In this episode of “Yoga | Birth | Babies,” I speak with author of the book, “Does This Pregnancy Make Me Look Fat?” and executive director of the National Eating Disorder Association, Claire Mysko. Claire and I talk openly about the struggles many women face with body image issues before, during and after pregnancy. If you or anyone you know has been challenged by eating disorders or body image issues, this episode will offer help and support.
In this episode:
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- Claire discussed her own history with eating disorders and body images
- How someone would identify if there were having body image issues during pregnancy
- An explanation of the shame often associated with eating disorders
- Criteria for an eating disorder for people with “normal weight” who are neither food depriving or vomiting
- How women with a history of eating disorders and body image issues can prepare for the physical shift of pregnancy before hand and what can they do as they are going through pregnancy and face postpartum
- Strategies for coping with weight gain
- Is it common for a woman who had not had an eating disorder before pregnancy to develop one?
- Warning signs friends and family may be able to see
- Tools someone grappling with body images issues and weight gain use
- When intervention may be needed
- Pressures women face when pregnant in terms of weight game and appearance and society
- Common themes from her book Does This Pregnancy Make Me Look Fat
- Developing a healthy relationship with the postpartum body.
About Claire:
Claire Mysko is the chief executive officer of the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) and an internationally recognized expert on eating disorders, body image and media literacy. She is the author of Does This Pregnancy Make Me Look Fat? The Essential Guide to Loving Your Body Before and After Baby (2009) and You’re Amazing! A No-Pressure Guide to Being Your Best Self (2008) an award-winning self-esteem manual for girls.
Mysko joined NEDA in 2011. She previously served as the organization’s chief operating officer, director of programs, and as a consultant on Proud2Bme and Proud2Bme On Campus, NEDA’s youth platforms. Prior to joining NEDA, she served as the director of the American Anorexia Bulimia Association and spearheaded the development of pioneering online communities at Girls Inc. and SmartGirl.
During her tenure at NEDA, Mysko has overseen a rapid expansion in both reach and programs, including the implementation of an evidence-based eating disorders prevention program in New York City schools, initiatives to bust prevailing myths about eating disorders, and the cultivation of key relationships with companies including Aerie, Crisis Text Line, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Connect with Claire:
Twitter: @clairemysko
Facebook: @doesthispregnancy
