In this heartfelt interview, we speak with Meredith Mackenzie, a licensed clinical counselor and intuitive eating coach, about the complex relationship between body image and pregnancy loss. Meredith shares her personal story and offers valuable insights on how to reconnect with your body after experiencing loss.
Meredith’s Story:
Meredith’s journey began with her own struggles with disordered eating, which eventually led her to become a clinical counselor specializing in helping women with body image issues. After marrying in 2018, she and her husband faced fertility challenges. They eventually conceived through IUI during the pandemic, but at their 22-week anatomy scan, they received devastating news about potential complications with their baby.
Despite the rollercoaster of emotions and difficult decisions they faced, Meredith’s son was born perfectly healthy. However, the experience profoundly impacted her relationship with her body and her pregnancy. Later, Meredith experienced a miscarriage at 12 weeks with her second pregnancy, adding another layer to her healing journey.
Rebuilding Your Relationship with Your Body:
Meredith emphasizes the importance of recognizing that our relationship with our bodies exists and that we often have unrealistic expectations. She suggests thinking of your body as its own entity and acknowledging how generous it has been to you throughout your life.
Key Strategies for Reconnecting with Your Body:
- Recognize and honor your feelings: Understand that multiple emotions can coexist, such as joy and grief.
- Practice self-care: Take time to reconnect with your body through activities like warm baths, showers, or walks.
- Focus on body functionality: Appreciate what your body can do rather than how it may have “failed” you.
- Use mantras: Develop helpful phrases like “Today I am pregnant, and today I’m with my baby” to stay present.
- Practice intuitive eating: Pay attention to your body’s hunger cues and nourishment needs, especially during times of grief.
- Show compassion: Be kind to yourself and recognize that coping mechanisms, including emotional eating, are your body’s way of dealing with difficult emotions.
- Redirect anger: Examine the source of your anger and consider if it’s misplaced on your body when it might be directed elsewhere.
- Grieve with your body: Recognize that your body may also be grieving the loss and work together towards healing.
- Prioritize self-care: Make time for activities that help you reconnect with your body, such as yoga or massage.
Intuitive Eating After Loss:
Meredith explains that intuitive eating focuses on the relationship with your body. After a loss, it’s essential to:
- Recognize that grief can affect appetite and body awareness.
- Avoid punishing yourself through food restriction or overindulgence.
- Practice mechanical eating to ensure proper nourishment during difficult times.
- Have compassion for yourself if you turn to food for comfort.
- Incorporate other coping mechanisms and self-care activities to process grief.
Rebuilding your relationship with your body after pregnancy loss is a journey that requires patience, self-compassion, and understanding. By implementing these strategies and seeking support, you can work towards healing both emotionally and physically.
For more information on intuitive eating and body image, you can find Meredith Mackenzie on YouTube under “Meredith Mackenzie/Parallel Wellness” or on Instagram @ParallelWellness. https://meredithmackenzie.ca/
Jennifer Senn is a certified life coach who is also a bereaved mom of twin girls born at 32 weeks. She helps stillbirth moms let go of guilt, process their grief, and figure out what’s next for their future. You can learn more about her and schedule a free support session at jennifersenn.com.
