Tags: body-positivity

How Pregnancy Surprised Me by Healing an Eating Disorder I Feared Would Win

Ever worried that getting pregnant might awaken old demons you’ve been fighting for years? You’re definitely not alone. When I read a powerful story recently on Business Insider titled “I worried having kids would trigger my eating disorder. It actually changed my relationship with my body for the better.”, it hit me right in the feels. This is something so many people silently fear but rarely talk about openly. Could the miracle of pregnancy actually become a catalyst for healing instead of harm? Spoiler alert: yes, it can—and how! Let’s unpack this fascinating, hopeful journey together.⁣

The Fear Factor: Why Pregnancy and Eating Disorders Seem Like a Toxic Mix

If you’ve struggled with any form of eating disorder, the idea of your body undergoing radical change can be downright terrifying. Weight gain, food relationship rewiring, loss of control over your own eating habits—it sounds like a nightmare, right? Many women dread that the very process of pregnancy might drag them back into unhealthy thought patterns or behaviors.

  • Will I lose myself?
  • Will I spiral?
  • Can I survive the pressure to 'eat for two'?

Sound familiar? These are the whispered questions behind many hopeful parents’ smiles. And it’s okay to ask them!

So, What Actually Happened?

The Business Insider article shares the story of a woman who braced herself for the worst but found something astonishing. Pregnancy didn't trigger her eating disorder; instead, it rewired her perspective on her body and food. Imagine realizing your body is literally a miracle factory, growing life from scratch. Suddenly, self-love wasn’t just a cliché—it was essential.

This shift changed everything. Her focus moved from controlling food and weight to nurturing strength, growth, and health. It was a game-changer. ⁣

How Can You Foster This Beautiful Shift?

If you’re contemplating pregnancy or already on that journey while wrestling with body image or eating challenges, here’s a little secret: it’s about reclaiming control in healthy ways and embracing your body’s power. Easier said than done, right? But here’s how you can start:

  1. Surround Yourself With Support: Whether it’s therapists, support groups, or understanding friends, you need a team that gets it.
  2. Be Kind to Your Body: It’s working overtime, literally growing a baby! Celebrate its strength and resilience.
  3. Educate Yourself: Understanding what’s happening inside can reduce fear and increase admiration.
  4. Use Tools That Prioritize Comfort: For those on the fertility journey, products like MakeAMom’s home insemination kits offer discreet, gentle options tailored to your sensitivity and comfort levels.

Why MakeAMom Deserves a Shoutout Here

Navigating fertility treatments can be stressful, especially when you have unique health considerations or sensitivities. MakeAMom offers innovative insemination kits designed for comfort and efficacy, including options for those dealing with conditions like vaginismus or sperm motility challenges. They get that your body—and your emotional wellness—come first. Plus, with reusable, discreetly packaged kits boasting a 67% success rate, they’re making conception journeys less clinical and more... well, human.

Bringing It All Together

Pregnancy is often painted as a one-size-fits-all story of joy and glow, but anyone who’s been through it knows it’s a complex emotional and physical journey. For those with eating disorder histories, it can feel like walking a tightrope. The inspiring story on Business Insider offers a beacon of hope: your pregnancy might just become part of your recovery story—that chapter where your relationship with your body flips from foe to fierce ally.

So, what’s the takeaway here? Expect the unexpected. Open your heart to the possibility that your body’s transformation during pregnancy might heal wounds you thought were permanent. And remember, support—whether emotional, medical, or product-based—is your secret weapon.

Are you or someone you know navigating pregnancy with a history of body struggles? How have you found ways to nurture both your baby and your mental health? Share your story or questions below. Because sometimes, the best healing comes from honest conversations.

Let’s rewrite the pregnancy narrative together—one brave story at a time.

How Pregnancy Transformed a Woman’s Battle with an Eating Disorder — And What It Means for Fertility Journeys

Can pregnancy really heal wounds left by eating disorders? It’s a question many individuals face silently as they embark on the emotional and physical rollercoaster of conception and motherhood. A recent article from Business Insider titled “I worried having kids would trigger my eating disorder. It actually changed my relationship with my body for the better.” sheds light on this deeply personal, transformative experience.

If you’ve ever wondered how pregnancy might impact mental health—especially for those with histories of eating disorders—this story might surprise you.

The Fear That Haunts Many

For countless individuals, the decision to have children is layered with complex emotions. Add a history of an eating disorder, and the fear of relapse or worsening symptoms can be paralyzing. Pregnancy introduces intense body changes and challenges, which can feel like a trigger. But could it also be a catalyst for healing?

