Hollie’s story - an eating disorder and postpartum psychosis

Trigger warning - In addition to maternal mental health and a discussion of postpartum psychosis, this episode deals with anorexia and disordered eating, which some listeners may find triggering.

I’m honoured that my guest this week, Holly Crawley, is willing to share her story with us. Holly is a mother of three, who was diagnosed with anorexia in her teens, and suffered postpartum psychosis with her first child. After the birth of her third child, Imogen, Holly suffered relapses of both conditions, and as a result spent several weeks in a mother and baby unit, away from the rest of her family. Throughout all of this, she was determined to continue breastfeeding, which she had not been able to do with her other children. Now she is recovering well, and Imogen is a healthy, happy, toddler who continues to enjoy breastfeeding.

My latest book, ‘Supporting the Transition from Breastfeeding: a Guide to Weaning for Professionals, Supporters and Parents’, is out now.

You can get 10% off the book at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.

Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram  @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com

Resources mentioned - 

Breastfeeding | Lowestoft & Waveney Breastfeeding Support | Lowestoft https://www.lowestoftandwaveneybreastfeeding.co.uk/

For support with eating disorders https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/

This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.