By ACA staff
While celebrity 'yummy mummies' like supermodel Heidi Klum shed their post-baby weight in almost no time at all, everyday Mums often struggle to regain their pre-baby figure. We look at a new Australian book that offers helpful advice to mere mortals looking to slim down after giving birth.
Many women are surprised to discover just how much weight they were carrying during their pregnancy, according to author and journalist Kellie Hush.
"I must admit I weighed myself as soon as I came home from the hospital thinking 'I've had the baby, the weight will all be gone' — but it wasn't," she said.
"There was 10kgs there and I was shocked."
Unhappy about her post-baby bulge, Ms Hush has written a book for new mums going through a similar experience.
The changes a woman's body undergo after having a baby have a very real and emotional impact on new mums, Ms Hush said.
"Extra weight was one thing, but it was the loss of control over my body and my loss of confidence in myself that shocked me the most," she said.
New mums need to realise that getting back in shape will take time, according to nutritionist Karen Inge.
"I think celebrities losing weight so quickly does give women unrealistic goals," she said.
"It takes nine months to have a baby (and) it really takes nine months to recover from one, and I think getting into shape will take time if it's to be done in a healthy manner."
Supermodel and businesswoman Elle Macpherson was interviewed for the book and believes understanding that your body changes is also important.
"To tell you the truth, my body has completely changed, but that's okay," she said.
Making time for yourself to exercise is also important, according to TV presenter Antonia Kidman.
"I prioritise my exercise time and I don't feel guilty about it ... I see it as therapy, it fixes my head and makes me a better mother," she said.
