“I think it is woven through me, and sadly that means it is woven through our family life”: the experiences and support needs of mothers with eating disorders

Many adults with eating disorders are parents. Previous research studies suggest that these parents may experience particular challenges in relation to parenting, and that their children may be at greater risk of developing eating disorders themselves. We interviewed eighteen mothers who had at some point in their life been diagnosed with an eating disorder, and had experienced symptoms since becoming a parent. Interview data were analysed and four themes were identified to describe the lived experiences of mothers who have eating disorders. These themes, which we refer to as ‘parenthood as a double-edged sword’, ‘the eating disorder impacts on parenting’, ‘blame and burden’, and ‘seeking support’ suggest a complex relationship between eating disorders and being a parent. Parenting can impact eating disorders, and eating disorders can also impact parenting. The mothers who participated in our study also identified unique challenges when seeking treatment, and there is a need for support options to be developed specifically for parents with eating disorders, and for their families.