With many celebrity mothers appearing to regain their shape just a few short weeks after giving birth there is more pressure than ever on new mothers to lose weight quickly.  It is important to remember however that it took nine months to gain the weight and it may take just as long to lose it again unless you have a team of personal trainers, dieticians and doctors to get you back in shape.

In general losing weight after childbirth is much the same as at any other time with the exception that no strenuous exercise should be taken before the all clear from your doctor.  Also if you are breast feeding now is not the time to go on a calorie restrictive diet.  In fact breast feeding is one of the best ways to help shift baby fat as it uses up the stores of fat in the body and is equivalent to burning an extra 500 calories each day.

Some tips on losing weight include drinking 10-12 glasses of water each day to make sure you are properly hydrated and this will also help if you are suffering from water retention after giving birth.

Your diet should be focussed on eating healthy foods as your body will need time to recover after giving birth.  Make sure that your diet includes lots of fruit and vegetables and includes a regular source of lean protein such as chicken or fish.  Lean protein is necessary for the body to repair itself.

Once you feel up to it start doing some light exercise before building up to something more strenuous.  Going for regular walks with your baby is a good place to start and pushing the pram will help to start burning calories.