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A recent article that appeared in the Independent’s Mother and Babies supplement claims we really shouldn’t compare ourselves with celebrities because we’re not comparing like with like.
Personally, I like the comment I heard a few years ago from another celebrity, that she thought the baby tummy we all are left with is a happy reminder that we are lucky enough to become pregnant. That we should take our time to shed the weight and enjoy our babies in a healthy way and not become obsessed with needing to get back to a pre-pregnancy body.
The following extract from the article provides good advice from Sarah Keogh, dietician and founder of the Albany Clinic to all new Mums, worried at all about the post pregnancy weight issue.

For a start, these women start their pregnancy with amazing bodies. If you are slim and have great muscle tone then obviously pregnancy isn’t going to do as much damage; they also tend to exercise more. Secondly, they have a lot of help: people to look after their baby, to cater to their dietary requirements, etc … A lot of new mums I talk to don’t even have time to wash their hair.”

Keogh also points out that for a lot of these women their bodies and looks are vital to their careers so they genuinely have to worry about getting back into shape fast.

Fair enough. But what if you don’t model for Lancôme; rather you just want to hang onto some semblance of the body you had pre-baby? Should you be worried about weight gain?

” To be honest, I don’t think you should worry too much about this when you’re expecting,” she says. ” While you might think you have put on stones, you have to remember that a lot of it is baby, then there’s the placenta, the amniotic fluid, and you also produce 25pc more blood when you’re pregnant.”

Keogh says it is normal and healthy to gain at least two stone while expecting. If you do want to keep some control over what you’re eating though, she says research indicates that a low glycaemic index ( GI) diet is good to follow during pregnancy. This involves eating foods that release energy slowly into the system.

“A low-GI diet would include porridge or muesli for breakfast, and carbs like pasta or brown rice, rather than potatoes, for lunch and dinner. You should also add in pulses such as lentils and chickpeas as well as plenty of fruit and vegetables.”

However, ultimately, Keogh says, when it comes to how much you should eat, your best guide should be your actual appetite.

” Your appetite will naturally expand as the pregnancy develops, and as long as you’re remaining reasonably healthy, go with it.”

But what about once baby has arrived? ” Don’t even think about dieting or exercise for at least six weeks,” says Keogh. ” Your body has been through a lot and needs time to recover. Especially if you’re breastfeeding, your main priorities should be eating and resting.”

Exercise-wise, Keogh says that in the run up to labour the body produces hormones that help loosen ligaments and muscle in preparation for the birth. ” They will still be lax and there is a lot of scope for damage if you exercise too soon. New mums should avoid sit ups because the muscles in this area need time to knit back together after labour.”

And what about breastfeeding? Is it true that the weight ‘falls off’ if you go for this option?

“It will be different for different people, but one great thing about breastfeeding – apart from the benefits for the baby – is it triggers the womb to contract back to its normal size very rapidly.”

In terms of what you should be eating when breastfeeding, Keogh advises that again you should be guided by your appetite. ” You will find that your appetite increases; I certainly know I was ravenous. Instead of worrying how much extra calories you should be eating just be guided by the question: ‘Am I hungry?’”

For both breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding mothers, she says the food pyramid is an excellent reference point.

“One good tip is to divide your lunch and dinner plate into three. One third of it should be made up of protein; another of carbs and the final third of vegetables and salad. A highfibre breakfast with a piece of fruit is also a very good idea.”

Keogh warns against any kind of extreme dieting as this will slow your metabolism down. However, if you do want to shift the pounds she recommends exercise such as walking as well as pilates and yoga.

She also says you should monitor your portion sizes. “Some women continue to eat at the level they were eating during pregnancy. However, if you watch this and combine it with exercise the weight should begin to come off.”

A slow, steady approach to weight loss post-birth is the best idea, according to Keogh.

Interestingly, she says your ability to lose weight may also be linked to how much sleep you’re getting.

” When you don’t sleep the hormone that controls your feelings of fullness never kicks in.”

Therefore, women shouldn’t be too hard on themselves if they find themselves unable to lose weight in the months after giving birth, she says.

“For that initial period, just give yourself a break because if you aren’t sleeping much you may find it very difficult to lose weight.’

So there it is at last, some sensible advice that most non celebrity Mums can relate to. Enjoy your new baby and relax!

Posted by: Mommy to Three

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