Health and Wellness

March 11, 2025

#75: Struggling with Body Image and Food? Understanding Eating Disorders in Pregnancy and Postpartum with Kezia Reeder

This week’s episode is a deep dive into eating disorders—how to recognize the signs in yourself or others, where to seek help, and how to support loved ones who are struggling or in recovery. We explore the profound physical and mental toll eating disorders take and why they should be understood as a mental illness first and a physical illness second. We also discuss how pregnancy and postpartum can trigger disordered eating behaviors, even after recovery, and share strategies for staying in recovery long-term.

About this episode

What you'll learn

  1. How to recognize the signs of an eating disorder in yourself or a loved one
  2. The mental and physical impact of eating disorders and why they’re more than just food-related issues
  3. How pregnancy and postpartum can trigger disordered eating behaviors, even after recovery
  4. Practical strategies for staying in recovery long-term and managing challenges during motherhood
  5. How to support friends or family members struggling with an eating disorder in a compassionate, effective way

About Kezia

Kezia Reeder is the Director of Clinical Operations at Accanto Health (with brands The Emily Program and Gather Behavioral Health), where she leads with compassion and expertise. Kezia became involved in the eating disorder field after struggling with, and recovering from, an eating disorder in college. As a mother to a young daughter, Kezia is driven by her desire to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for future generations. Combining her professional skills with her personal mission, she is a fierce advocate for eating disorders awareness and treatment, passionately working to improve client care and access.

Shownotes

Shop The New Mama HERE

Shop Just Ingredients HERE using the code "thewellnourishedmama" for 10% off

Learn more about the Emily Program HERE

Connect with Kezia HERE on Instagram

Listen to the Peace Meal Podcast HERE

Transcript