The Business Insider article profiles a woman who braced herself for the worst. Instead, her pregnancy helped her see her body in a miraculous new light, softening the rigid self-criticism that once dominated her thinking. This isn’t a universal experience, of course, but it illuminates a hopeful pathway for those grappling with mental health and fertility challenges.

Why Does Pregnancy Change the Perspective?

Pregnancy demands a relationship with your body that is fundamentally different—it’s about creation and nurturing, not control or perfection. Here’s what makes it different:

  • Purposeful Transformation: The body is working towards a tangible, life-affirming goal.
  • Increased Mindfulness: Many expectant parents become more attuned to their physical and emotional needs.
  • Shifted Focus: External pressures about appearance may take a backseat to health and well-being.

These factors can foster new forms of self-compassion and body acceptance that are crucial for mental wellness during fertility journeys.

Incorporating Mental Wellness Into Fertility Plans

Understanding the intricate connection between mental health and fertility is essential. Stress, anxiety, and previous trauma—including eating disorders—can impact conception and pregnancy outcomes. So, how can individuals and couples prepare?

  1. Seek Integrated Support: Mental health professionals specializing in eating disorders and fertility can provide tailored strategies.
  2. Educate Yourself: Knowledge reduces fear—articles like the one from Business Insider offer real-world insight.
  3. Use Comfort-Focused Tools: Companies like MakeAMom design fertility products—such as their BabyMaker insemination kit—that cater to individuals with sensitivities and unique conditions, making the conception process less stressful.
  4. Build a Support Network: Partner, family, and online communities focused on mental health and fertility share experiences and encouragement.

The Role of Innovative Fertility Products

As someone navigating sensitivities or mental health considerations, traditional fertility treatments can be daunting—not just physically, but emotionally. At-home insemination kits, like those offered by MakeAMom, provide privacy, autonomy, and comfort. Their BabyMaker kit, designed specifically for users with conditions like vaginismus or heightened sensitivities, exemplifies how product innovation supports mental and physical wellbeing.

With an average success rate of 67%, these reusable, discreetly packaged kits present a cost-effective and empowering alternative that prioritizes comfort during a vulnerable time.

What Can We Take Away?

This story of transformation during pregnancy challenges common assumptions about relapse and mental wellness. It highlights the possibility that the journey to parenthood can also be a journey to self-healing and renewed body appreciation.

For those worried about how pregnancy might affect their eating disorder or mental health, it’s crucial to remember that support systems, thoughtful preparation, and comfort-first fertility tools can make all the difference.

Have You Experienced a Shift in Your Body Relationship Through Fertility?

Whether it’s through pregnancy, treatment, or simply embracing your fertility journey, your story matters. How have mental health and body image played a role in your path to parenthood? Share your experience below — let’s learn and grow together.


For those interested in exploring comfort-forward fertility options that consider both physical and emotional needs, exploring innovative at-home insemination solutions is a great place to start. Combining mental wellness insights with practical tools can transform your journey from daunting to empowering.

In the end, it’s about honoring the miracle of the body—and embracing the journey as a whole, imperfect, hopeful experience.*

Why Jenny Saville’s Raw Art Teaches Us to Embrace All Bodies on the Journey to Parenthood

Have you ever felt that your body — especially during the rollercoaster of trying to conceive — doesn't look or feel the way society expects? You’re definitely not alone. Recently, I sat down with a powerful realization sparked by an incredible art exhibition: Jenny Saville’s “Anatomy of Painting,” now showing at London’s National Portrait Gallery. If you haven’t heard about it yet, it’s the largest UK solo museum exhibition of her work and it’s absolutely breathtaking. You can check out the details here.

Now, here’s why I’m bringing Jenny Saville into a blog about fertility and conception — because her art screams a message many of us need to hear: every body is worthy, beautiful, and valid, especially when it’s navigating something as complex and intimate as fertility.

The Unfiltered, Unapologetic Beauty of Real Bodies

Saville’s paintings don’t shy away from imperfection. They highlight flesh, skin, and scars unapologetically — showing bodies as they truly are, rather than how we wish them to be. For those of us embarking on the journey to parenthood, this can be so powerful.

Fertility challenges can sometimes make us hyper-aware of our bodies — the changes, the sensitivities, even the pain. And if you or your partner deal with conditions like vaginismus, low motility sperm, or sensitivities that make conventional fertility options uncomfortable or off-limits, that awareness can be daunting. That’s why finding tools that embrace and support your unique body — not force it into a one-size-fits-all mold — is a game changer.

