Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
New mum, new look
Baby Amber inspires action
When Claire Fleming was told she was pregnant her unbridled joy was tempered by concerns over her health.
The Airdrie mum had been suffering with weight issues for the previous few months and was warned she was at risk of developing diabetes.
The little bundle of joy growing inside her was always going to add to her weight, but Claire admits to “using her pregnancy as an excuse” to “live off unhealthy meals” while piling on the pounds and developing high blood pressure.
But the arrival of daughter Amber inspired Claire to do something about her weight and, despite uncertainty over her suitability to join the programme after just giving birth, Claire received a “crucial boost” when welcomed into the fold by Slimming World.
The impressive results since then have seen Claire lose more than twoand-a-half stone in just 14 weeks after joining the group at Cairnlea Church hall.
Claire told the Advertiser: “My BMI before falling pregnant was in the obese category and I suffered with high blood pressure towards the end of my pregnancy.
“I had been unhappy with my weight prior to falling pregnant, but used pregnancy as an excuse to live off pizza and chips.
“I knew I had to make a change as I was at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and my motivation was to be a healthy mum to my daughter.”
Claire started Slimming World when Amber was just two-weeks-old, not realising the programme would have been suitable throughout her pregnancy.
She continued: “On my first night I was welcomed into the group by consultant Sharon [McGinness] who made me feel really at ease.
“I told her I was breastfeeding and she gave me a booklet to ensure I ate enough healthy extras like low fat cheese, as calcium is very important when breastfeeding.
“The booklet is supported by the Royal College of Midwives, so I felt confident that the plan was healthy and suitable for me.”
Claire added: “It really works for my family and I, and my husband Craig has fully supported my journey by helping cook Slimming Worldfriendly meals; as a result, he has also lost some weight.
“In 14 weeks I’ve lost more than two stone. I enjoy staying at group as there is great support and ideas as we are all on the same journey to improve our health and feel better about ourselves.”
Consultant Sharon McGinness added: “A lot of women don’t know that you are able to follow the Slimming World programme while pregnant or breastfeeding, but Claire is a shining example of how this works so effectively.
“She has done superbly since joining and is so delighted to be more healthy for her daughter.
“Claire is a wonderful mum and a real inspiration to others.”
Sharon runs Slimming World groups in St Edward’s and Cairnlea churches, on Thursdays from 5.30pm to 7.30pm and Mondays from 7.30pm respectively; call 07736 932345 for more details.