When you hear the phrase intuitive eating, it might feel distant or impossible in those early days postpartum, between the feedings, the sleep deprivation, and the physical/emotional recovery, big-picture ideas about nutrition can feel overwhelming. But intuitive eating during postpartum doesn’t need to be perfect. It’s about practicing curiosity and flexibility during this season so that you can reconnect with your body in this new season, honor your strength, and figure out what feels nourishing for both you and your little one. We are so excited to hear from therapist, Michelle Butler, MSW, LCSW, again to share all the details about how to practice intuitive eating in the postpartum season. Take it away, Michelle!

Pregnancy is often portrayed as a time of glowing skin, growing bellies, and anticipation—but what comes after can be far more complicated, especially when it comes to a mother’s relationship with her body and food.

For many women, the postpartum period brings emotional upheaval, hormonal shifts, and an entirely new identity. It’s a time of physical recovery, sleep deprivation, and learning how to care for a newborn—yet few people talk about how all of this can interact with something even deeper: disordered eating.