How Does This Relate to Fertility at Home?

Well, just like Saville’s work breaks down barriers and invites us to accept our flesh, companies like MakeAMom are revolutionizing how people conceive by offering at-home insemination kits crafted with sensitivity in mind.

Imagine being able to try for a baby in the privacy and comfort of your own space — with kits tailored for specific needs:

  • CryoBaby kit works wonders for low-volume or frozen sperm.
  • Impregnator is designed to assist with low motility sperm.
  • BabyMaker supports those dealing with sensitivities or conditions like vaginismus.

These aren’t just products; they’re tools that acknowledge your body’s story and provide a way forward without compromising comfort or dignity. And the best part? The kits are reusable and discreetly shipped, which is perfect for anyone wanting privacy during this vulnerable time.

Why Embracing Your Unique Fertility Path is So Important

Sometimes, it’s easy to feel like the fertility journey has to be clinical, intimidating, or even isolating. But embracing the uniqueness of your body — exactly as Jenny Saville’s art invites us to do — can transform your experience. It removes the shame and replaces it with power. It says, “This is my body, with all its beauty and challenges, and I’m moving forward on my own terms.”

And if you’re wondering about success rates, MakeAMom reports an average 67% success rate among clients using their home insemination systems. That’s pretty encouraging for something you can do safely and comfortably at home!

What Can We Learn From This Artistic and Fertility Fusion?

  • Celebrate your body: No matter where you are in your fertility journey, your body deserves love and respect.
  • Seek solutions that fit your needs: There’s no “right” way to conceive; explore options that honor your unique health status and sensitivities.
  • Privacy matters: Being able to work on conception privately can ease stress and strengthen your emotional well-being.
  • Find inspiration in unexpected places: Art, like Jenny Saville’s, can remind us to be patient and kind to ourselves during ups and downs.

Final Thoughts: Your Body, Your Story, Your Path

If Jenny Saville’s art tells us anything, it’s that the real, raw, and sometimes imperfect human form holds immense beauty and strength. It’s a much-needed reminder for all of us in the fertility community — that every body has a story, and every story is valid.

Whether you’re just starting to explore fertility options or have been on this path for a while, tools designed with sensitivity in mind can make a huge difference. If you want to learn more about how to tailor conception methods to your needs, I recommend exploring resources like MakeAMom’s home insemination kits.

What’s your take? Have you found inspiration in art or other unexpected places during your fertility journey? Drop your thoughts below — let’s keep this conversation real, supportive, and uplifting.

How Having Kids Transformed My Struggle with an Eating Disorder – And Why It Could Help You Too

“I thought pregnancy would trigger my eating disorder, but it completely changed my relationship with my body for the better.” These powerful words come from a recent, moving personal account published on Business Insider that sheds light on a topic often left in the shadows: the complex intersection between eating disorders and pregnancy. Read the full article here.

If you or someone you love has struggled with an eating disorder, the prospect of pregnancy can be overwhelming—or even terrifying. Will the intense physical and emotional changes push you back into harmful behaviors? How will the fluctuations in body image, weight, and control feel when your body is literally creating new life?

Here’s the surprise: for many, including the author of that article, pregnancy can become a turning point toward healing and renewed body positivity. But how does this transformation happen? And what can you do if you want to embrace this journey with confidence and care?

The Fear: Pregnancy as a Trigger

It’s completely natural to worry. Eating disorders stem from complex relationships with control, body image, and self-worth. Pregnancy shakes those foundations. The loss of control over your body’s shape, unfamiliar sensations, and societal pressure about “healthy” pregnancy weight can feel like catalysts for relapse.

But awareness is the first step to overcoming these fears. Understanding that pregnancy doesn’t have to be an enemy to your mental health opens the door to intentional healing.

The Shift: Seeing Your Body as a Miracle

What changes the perspective? For the author, it was the sheer wonder of the growing life inside her that reframed her view. Instead of seeing her body as a battleground or a source of shame, she began to see it as a vessel of creation and strength.

This shift doesn’t erase the challenges overnight, but it plants a seed of respect and gratitude. Suddenly, each change—whether it’s weight gain, stretch marks, or hormonal mood swings—is a testament to resilience.

How Can You Foster This Mindset?

