Sammanfattning
The article presents the findings of the first Danish study addressing perceptions of pregnancy
and motherhood among mothers with an eating disorder. The study focuses on the challenges faced
by the mothers in their efforts to deal with both motherhood and their eating disorder. The study is
based on qualitative interviews of 18 mothers with anorexia, bulimia or an atypical eating disorder.
The article points to the fact that many of the mothers have a negative perception of their changing
bodies during pregnancy, but that their concern for the foetus often serves to stabilise their eating
patterns during pregnancy. The initial maternity period is often characterised by relapse into the
eating disorder. The mothers experience marked perceptions of inadequacy in relation to mothering
and a conflict between their eating disorder and the baby’s needs. Finally, the article points to the
fact that the mothers seek to achieve normality in meal situations in the home. The findings are
discussed with reference to existing knowledge in this area, and offers specific recommendations for
professionals attending to mothers affected by an eating disorder.