Easy does it

NEW babies have endless needs and taking care of them is a round-the-clock job — just ask Kate and William.

But while it’s natural for baby to take centre stage, mum’s wellbeing should remain a top priority too.

TIME TO HEAL

The body goes through a lot of changes during pregnancy. Some, like the bump, are obvious, but others can be hidden — and the effects can be ongoing.

“The obvious changes are the physical, like weight gain and deposition of fat around the bottom and abdomen, and changes to the abdominal wall,” says Tony Boret, a consultant obstetrician.

“With a vaginal delivery, particularly a difficult delivery, some women may end up with some bladder dysfunction.”

Boret says incontinence is rare, but it’s normal to notice some changes. “In the vast majority of cases, with pelvic floor exercises, most are able to regain good bladder control,” he adds.

Many women will have experienced tearing and if you’ve had a caesarean — often inaccurately portrayed as the ‘easy’ option — there’ll be an extended recovery period.

INTO THE GROOVE

When it comes to looking after yourself, inside and out, exercise is crucial.

But don’t think in terms of ‘how fast can I get washboard abs like the celebs’. Instead, see it as a ticket to boosting your overall health and happiness — and take it slowly.

Andy McNeil is a personal trainer who specialises in pre and post-pregnancy fitness. He points out that it takes time for a woman’s body to return to normal after pregnancy, so rushing into a gruelling exercise regime is not wise. “We need to embrace the enjoyment and benefit of moderate intensity activity. So whether you do some gardening, go for a walk or dance around the living room, you can get the ‘runner’s high’ without the need to lace up your trainers,” he says.

BODY AND SOUL

Stress awareness is vital for new mums.

“So often the focus is on the child and the mother is overlooked, or she is trying to ‘get back to normal’,” says Emma Cannon, acupuncturist and author of You and Your Bump. “I see many clinical problems that can be traced back to the time after childbirth.”

While feeling emotional and exhausted after having a baby is normal, ongoing or distressing struggles can be a sign of postnatal depression, which affects around 15% of new mums.

It’s important that signs of depression aren’t dismissed as ‘baby blues’ and appropriate help is sought early.

* If you or your partner are concerned, contact your public health nurse or GP.