  1. Seek Professional Support Early: Working with a therapist who understands both eating disorders and pregnancy can provide tailored strategies to maintain your mental wellness.
  2. Create a Support Network: Surround yourself with friends, family, or support groups who uplift your body-positive journey.
  3. Educate Yourself: Learn about the normal physical changes during pregnancy to reduce fear and uncertainty.
  4. Practice Mindfulness: Techniques such as meditation or journaling can help you stay connected to your body’s needs.

When Physical Sensitivities Are Part of the Equation

Pregnancy isn’t only a mental and emotional journey. Some women face physical challenges such as vaginismus or sensitivities that can make conception and intimacy more difficult.

Innovative solutions like at-home insemination kits tailored for different needs—such as those offered by MakeAMom—bring comfort and control back to the fertility process. From kits designed for sensitive users to those optimized for low motility sperm, these tools empower people to pursue parenthood in familiar, safe spaces while managing their unique physical health conditions.

Why This Matters Today

Mental health awareness has never been more critical, and the conversation around eating disorders and pregnancy is evolving. Stories like the one shared by Business Insider remind us that healing can come in unexpected ways. They encourage us to approach our bodies with kindness even amidst uncertainty.

For those navigating the intersection of fertility challenges and mental health, remember: you are not alone. There are supportive communities, compassionate healthcare professionals, and practical resources ready to help.

Final Thoughts

Pregnancy can feel like a double-edged sword when you’ve battled an eating disorder, but it can also be a profound catalyst for healing. The journey is deeply personal and complex—but embracing your body as a miraculous entity capable of creating life can transform fear into empowerment.

Are you or someone you know navigating this path? What positive shifts have you experienced or hope to experience? Share your stories and questions below—let’s foster a community that supports healing and celebrates resilience together.

For those looking for gentle, user-friendly fertility aids that respect your sensitivities and privacy, exploring options like MakeAMom’s at-home insemination kits could be a game-changer on your unique fertility journey.

How Pregnancy Transformed My Battle with an Eating Disorder — And Why It Could Change Yours Too

I worried pregnancy would worsen my eating disorder — but it changed everything for the better.

This powerful personal revelation, shared in a recent Business Insider article, shines a light on an often overlooked aspect of parenthood: the profound mental and emotional transformation that pregnancy can inspire, especially for those struggling with body image and eating disorders.

If you’ve ever faced the dual challenge of navigating fertility concerns and mental health struggles, you know how daunting it can be. The fear of triggering past traumas, combined with the physical changes brought on by pregnancy, can feel overwhelming. But what if embracing pregnancy might actually be a catalyst for healing — a way to reshape your relationship with your body, rather than harm it?

The Unexpected Healing Power of Pregnancy

For many, pregnancy is more than just a biological process. It’s a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. The Business Insider article shares an intimate account of someone who feared that pregnancy would exacerbate her eating disorder — a common and valid concern. Yet, through pregnancy, she experienced a revelation: her body was a miracle, not an enemy.

This transformation often stems from witnessing your body create and sustain life, helping to reframe negative self-perceptions and easing destructive thought patterns. But how can this mindset shift be nurtured, especially for those who may not have immediate access to clinical settings or support?

Supporting Mental Wellness During Fertility Journeys

The path to parenthood is rarely linear, especially for those with mental health complexities. Here’s where accessible and supportive solutions become invaluable:

  • At-home insemination kits help individuals and couples conceive in a comfortable, private environment – reducing stress triggers.
  • Utilizing tools tailored to unique needs, such as kits designed for low motility sperm or sensitivities like vaginismus, can empower users and foster a sense of control.
  • Reducing clinical appointments can ease anxiety around fertility treatments, allowing mental energy to focus on healing.

One example is MakeAMom, a company offering reusable insemination kits that combine medical efficacy with discretion and convenience. Their product range includes options like the CryoBaby for frozen sperm or the BabyMaker kit designed for individuals with sensitivities — highlighting how fertility tools can adapt to support both the physical and emotional journey.

Why Mindset and Environment Matter

Pregnancy isn't just a physical state but an opportunity to reshape narratives around your body. To encourage this healing:

  • Create a safe space: Whether at home or with supportive partners, feeling secure can reduce anxiety.
  • Seek community voices: Hearing positive stories about overcoming fears related to conception and body image builds hope.
  • Explore gentle fertility strategies: Comfort-first options, like MakeAMom’s kits, contribute significantly to a positive conception experience.

Breaking the Cycle: From Fear to Empowerment

It’s natural to have fears about pregnancy triggering mental health issues. But as the Business Insider piece beautifully illustrates, pregnancy can also help dismantle those fears by revealing a new narrative — one where your body is a source of strength and wonder.

