The Baby Show
has revealed that new mums are feeling depressed about their post-baby
bodies and pressured to get back into shape. In a survey of 1,000 new
mums, one in five (20%) say they hate their post-baby body while just
12% thought it was amazing. A whopping 79% of new mums don’t like their
body as much as they did before they fell pregnant, with more than half
(52%) saying they feel pressured to get back into shape after having a
baby.
The
biggest pressure, however, came from the mums themselves with 50% of
mums saying that they put the most pressure on themselves. Meanwhile, a
huge 92% of new mums believe that the media and representation of
celebrity mums set unrealistic expectations on mothers to get back to
their pre-pregnancy body too soon after birth.
Charlie Launder, pre and post-natal fitness expert and speaker at The Baby Show says:
“It is such a shame that so many mums dislike their post-baby bodies. I
think that social media does have a part to play in this, not for
everyone, but it is a platform that provides immediate access for
comparison at a time when a woman’s body is changing beyond their
control.
“A
surge in hormones in a new mum can be very tough on themselves anyway
and then seeing other mums looking like they’ve got it all sorted can be
hard. We all just need to remember that Instagram is just a snapshot,
often the best part of the day or week, and everyone has their own
insecurities and struggles. It is worth noting that Instagram is also an
incredible hub of support and education for new parents and is great
for showing mums what is safe for them to do when getting back into
exercise.
“I
think that women are put under a lot of pressure, but often by no one
other than themselves. We have no idea how our body is going to react to
pregnancy and birth, so these expectations we put on ourselves are
plucked completely out of thin air and often very unrealistic. In
reality, those that matter to you most don't care what you look like,
they think you're beautiful and amazing.”
When
it comes to exercising, 85% of new mums said that it has helped their
mental health after having a baby. The most popular form of exercise
amongst new mums is walking with their baby (51%), followed by swimming
(13%) and yoga or Pilates (11%).
Charlie
adds: “Having a baby changes your whole world, mostly for the better
but change is always daunting. Exercising again can give you that
feeling of taking back some control and ownership of your body again. It
is a small part of the day that is focused on you and only you (even if
your baby is with you!) and this is so important to make time for. It
is often a time to meet up with another adult, be it a personal trainer
or a friend who you can talk to about non-baby related things which can
really help. There are a huge number of mental benefits of exercise, but
this doesn't have to mean going to the gym; it can just as easily be a
walk in the park or some time for yoga - anything that gets the blood
pumping a little bit and those endorphins into your system!”
Many
new and expectant mums don’t know where to start when it comes to
exercising – both during pregnancy and once their baby has arrived. To
help new mums model, influencer and presenter, Georgia Jones will be on
stage at The Baby Show, with MadeForMums on Saturday 20th
October alongside personal trainer, Charlie Launder from Bumps &
Burpees, to discuss how she coped and give parents realistic goals and
expectations.
The
Baby Show, with MadeForMums, is the must-attend event for new and
expectant parents looking for all the essential products and ideas on
what they need as they make their first steps into parenthood.
Returning to Olympia London from Friday 19th until Sunday 21st October,
the show gives parents the opportunity to compare, try and buy – all
under one roof.
As
well as Georgia and Charlie, there will be an exciting line-up of
speakers taking to the stage across the three days, giving advice on
sleep, birth, breastfeeding, weaning, health and wellbeing as well as
celebrities sharing their experiences. Experts confirmed include Lucy
Shrimpton, The Sleep Nanny®, Madeleine Shaw, nutritional therapist and
bestselling cookery writer, Lesley Gilchrist, midwife and birth trauma
expert, Anna Williamson, TV presenter and life coach, Dr Robert Titzer,
infant learning expert, Vanessa Christie, breastfeeding expert and
lactation consultant, Andrea Grace, sleep expert, Clare Byam-Cook,
breastfeeding expert to the stars and Milli Hill, birth guru and author
of The Positive Birth Book.
If
you’re looking for more confidential advice, experts will be on hand
throughout the Show to answer your pregnancy and parenting questions in
the private, One-to-One with the Experts area, sponsored by My Expert
Midwife. The British Red Cross will also be running their hugely
popular, regular half-hour workshops where visitors can learn essential
life-saving first aid skills on what to do for your baby in an
emergency. Free of charge, you can just turn up, register and enjoy.
The NCT will also be on hand to provide 45-minute Antenatal and
Postnatal classes, jam-packed with information and advice on everything
from essential baby care to colic and crying. Ticket packages are
pre-bookable in advance for the NCT classes via www.thebabyshow.co.uk.
The
Baby Show, the UK’s leading pregnancy and parenting event, runs from
three days – Friday 19th – Sunday 21st October and is open from 10 am
until 5.30pm each day.
The
advance ticket price is £14.70pp* on Friday and £15.70pp* for either
the Saturday or Sunday, saving over 25% of the on-the-door ticket value.
On-the-door tickets cost £20pp. To purchase tickets and for more
information visit www.thebabyshow.co.uk.
Address:
Olympia London, Olympia Way, London, W14 8UX.
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