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Parenthood. One of the most profound and life affirming experiences we as women have the pleasure to embark upon.

We’ve given nine months of our lives to gestation, and in the process, in varying degrees of severity, caused some irreparable damage to our figures. Then they arrive… life changes inextricably and the moment they enter the world you become a very different version of yourself. Priorities change, and you no longer have the luxury of the self-gratifying life you once relished. So, amongst all the multiple night feeds, nappy changes and the inevitable poo-namis, how do we get back our pre-baby bodies?

Me-Time

Taking an hour out to hit the gym is not selfish and you aren’t abandoning your baby. Accepting this viewpoint is paramount! A happy and healthy mum makes for a contented little one. Sixty minutes set aside for some me-time will make coming home to your baby even more rewarding, you’ll appreciate the QT that much more and find the extra energy and patience required to deal with your new arrival.

Buying Extra Time

Years down the line when you’re the pinnacle of health in your golden years running around after the grandkids, ask your children if they’re glad you slipped away for a sneaky hour to workout. I guarantee they’re grateful to have a healthy mum with a ripe old-age. Eating healthily and exercising is an investment to your future self and your children will benefit from this most of all.

Lead by Example

In the wise words of Abby Pell, aka Instagram’s Superabs “As a parent, your kids aren’t going to listen to what you tell them to do but they do copy what you do. Children pick up more from your behaviour than your words”. Children lead by example and having a healthy child who takes part in plenty of exercise and reaps all the associated health benefits as a by-product, should be of the upmost importance to you as a mother. How can you help to ensure this future for your little one? Follow your own advice and lead by example.

Love Your Body

The same philosophy applies to body image and confidence; younger generations are becoming desperately insecure with the media full of photoshopped supermodels reflecting unachievable perfection. We need to empower our children to exude confidence and be happy with their bodies. By loving your body, you teach your kids to do the same. Bonus points for imparting the #strongnotskinny uprising. Encourage your children to eat lots of healthy nutritious food and strive for muscle gain and athleticism over being skinny.

Accept Offers of Help

Use your support base. Odds are you have a host of friends and family who would love to help you. Accept their offers of babysitting or a cheeky sleepover at nana’s. It’s a lovely opportunity for your loved ones to bond with your baby, they’ll form a heart-warming relationship and you can bag some time to hit the gym or just indulge in some much-needed shut eye. If your pal offers to put the vacuum round or bring round a healthy meal, gratefully accept! Maybe you can repay the favour one day. If you aren’t lucky enough to have a support system in place consider childcare, many gyms and health clubs have an onsite creche that will allow you to slip away for a quick gym session.

Breastfeed

Aside from offering your baby the gold standard in nutrients and creating an unparalleled bond with your baby, breastfeeding also burns some serious calories! You can burn up to 500 calories a day just through lactation. It’s a sure-fire way to get your body back to it’s pre-pregnancy glory days in no time. In addition, following giving birth, breastfeeding produces oxytocin which encourages uterine contractions (basically a reverse contraction) allowing your uterus to return to its previous size. On a pretty pertinent side note, it also literally reduces your risk of several types of cancer and multiple other nasty health problems.

Meal Prep

Draw upon those meal prepping skills- you’ll need them now more than ever. Having a plentiful stock of ready-prepared healthy and nutritious meals and snacks will pay dividends. Fill your freezer with as many pre-portioned meals as space will allow. If you can get a massive batch of meals organised whilst the bun’s still in the oven, even better! You are going to be busy and the last thing you need is failing to prepare and reaching for the biscuit barrel in hangry desperation. Keep meals micronutrient packed, you need fuel and don’t be afraid of carbs if you’re breast feeding.

Get Moving

It’s very easy to fall into the trap of housebound agoraphobia after having a baby. After all, it now takes three hours, two nappy changes and a small aircraft carrier’s worth of equipment just to get out the door! It’s important, however, to fight through the inconvenience and get outside and walk to the park with the pram; it’s so beneficial for both you and baby. Any steps you get in are all inching you back to that prepartum physique. Plus, getting outdoors and taking in some greenery is medically proven to improve your mood and fight depression. Something that may well come in handy to combat those baby blues. You might also find you need to start mastering the at home workout. The only bad workout is the one that didn’t happen so treat yourself to a gym mat and some resistance bands and get moving! You may not have the luxury of a gym full of equipment and your normal routine but take what you can get.

Motherhood is our most precious and awe-inspiring adventure, we are the creators of life! No job compares, however it’s vital to not forget who you are and maintain a healthy lifestyle. You owe it, not only to yourself, but to your children who need a happy, body confident and healthy mum to look up to.