There is no denying that the seasons change more than just the weather, they have such a huge effect on how we feel both physically and mentally. Many people love spring and summer, so the warm days we’ve had this past couple of weeks have put a smile on many people’s faces. However, if you’re a new mum then you may currently be experiencing a little bit of panic thinking ‘how do I get my pre-baby body back in time for summer’.
It goes without saying that so many people feel a huge amount of pressure to get ‘summer body ready’ and if you’ve just had a baby then you may be feeling this pressure more so than ever before. Whilst your friends and family may be telling you that you look amazing, it is essential that you feel happy and healthy in your own skin too. You want to be able to relax and enjoy your summer without worrying about the way you look.
Here at Healthy Post Natal Body, we understand how many new mums want to work on their bodies in the lead up to summer and for this reason, we have put together a healthy and safe way for them to do so. Just remember, any new mum has the ability to be happy and healthy in time for summer this year and it isn’t all about losing weight.
Being body confident
Many new mums find it difficult to be body confident, simply because their body currently looks different from how it used to. The relationship women have with their body often changes after birth, many mums go from loving their body throughout pregnancy because it is safely carrying their little one, to hating their body in the weeks and months after giving birth because it doesn’t look the way it did pre-pregnancy.
The majority of women are also guilty for always comparing themselves to others and many mums have admitted to scrolling through Instagram looking at the bodies of fitness fanatics or professional personal trainers who haven’t even had children. You can guarantee that by tormenting yourself like this, you will only be making things worse. Trust us when we say that if you work on being happy and healthy then being body confident will naturally follow.
Understanding what is normal
Of course, having a baby changes your body in so many ways and this is something that happens to everyone no matter what your body looked like pre-pregnancy. Getting your head around the way you look post pregnancy can sometimes be the hardest part of your journey to becoming happy and healthy but, it is one of the most essential steps.
You’re not alone in feeling ‘abnormal’ when comparing your body to how it was before you had your little one and also when comparing yourself to others. So many new mums are unprepared for the reality of how they look due to the unrealistic representation of how women look post-pregnancy. They aren’t aware of what is normal because they aren’t being shown what is normal. You can guarantee that simply looking into what is ‘normal’ post-pregnancy can make you instantly feel so much better about yourself. You’re not alone, lots of new mums look and feel the way you do right now.
Getting back into exercise
For lots of women, after being out of control of their body during pregnancy, getting this control back is a huge step towards happiness. Exercise is often a huge part of getting this control back. There is a lot of confusion regarding exercise after giving birth and if you’d like to find out more about this in detail, you can do so by reading our “getting back into exercise” blog. Of course, exercise also plays a big part in being not only healthy but also happy with your body looks too.
Whilst there is no quick solution for how to heal a ‘mummy tummy’ or how to spring back to your pre-baby body, undertaking regular exercise can help. We still have a few months until we are officially in summer and sticking to a postnatal exercise program can help you to feel much more confident by then. You will be surprised just how effective a tailor-made plan created by a professional can be, not only to your body but also to your mind. So, it is time to get your endorphins flowing.
Eating the right foods
Not only does exercise play a huge part in the health of our bodies post-pregnancy but so does the food we eat. You will have spent so many months ‘eating for two’ and ensuring that you’re getting the right nutrients for your baby but, lots of people forget about how important it is to carry on ensuring you’re getting the right nutrients once you’ve had your baby. Again, eating the right foods will not only make you feel energised but, it will also impact the way you look too.
There isn’t much information available about post-pregnancy diets, and by diets, we don’t mean unhealthy crash diets. Due to this, last year we created a HPNB summery cookbook full of healthy meals that are perfect for busy mums. Taking some time to think about the food you’re putting into your body will make such a huge impact on your happiness and your health too. You don’t have to be on a ‘diet’ but educating yourself and getting some post natal diet advice can be beneficial.
How HPNB can help
Ultimately, being happy and healthy this summer is achievable by everyone no matter what your current situation may be. Learning how to love your body after having a baby is such a huge important part of your pregnancy journey and just because summer is right round the corner doesn’t mean that this is unachievable. This year you will be ‘summer body ready’ like never before, with your little one by your side.
If you’re looking for some post natal exercise advice and tips for healthy eating or you would like some support making the first steps when it comes to actually getting back into exercise then this is something we can help with here at HPNB. With many years of experience training women both during and after their pregnancies behind us, you can trust that any advice provided by HPNB will be correct and tailored to your body and your needs.
Not only can we assist you with both exercise and healthy eating but, we can provide you with a safe friendly platform where you talk to other mums in the same position as you. You will have full access to numerous forums where you can get support from other members as well as advice from fully qualified personal trainers.
With the help of HPNB and our amazing team as well as a group of like-minded people, you can trust that by the time summer is here, you will be both happy and healthy in your own body again.
Why not tell your friends
Remember that the 3 months free trial has now been extended and we really need to keep the Diastasis Recti conversation going anyways. So why not tell your friends about HPNB and let’s get more women their confidence back this summer.
Take care,
Peter
