You can be a mum and stay slim. Just breastfeed
I WISH more women knew that breastfeeding benefits not only the baby, but the mother as well. We’re all concerned with getting our bodies back in shape after giving birth, but many women don’t realise breastfeeding is one of the best ways to do it — you burn a lot of calories at each feeding. I’ve been breastfeeding for the past three years, first with my son, then I continued with my baby girl. I stopped breastfeeding my son at two and my daughter was born soon afterwards, so I just continued with her. I plan to continue breastfeeding her until she is two as well. I had very difficult pregnancies: I almost died giving birth to my son and was on bed-rest with my daughter for six months. I was in intensive care for a week after my son’s birth, but I still managed to breastfeed. I’m sure this is the best for your baby and also the best way to get in shape. I haven’t encountered any major issues other than a few glares and stares from strangers, but I don’t let that bother me: feeding a child is one of the most natural activities in the world, and I have no problem feeding in public. I went up to more than 170 lb with my second pregnancy, but am now back to my normal 126 lb without doing any fad diets or even going to the gym. I do exercise but I make it a game with my kids. I do lunges and squats while I hold my daughter — it’s fun for her. And I teach my son counting by doing sit-ups. I don’t have time for a big workout regimen. By doing minimal exercise and breastfeeding, anyone can achieve this: you just have to be persistent. I breastfed my way back to my pre-babies body.
ANTONIA MARINOVIC, New York. THERE’S nothing new or magic about a corset flattening a ‘mum tum’ (Mail). When my son was born in 1969, my doctor advised wearing a corset for six weeks after the birth to help the muscles go back into place. The result after six weeks was a washboard stomach. It’s simply common sense.
MADELINE BATES, St Helier, Jersey.