Body image and eating disorders in pregnancy and early parenthood

Body image: an issue affecting many

Changes arising from pregnancy and birth leave many expecting and new parents struggling with body image issues.

PANDA Helpline callers and participants in our new parent group sessions often disclose difficult feelings about changes in their body’s size, shape and appearance, lost physical strength and fitness, or sense of attractiveness. Social media can also contribute to pressures on women to look or feel a certain way.

Research into perinatal mental illness and body dissatisfaction is pointing to ways that health professionals can help mitigate these issues for expecting and new parents.

Eating disorders: a serious risk to parent and child

Eating disorders affect 1 in 6 Australian women across the lifespan and have the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness.

An eating disorder can develop or re-emerge during pregnancy or post-birth. Pregnancy, birth and early parenthood can complicate symptoms and further affect health, while eating disorders can pose serious risks to parent and child health.

As most women are very engaged with the health system in the perinatal period, maternal health professionals have an opportunity to help ensure more people affected by eating disorders get the help they need to recover.

Presentations from

Prof. Helen Skouteris | Helen is joint Professor of Healthcare Improvement and Implementation Science at Monash, and has a long-term research interest in perinatal body image and health behaviours.

Eating Disorders Victoria | Education Research Fellow Dr Lauren Bruce, Education Coordinator Rebecca Lister and education volunteers.

PANDA | Community and Training Programs Coordinator Sarah Marlowe, senior National Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Helpline counselling staff and education volunteers.

Booking Details

Wednesday 5 December 2018 | 9am to 4pm
Amora Hotel Riverwalk, 649 Bridge Road Richmond

$195 or $115 for students

PANDA workshops book out fast, don't miss out!