If you’re navigating this journey, remember, you’re not alone. Tools that respect your sensitivities, stories that resonate with your experience, and approaches that prioritize comfort and mental wellness can all make a difference.

Final Thoughts

Could pregnancy be a surprising path to healing from an eating disorder? For many, yes. It offers a chance to see your body in a new light, grounded in awe and respect. And when paired with thoughtful, supportive fertility solutions, the journey becomes less daunting and more empowering.

If you want to learn more about personalized, comfort-first fertility tools that can support your mental and physical health during this incredible time, consider exploring what MakeAMom has to offer.

What’s your experience with mental health and pregnancy? Have you found moments of unexpected healing? Share your story below — your voice might be exactly what someone else needs to hear today.

How Jenny Saville’s Raw Art Challenges Our Perceptions of Fertility and the Body

What does the raw honesty of Jenny Saville’s paintings reveal about our bodies and fertility today?

In London’s National Portrait Gallery, the largest solo exhibition of Jenny Saville — titled The Anatomy of Painting — is making waves by confronting traditional beauty norms through depictions that are both unflinchingly visceral and profoundly human. Running through September 7, this exhibit invites us to revisit how we see our bodies, especially in contexts where sensitivity, vulnerability, and physical challenges play a central role.

You might wonder, what does this have to do with fertility or conception? Surprisingly, quite a bit.

The Power of Seeing the Body as It Is

Saville’s work is characterized by its candid and unidealized portrayals — scars, softness, and all — which challenge societal pressures to present a flawless physical image. For many people navigating fertility journeys or conditions like vaginismus, endometriosis, or low sperm motility, this raw representation resonates deeply. It validates the realities that many face quietly, often behind closed doors.

Think about it: The fertility world can often feel clinical and impersonal. But embracing the imperfect, the sensitive, and the uniquely human aspects of our bodies can be incredibly empowering.

Why Sensitivity in Fertility Matters More Than Ever

In 2025, as reproductive technologies advance, there's an increasing awareness around the importance of personalized, sensitivity-focused solutions. For example, organizations like MakeAMom offer specialized at-home insemination kits geared toward individuals with specific needs — like the BabyMaker kit designed for those with vaginal sensitivities.

This alignment between art and science reflects a larger cultural shift toward inclusivity and respect for diverse fertility experiences.

Data-Backed Success and Comfort-First Approaches

MakeAMom reports an impressive average success rate of 67% among users of its reusable, cost-effective kits. This success is bolstered by attention to comfort and adaptability — crucial for users who may struggle with clinical insemination due to physical or emotional barriers.

Saville’s art and MakeAMom’s products both celebrate bodily authenticity, encouraging people to embrace their unique fertility pathways without shame or stigma.

What Can We Learn from Combining Art and Fertility Solutions?

Here are some actionable insights inspired by Saville’s exhibition and contemporary fertility practices:

  • Recognize and validate your body’s story. Like Saville’s paintings, your body’s journey is unique and worthy of respect.
  • Seek fertility solutions that prioritize your comfort. Whether you have sensitivities or specific medical needs, options exist that cater specifically to you.
  • Consider at-home insemination as a viable, personalized path. Especially in 2025, with advanced, reusable kits that support various physiological needs.
  • Break the silence about your fertility challenges. Sharing experiences can build community and reduce stigma.

The Intersection of Art, Identity, and Fertility Futures

Jenny Saville’s The Anatomy of Painting is more than an art show; it’s a cultural statement about reclaiming our bodies on our terms. As we navigate fertility challenges, this message is vital. It’s a reminder that fertility journeys are deeply personal, often sensitive, and fundamentally human.

As you explore your options, why not see how a mindset shift — inspired by art — might transform your experience? For those ready to take a comfort-first, tailored approach, diving deeper into solutions like those on the MakeAMom website can be an essential next step.

To Wrap It Up

How you see your body impacts how you care for it — physically, emotionally, and reproductively. Saville’s fearless artistry invites us to embrace all aspects of our physical selves, and in turn, empowers us to pursue fertility paths that honor our unique sensitivities and conditions.

What stories does your body want to tell? How might embracing your body’s raw authenticity open new doors to conception and wellness?

Join the conversation below — let’s reimagine fertility with courage, compassion, and artful honesty.


For more insights on sensitive health and fertility solutions, check out the latest resources and testimonials on MakeAMom’s homepage.

Original inspiration for this post: Beauty Bleeds Through Jenny Saville’s ‘Anatomy of Painting’