Regain your new mum body confidence by remembering your pre-baby health habits
When you have a new baby, it’s tempting to forget about your body as you focus on your baby. And when you finally get round to trying to lose your baby weight, you find it hard to see your body as your own – it’s been working for others for so long, growing your baby in pregnancy and feeding and holding him after birth, that you find it difficult to link what you see in the mirror with your true self.
What you can do
Look in the mirror and if you don’t like what you see, do something about it. ‘Put yourself higher up the priority list by eating properly and regaining your fitness levels – it will really boost your self-esteem,’ says psychologist Dr Sandra Wheatley.
You can do this by making a list of realistic diet and fitness goals. Don’t say you’re going to do two hours of exercise a day and survive on a stick of celery. You’re a busy mother and need the energy. But thinking about what you want and can realistically achieve will help you get back on track with your healthy living and help you regain your sense of self.
Your secret for success
‘It’s important to remember you’re not “just a mum” – you’re still you and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be as healthy now you have a baby as you were before,’ says Sandra.