Nov 1, 2018
On this episode, we are joined by Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC to discuss weight stigma in pregnancy. Crystal is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Virtual Nutrition Coach for moms, and mama of 5. She is passionate about helping moms nurture a peaceful relationship with food and their bodies so they can confidently nourish their kids, end the battles at the dinner table, and bring joy back to eating. Here’s what we covered with Crystal:
- A bit about Crystal’s background, including why she got into this field and her own struggles with an eating disorder
- Some ways that people are shamed and stigmatized for their weight in pregnancy and why it’s so damaging
- Some ways that the traditional medical system falls short when it comes to prenatal care for larger-bodied women
- How to advocate for more weight-supportive care with your doctor
- The health risks that providers typically associate with a higher BMI during pregnancy (i.e. gestational diabetes, hypertension) and why it’s so important to understand that while those conditions are correlatedto a high BMI, they are not causedby a high BMI
- Why dieting and calorie restricting is NOT the answer to weight gain in pregnancy
- Click here to see the study Karly mentioned about the consequences of gestational weight
- Some tips to set yourself up for success in prenatal care, especially if you’ve struggled with disordered eating/weight in the past
- Resources suggested by Crystal:
- Plus Size Birth
- Plus Mommy Podcast
- Body Positive Book Club
- “Does this Pregnancy Make Me Look Fat” by Claire Mysko
- “The Honest Body Project”
- The Embodied & Well Mom Show (formerly The Nurtured Mama Podcast)
- This episode of the How to Love Your Body Podcast
- 10 Ways to Improve Body Image During Pregnancy (good round up post with multiple resources included)
To learn more about Crystal and her nutrition consultation services you can visit her website, read her blog, and follow her on Instagram.
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