Maybe it’s just because it’s summer, but haven’t you noticed how many people are becoming mums these days? Whether it’s celebs or colleagues, it seems that we’re in the grip of baby fever in the UK!
However, with the arrival of a new bundle of joy comes the usual furore over the race to lose the baby weight and get back into your pre-pregnancy clothes, and there’s no signs in the trend slowing down.
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Super-sexy A-Listers like Angelina Jolie and Jessica Alba, who seem to lose their baby weight in a flash, may cause women to endure punishing diet and exercise regimes in order to get slim again - possibly to the extent that your baby’s nutrition is in jeopardy.
Luckily, though, Holly Willoughby - who talks about motherhood in this week's Closer - has said that she aims to lose the excess pounds slowly, saying that she needed the energy for her hectic work schedule and breastfeeding.
We always knew Holly had a good head on her shoulders; research has suggested that you actually need to eat more in the early stages of motherhood, to the point that you almost need an extra meal, just to maintain your weight!
The amount of calories you need to maintain your health during breastfeeding is dependent on how long you’ve been doing it, and how much of your baby’s food intake is comprised by breastmilk.
If your breastmilk doesn’t supply all of your baby’s nutritional intake after the first three months (meaning if you have to introduce formula because you aren’t producing enough milk), you are Group 1.
If your breastmilk supplies all or most of your baby’s nutritional intake for six months or more, you are Group 2.
First 3-6 months of breastfeeding
Group 1 mums should consume an extra 480 calories a day
Group 2 mums should consume an extra 570 calories a day
6 months or more breastfeeding
Group 1 mums should consume an extra 240 calories a day
Group 2 mums should consume an extra 550 calories a day
Of course, this advice should be combined with the fact that a newborn baby usually signals a shift in lifestyle – some mums become less active due to sleep deprivation, whereas others find themselves burning up calories because of the introduction of a new baby into their lifting routine (think about it: after a few months, you’re lifting the equivalent of at least two 10lb weights!).
If you haven’t seen a change in your weight after 6-9 months, your body should be healthy enough to start getting into weight-loss gear.
Experts have said that it's best to set yourself a target of nine months to a year when it comes to losing weight - any less and you run the risk of gaining it back or damaging your health. Plus, quick-fix weight loss is very difficult to maintain, so spreading out your routine means you're more likely to keep the pounds off.
The principles of losing your baby weight are the same as they were pre-baby - if you eat a little less and exercise more, you should see the pounds start to shift slowly.
try swapping one daily indulgence, like chocolate or cheese, for a high-fibre cereal bar and a glass of water
When you've got a newborn to look after, the last thing you want to be is hungry! If you do choose to cut calories, make sure you're not compromising - try swapping one daily indulgence, like chocolate or cheese, for a high-fibre cereal bar and a glass of water to keep hunger pangs at bay.
Exercises such as yoga and Pilates are great for new mums as they strengthen the core (the muscles around your pelvis and lower back), which can be weakened after childbirth. Check your local gym or leisure centre to see if there are any mother-and-baby classes you can take.
Strenuous cardiovascular exercise isn't usually advised - it's better that you ease into your exercise routine gradually. Try taking the baby for a stroll around your local park or take a walk into town to burn a few extra calories (no one enjoys getting a pushchair onto a bus anyway!).
While the principles of weight loss might not have changed, here are our top tips for maintaining your post-baby body – and how to shed the pounds without compromising your health.
Take it slow – we’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again – don’t rush to shed the pounds! Studies have shown that losing the weight too quickly can actually have a detrimental effect on your baby, as breaking down fat can release toxins into the body, which may end up in your breast milk. Make sure that breastfeeding takes priority over exercise.
Breastfeed – ...and if you are breastfeeding, you might find that it’s easier for your body to lose weight before you even think about losing weight. Your metabolism benefits because your body burns up the fat you gain during pregnancy when it’s producing breastmilk. This means that you could be losing your baby weight without even trying!
Eat iron-rich foods – your body’s iron reserves take a hit after childbirth, so it’s advised that you eat iron-rich foods in your post-baby months to ensure your metabolism functions properly. Try red meat, eggs, green vegetables, and dried fruit such as raisins, prunes and dried apricots. Check with your GP or midwife to see if you need a special iron supplement – most of the time, a healthy diet should have you covered.
Stay hydrated – it’s one of those things you’re likely to forget, what with the busy schedule that comes with a new baby! But staying hydrated can be great for keeping your metabolism coasting in ‘fat-burn’ mode, as well as boosting your energy levels. It also helps increase your milk supply.
Steer clear of toxins – while it’s great that dietary restrictions that hamper your pregnancy like caffeine and alcohol are (debatably) lifted, you still shouldn’t have excessive amounts, as these can be passed into your breast milk and onto your baby. Check to see if a cup of tea or coffee affects your baby’s temperament after feeding – or get by on decaf for a little longer!
Don’t eat for two during pregnancy – Unfortunately, it’s an old wives tale that you have to double your calorie intake when you’re withchild. Of course, hormones may mean you can’t resist high amounts of certain foods, and this is definitely the time to not skimp on calories. Just don't get carried away with high-fat or high-sugar foods that cause you to pile on the pounds - after all, the less excess weight you gain, the less you'll have to lose.
Cut yourself some slack – you've just undertaken a pretty extreme event in giving birth - your body is going to need some time off from the gym! Take it easy for at least six weeks after your baby is born, even if you aren't breastfeeding. If you do exercise, consider taking group classes or try a few sessions with a personal trainer, as they carry a smaller risk of personal injury - your body and its muscles might not behave in the same way they did pre-birth.
There’s nothing wrong with carrying a few-pregnancy pounds, and thanks to the arsenal of cool curvy clothes on the high street at the minute, you’ll have no problem looking like an A-Lister. With Beth Ditto for Evans launching this week, plus numerous celebrity maternity ranges that you can continue to wear after you’ve had your baby, you’re spoiled for choice for clothes to make you feel great about your body!
By Amy Bangs