Eating Disorder Recovery During Pregnancy: What Your Body Is Telling You with Jessica-Lauren Newby
"I'm pregnant, and I don't know if what I'm feeling is my eating disorder talking, or just my body changing." If that's the question you're carrying right now, friend, this episode was made for you.
Jessica-Lauren Newby is back on the show, a registered dietitian, certified eating disorder specialist, and lactation consultant who has walked alongside women in every season of recovery, including the season of growing a baby. She is the owner of With Milk and Honey, a nutrition therapy practice rooted in meeting clients exactly where they are. And she meets you right where you are in this conversation, too.
This episode was born from a message one of our sweet listeners sent in, newly pregnant, feeling old patterns resurface, and wondering if there was any support for what she was walking through. So I knew we had to have Jessica-Lauren back on the show!
Here’s what we cover:
Why pregnancy can trigger eating disorder thoughts, and why that doesn't mean you're failing your recovery
The difference between an eating disorder rule and your body (and your baby) communicating with you
How intuitive eating applies during pregnancy, even when hunger cues feel completely unfamiliar
What to do when morning sickness, food aversions, and cravings make eating feel impossible or confusing
The science behind body image and why what you see in the mirror isn't the whole story
How to advocate for yourself with your OB and care team, including how to ask that weight not be centered in your appointments
What body grief looks like after pregnancy loss, and why your body was still forever changed, and forever marked
How to lean into God's presence, community, and the truth of Romans 15:13 when the ground feels slippery
Friend, pregnancy is already a lot. Adding an eating disorder history to that, or navigating active recovery at the same time, is genuinely hard. You are not alone in this, and you do not have to white-knuckle your way through it.
"The eating disorder doesn't own anything forever. All of it can be redeemed." — Jessica-Lauren Newby
Recovery during pregnancy is possible. Jessica-Lauren has watched it happen with women who came to her in the thick of their eating disorder, and came back years later, pregnant and asking for a hand to hold through a new season. That can be your story too. You don't have to do this without support. You just have to reach out.
We’d love to hear your thoughts, so please drop us an email at admin@findingbalance.com, send us a voice message via SpeakPipe, or you can also subscribe for more practical episodes coming your way.
More About Jessica-Lauren Newby
Jessica-Lauren is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist-Supervisor, and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. She is the owner of “With Milk and Honey,” a nutrition therapy practice rooted in meeting clients exactly where they are in their journey.
Hello Freedom Community
Our Hello Freedom community is launched! This is a Christ-centered space to find connection, encouragement, and gentle steps toward freedom from food and body-image struggles.
No pretending, no fixing yourself first, come just as you are. If you want in, your next step is to join us at findingbalance.com/community.
You were not meant to walk this alone. We're saving a seat for you!
Related Episodes
Diversity in The Kingdom of God w/ Jessica
Resources Mentioned
Breath as Prayer by Jennifer Tucker
Food Freedom Through Motherhood: Recovery, Postpartum, and Raising Little Eaters with Jessica-Lauren
Cyrstal Karges - Eating Disorder Recovery: My Story and Hope for Moms Struggling
Mentioned Scriptures
Romans 15:13
Connect with Jessica-Lauren Newby
Christian Treatment Finder Profile
FINDINGbalance
Facebook
Instagram
SpeakPipe – Send us a voice message!
CHRIST-CENTERED RESOURCES TO HELP YOU FIND FREEDOM
The Daily Vitamin eDevo: A free devotional with bite-sized truth emailed 5 days a week
Community Groups: Find connection with prayer groups and our Hello, Freedom! community.
Christian Treatment Finder: Connecting you with Christian providers experienced in treating eating issues.
Lasting Freedom Online Course: A Christ-centered, non-diet course to work through false beliefs about food and weight so you can live free from disordered eating and body image issues.
CREDITS
Interlude music by “Hotham” – Morning Thoughts
Intro music by “MokkaMusic” – Old Jeans (Funk)
Wrap-up music by Jesse Quinn – Christian Instrumental
Production & Editing by Leah Bryant Co
The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe a particular course of action. If you have, or suspect you may have, an eating disorder, please consult your healthcare provider. If you desire to receive faith-based care, visit ChristianTreatmentFinder.com to browse professionals with a Kingdom campaign against eating disorders.
