The Therapy Edit One Thing with Harriet Frew on how motherhood impacts our relationship with food
Aug 4, 2023
Harriet Frew, BACP-accredited eating disorder therapist and trainer, shares how motherhood’s loss of control can reshape our relationship with food. She explores why old eating patterns resurface, how to spot worrying signs, and the balance between shame and self-compassion. Practical steps for speaking up and finding support are also discussed.
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Motherhood Can Trigger Loss Of Control
- Motherhood often triggers a strong sense of loss of control that can change how you relate to food.
- That loss can reactivate old coping strategies like restriction or bingeing to regain a felt sense of safety.
Look For Practical Warning Signs
- Notice patterns: preoccupation with food, calorie counting, restriction or increased emotional eating are red flags.
- Do name these behaviours to yourself to start understanding whether food is being used to control emotions.
Familiar Coping Reappears In Transitions
- Familiar coping habits often return because they feel known and numb difficult emotions.
- Big life transitions like parenting create grief and identity shifts that make these familiar strategies attractive.
