Dietitians and Nutritionists for Pregnant and Postpartum Individuals

Pregnant Individuals
Pregnant Individuals

Are you pregnant with a history of an eating disorder? Or are you worried about managing an eating disorder during pregnancy or during postpartum? We are here to help.

Pregnancy and postpartum is a common time for someone to be diagnosed with an eating disorder. Because pregnant individuals experience weight gain and body changes, many may develop body image and nutritional concerns. Not to mention the significant amount of stress and anxiety they are under with worry of worsening their disorder and maintaining fetal health. Courage to Nourish is here to support you with your relationship with food while you’re navigating this exciting, and possibly new, time in your life.

How Do We Help Pregnant and Postpartum Individuals?

At Courage to Nourish, our dietitians work one on one with our clients and their individual struggles. We value trusting and compassionate relationships between our dietitians and our clients. We value safety and a non-judgemental space so you or your loved one are able to process their relationship with food and body in a way that is met with understanding and empathy. Not only do we work with you or your loved one in individual sessions, but we also collaborate with various members of the treatment team. We also provide text and email support and keep our caseloads small. This can assure you are getting the highest quality of care.

To help pregnant individuals with their eating disorder, the first step is ensuring they are taking in adequate nutrition. We work directly with you to help guide and support you through this overwhelming time. Our dietitians provide accurate, gentle nutrition information and meal planning guidance to assist you. Not only do we work with you and your loved one in individual sessions, but we also collaborate with various members of the treatment team. We provide text and email support and keep our caseloads small. This can assure you are getting the highest quality of care.

one-on-one

One on One Nutrition Counseling Sessions

Consistent, specialized care is paramount when treating an eating disorder. Courage to Nourish provides individualized care specific to each person. We will explore your relationship with food, provide accurate, gentle nutrition education, evaluate growth charts as needed, and provide personalized meal planning guidance.

virtual support group

Virtual Support Group
for the College Students and Young Adults

Eating disorders can be lonely and isolating, leaving your college student oftentimes feeling misunderstood. We offer a free, weekly support group to provide a safe space to be around other recovery-focused individuals who are learning to prioritize recovery and find meaning outside of their eating disorder.

virtual support group for families

Virtual Support Group
for Family and Loved Ones

Supporting your college student in their recovery can often leave you feeling exhausted and hopeless. We offer a monthly free support group to allow family and loved ones to discuss the ups and downs of being in a supportive, caregiving role, learning how to take care of yourself along the way, and find comfort that you are not alone.

FAQs About Our Services

How do I know if I need support?

Below are some signs that you may be struggling with an eating disorder and would benefit from nutrition counseling sessions:

  • Are you exhibiting rigidity in your routines, especially around food?
  • Have there been drastic changes in how you are eating, what and when you are willing to eat?
  • Do you feel your self-worth and self-esteem is dependent on your body size, eating/not eating certain foods, or how much physical activity you do in a day?
  • Are you finding yourself socially withdrawing from others, having a decreased interest in activities, feeling irritable or having mood swings out of the ordinary?

How long will it take for me to recover from my eating disorder?

Treating an eating disorder takes a long time! Most likely, we will start off meeting with you weekly, at a minimum for 6 months. However, everyone’s journey is different. It is crucial you get help right away.. Keep in mind that recovery is not a linear process. There will be ups and downs along the way, which is why it is so important to have a specialized team supporting you.

What are typical individual sessions with the dietitian like?

Care at Courage to Nourish is very individualized, and therefore different for each client. However, our work together will include:

  • Eliminating shame and guilt surrounding eating
  • Spending less time thinking about food and body image
  • Managing nutrition concerns through a weight-inclusive approach
  • Re-learning intuitive eating
  • Discovering a more body positive body image through body trust and appreciation

We Offer In-Person and Online Services
for Pregnant and Postpartum Individuals at These Locations

About Courage to Nourish

Courage to Nourish is a group of eating disorder specialized dietitians. We have in person locations in Alexandria, Virginia, Columbia, Maryland, and College Park, Maryland. We offer virtual services across the state of Maryland. Virginia, Washington DC, Pennsylvania, and Colorado. We offer individual nutrition therapy. As well as support groups. We would love to guide you in building a better relationship with food.

Courage to Nourish team

Interested in finding out more?

Tell us more about how we can help you.

Let us know if you prefer to be seen at one of our locations or virtually!

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