Food Behaviors and Adoption Trauma with Rebecca Berg - Ep 134

Unraveling Adoption

"The root of the work, I would say, is really slowing down and learning how to sit with the discomfort of different sensations in the body." -- Rebecca Berg

Transcript

Read this episode's transcript: https://app.swellai.com/t/tp_01HQC31S90118VY2NM91EADH9Q

Synopsis

In this episode of Unraveling Adoption, I had the pleasure of speaking with Rebecca Berg, a registered dietitian and adoptee who specializes in the intersection of adoption and food behaviors. Rebecca shared her personal journey of overcoming orthorexia and how early childhood trauma can manifest in issues around food. We delved into the complexities of adoption trauma and its impact on food relationships, highlighting the importance of understanding the connection between food and emotional well-being.

Rebecca emphasized the need for adoptees to feel connected to their bodies and prioritize self-care, especially when dealing with stress and anxiety. She discussed the concept of "safe foods" for children with trauma histories and the importance of creating a structured and consistent meal environment to promote a sense of safety and security.

As an adoptive parent, Rebecca provided valuable insights on supporting adopted children with food issues, emphasizing the significance of co-regulation and offering familiar, comforting foods to build trust and stability. She also introduced the concept of "body doubling" as a supportive technique for individuals struggling with nutrition and mental health challenges.

Throughout the episode, Rebecca highlighted the importance of seeking professional help from registered dietitians with expertise in mental health and eating disorders. She shared practical advice for adoptive parents and individuals struggling with food-related issues, emphasizing the need for patience, self-compassion, and a willingness to explore and experiment with different approaches to nutrition and well-being.

The episode concluded with a reminder to join the upcoming town hall meeting on March 10th to address the serious issue of murders of adopted children by adoptive parents and brainstorm ways to create safer environments for adopted children in our communities.

Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between adoption, trauma, and food behaviors, offering practical strategies for individuals and families navigating these challenges.

Timestamps

• Introduction to Unraveling Adoption: 00:00:02-00:00:13

• Exploring the Intersection of Adoption and Food Behaviors: 00:00:46-00:00:56

• Personal Journey of an Adoptee and Registered Dietitian: 00:04:12-00:05:57

• Understanding Orthorexia and Recovery: 00:05:05-00:06:07

• Impact of Anxiety and Trauma on Eating Behaviors: 00:08:17-00:09:48

• Becoming a Registered Dietitian: 00:10:06-00:11:29

• Challenges and Nuances of Food Issues: 00:12:27-00:13:22

• Strategies for Grounding and Regulation: 00:14:40-00:15:56

• Body Doubling and Supportive Techniques: 00:15:56-00:16:44

• Advice for Adoptive Parents on Food Issues: 00:17:02-00:19:00

• Importance of Safe Foods and Feeding Practices: 00:19:10-00:20:17

• Seeking Help and Professional Support: 00:20:38-00:22:51

• Upcoming Event and Call to Action: 00:23:01-00:24:07

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Contact Rebecca at https://www.nostringsnutrition.com/.

• Find Rebecca on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/no.strings.nutrition/

• Follow Rebecca on Facebook @No Strings Nutrition: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554833143968

• Attend the Town Hall meeting on Sunday, March 10, 2024, to discuss adoptee murders and what we can do to keep our community's adopted children safe. adopteemurders.eventbrite.com

Other Resources

• APtitude Support Group for Adoptive Parents Facing Adoption’s Challenges: UnravelingAdoption.com/APtitude

• Other Parents Like Me - oplm.com

• Heather Ross - Life Coaching for Parents who have a child struggling with addiction: https://heatherrosscoaching.com/

  Unraveling Adoption is produced and hosted by Beth Syverson

  Music written and performed by Joseph Nakao

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