TRIGGER WARNING: In this episode of Raising Healthy Mothers we discuss eating disorders and disordered eating patterns. This may be upsetting or triggering for you if this is in your or your family's recent history. If you are not ready to listen to a discussion on eating disorders then please do not listen to this episode.   What do you do as a parent when your child stops eating in the way you have come to expect? What do you do if you suspect an eating disorder but your child won't talk to you? And what about if you struggle with your own body as a mother and start changing your attitude and behaviour around food?   As a nutritional therapist I have noticed a recent surge in disordered eating patterns in my clients, whether in their past or recent history. This is outside my expertise, but I wanted to understand more about eating disorders and so I invited Deirdre Reddan onto the show to talk about supporting loved ones through eating disorders.   We discussed... The difference between eating disorders and disordered eating Eating disorders as an illness rather than a choice How to spot the early signs that a loved one may be struggling with food Recovering from eating disorders and how it happens How to get support for disordered eating patterns The central role parents play in their child's recovery The risk of developing eating disorders in motherhood and how to get support. In many ways this was a difficult topic to discuss, but much needed. It's a topic that is not talked about as often as it should given the statistics on occurrence, and so I hope recording this episode will help to remove the shame and taboo around it, as well as bring awareness and – most importantly – hope to those struggling, whether themselves or their loved ones.   If you are in the UK and would like any immediately help with any of the topics discussed on this episode, please contact your GP or call Mind, Samaritans, SANEline or CALM. In an emergency, please call 999.   Find Deirdre: Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashadcruz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tashadcruznutrition Website: https://tashadcruz.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating on Apple Podcast. You can now watch this episode on YouTube. Subscribe to my channel @tashadcruz Say goodbye to your cooking rut and hello to effortless meal planning. Download my template meal plan guide at tashadcruz.com/template. #raisinghealthymothers DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on tashadcruz.com is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. I may earn commission on shopping links to external sites, e.g. Amazon. This doesn't change the price you pay but gives me a small commission which goes back into keeping the podcast running.