without restricting her diet or doing any regular vigorous exercise. Despite a handful of binge-and-purge episodes during her second pregnancy, Watts has managed to control her eating disorders. Asked what advice she would give women in her position, she suggested, "Eat healthy and definitely splurge, but not an 'I'm-pregnant-and-can-eat-anything' splurge. Stay exercising but nothing crazy and envision yourself pushing your baby in the stroller once he's born."

Watts also credits her incredibly supportive husband, Jamie, for getting her through the toughest times. When she looks back, she can't believe she was so anxious about the ensuing pregnancy weight gain. She laughs a little and says, "Who the heck cares now? What was I so worried about?" She continues, "Your body's going to change. You're not going to fit into your old clothes right away, but it's all worth it just to look at that little face." She actually has two little faces to look at now: two-year-old Madeline's and new baby Michael's!

Additional Resources:
National Association for Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
Harvard Eating Disorders Center
Renfrew Center Foundation