To mark 'Eating Disorder Awareness Week', I'm joined by Hope Virgo, who chats to me about navigating pregnancy with an eating disorder.  Hope is an author and multi award winning campaigner. In 2018, Hope launched the #DumpTheScales campaign, which put eating disorders on the Government's agenda. Since then it has gone from strength to strength making change happen on a national scale, including a national march taking place in London on 22nd April 2023. This episode was recorded last spring - since then, I'm happy to report that Hope had a beautiful healthy baby boy, who has been accompanying her on much of her campaigning work. Both he and Hope are doing well.*TRIGGER WARNING: *Disordered Eating and very brief mention of Sexual Abuse*IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:[00:00] Teaser quote.[02:35 ] Introduction to Hope Virgo.[04:58] Hope's eating disorder - a coping mechanism for childhood trauma.[06:44] The pressure put on women when they are pregnant.[08:51] What prompted Hope's eating disorder. [12:11] What support might be available for Hope after having her baby.[13:01] Breastfeeding pressure.[17:30] The need to be your own advocate.[19:06] Eating disorders affect more people than you think, many of whom suffer in silence.[20:38] Mixed support - the need for education.[21:56] Navigating eating when you're pregnant.[25:00] Societal pressure - the size of your bump, the pressure to 'snap back' after birth, how much and what you are eating.[31:51] The potential affect of eating disorders on fertility - loss of periods.[33:12] Using exercise to numb emotions.[36:32] Hope's campaigning work.[41:23] Advice for anyone affected by disordered eating or exercise addiction.KEY TAKEAWAYS:Follow and support Hope's campaigning via her Instagram and Twitter feeds. You can also get in touch with her via LinkedIn.It's a myth that eating disorders are about vanity - they are much more complex than that.16% of pregnant women have experienced an eating disorder. 50% of them will relapse within a year of delivery.Eating disorders claim more lives than any other mental illness.Eating disorders can affect anybody and everybody - you don't have to look like you have an eating disorder to be suffering from one. They don't only affect thin people or white teenage girls.You can access support and information through Beat Eating Disorders, the UK's Eating Disorder charity.Find out about the Bristol Eating Disorders Health Integration Team here. Click this link to read and download their Eating Disorders Support Resources Guide.Click this link to read Abigail Reynolds' guest blog for the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, Eating Disorders and the perinatal period.Support and sign Hope's

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