Women get pregnant and gain weight. Then they have the baby and have to lose the weight. Celeb moms just seem to do so at an alarmingly quick rate. We read tales of Naomi Watts simply using breastfeeding to get back to her pre-baby weight in a matter of weeks, and Jessica Alba bouncing back in record time. This, however, is not the reality for most women.

European healthcare officials are trying to add some common sense to the conversation about losing the baby weight. For most women it takes three months to a year to lose the weight, and it is important to do so. While breastfeeding can help burn calories and help new moms shed pounds, many new mothers cannot lose weight because they are breastfeeding. The body holds on to excess fat to ensure the mom has enough energy/calories to produce milk for the baby. Common sense tells us it is easier to lose the baby weight if you don't gain excessive amounts while pregnant — there is no real need to eat for two. Since the vast majority of new moms are without a personal trainer, a personal chef, and a nanny — common elements of a celeb's life — losing the baby weight will take some time. Instead of embarking on a crash diet to drop pounds, it is best to eat a healthy and balanced diet, while increasing your fitness level at a reasonable rate. Slow and sustained weight loss is the best approach, and a new mom who is cutting too many calories is a cranky new mom.

Source: Getty

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