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Original poster

Having a baby after an eating disorder

10 replies

LizzyRibena · 22/11/2013 23:25

Hello
We want to have a baby, but I haven't had a period for a while now because of an eating disorder. The first time I recovered I got them back quickly as soon as I hit a healthy weight. At the time I didn't want to get pg so went on the pill. After discharge from hospital I lost weight again. I came off the pill almost a year ago and haven't had a period since... Which would mean I'm not ovulating?! I have now restored weight almost back to healthy with the aim of getting pregnant , but no sign of af. Terrified they won't come back! Does anyone have a similar experience? Is it possible to have a child after anorexia? So worried I've really damaged our chances. Any advice greatly appreciated.

OP posts:
Gingerpanther27 · 22/11/2013 23:50

I had anorexia and bulimia and my periods disappeared for a while. I got told I'd be unlikely to have kids due to the eating disorders. I got back to a hhealthier weight then relapsed again. Again periods went on vacatio. For a while. I'm now ttc #2. It is possible just depending how much damage has been done? Due to many issues to be blunt my body was f**ked. Just keep trying really. :)

bobs · 22/11/2013 23:55

I agree - just keep positive and eat as healthily as possible. i know people who have been throughout the same thing and managed to have kids. My Mum's periods stopped when she lost loads of weight for a couple of years, but as soon as she for married the started eating more normally and had 4 kids!

CatnipMouse · 23/11/2013 07:58

Hello there! I can think of several friends and acquaintances who had eating disorders and went on to have children without a problem. I won't say more as they are not my stories to tell, but I hope that is a tiny bit reassuring. Good luck maintaining a healthy weight, I really hope that wanting a child helps you to manage your ED. Xx

Original poster
LizzyRibena · 23/11/2013 09:41

Thank you :) having a baby is the best motivation there is to get better and stay that way! Its really good to hear about others who have come through similar things and now have their little ones, so thanks for the reassurance. I think I will try to maintain healthy weight in the hope they come back again of their own free will. They did before so I hope they do again! Xx

OP posts:
rosiegal · 23/11/2013 10:00

Hi Lizzy first of all congratulations for overcoming your eating disorder, a massive achievement Thanks I've not suffered myself but my sister in law did on and off between the age of 19-25. She's now 31 and has 2 healthy children, one of each. So yes definitely possible and a great motivation for you to stay healthy. Good luck x

WhiteWolf · 23/11/2013 10:07

Hello ladies, I relate to you very much. I don't have anorexia but I do have an eating disorder. It was caused by having to drop weight for boxing competitions. Like you I stopped having my period. I now have stopped fighting as I'm ttc but my cycles took some time to recover. They did recover I I know I'm ovulating so keep strong! You can do this!
xxx

blamber · 23/11/2013 12:09

Your body might still be recovering from underweight. It might just not be ready yet, maybe because you lost weight a second time you might just need to stay a healthy weight for longer before your body recovers.

I hope that you're also in therapy. I had anorexia a while ago and I know a few girls who got pregnant either during an eating disorder or just after recovery. What happened was they were healthy and eating whilst being pregnant, but when the baby was born they became unhappy with their post-pregnancy body and relapsed. This is obviously unhealthy for the girls, but they might also psychologically harm the child who copies behaviour.

Getting over anorexia is so much more than just being a healthy weight. You're really motivated now, but what if it gets triggered again? Please, take time to get over this very difficult illness and make sure you have plenty of help.

Original poster
LizzyRibena · 23/11/2013 14:57

Thank you :) I'm an outpatient and have a really supportive team who I see regularly including a psychiatrist and therapist . I've heard and seen similar about girls relapsing after having a child, and it is a worry but I feel strong enough to manage. I think having a child and wanting to be a good mum and role model will continue to be a motivating factor in maintaining recovery. I work with children, and its so sad to see girls of 8 or 9 worrying about food and weight, probably because they see this at home. In my work I try to be a good role model to them and hope I will be to my own little one :)

OP posts:
Original poster
LizzyRibena · 23/11/2013 15:03

Oh and thanks so much for all the responses and support. I've never posted online before, but it's been a huge help :)

OP posts:
Damnautocorrect · 23/11/2013 15:16

Two girls I know have had eating disorders both had endo that had to be removed and pcos (the low blood sugar and pcos link was mentioned). One has fallen pregnant straight after her endo was removed the other is starting IVF.

Good luck and keep up the good work

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