The Great Kate Weight Debate has begun.
Poor Kate. This beautiful young woman is celebrating one of the most exciting times in her life with the birth of her son, and she looked positively glowing the day of the 'baby reveal'. The joy and love as she looked at her young son, and her wonderful husband, shone out of her eyes and she was radiant.
However, less than 24 hours since the birth, and the media is already commenting on her weight. Comments such as 'I can't believe she showed her fat belly" and "I wonder when she's going to start losing weight?" circulated all over social media. I was shocked and saddened at the hateful comments that people had posted about the Duchess of Cambridge. Within 24 hours of the birth, OK magazine had the following headline "Kate's post-baby weight loss regime" and they weren't the only media outlet talking this way.
Unfortunately though, this is the expectation of the general public with regards to any person in the media spotlight. Just walk past any magazine at the grocery store checkout and you will see them. Pictures of celebrities showing their 'awful' figures and 'cellulite thighs' and other such critical headlines.
Is it no wonder then that we have a society obsessed by weight and weight loss? People who don't love their beautiful healthy bodies and wish they had someone else's body? No wonder that we have young girls (and many women of all ages really) trying to emulate these airbrushed pictures of celebrities and starving themselves to do it? No wonder that people are looking for the quick fix to losing fat and inches?
With so many pressures on new mums, why are we heaping more pressure on them to instantly lose their baby weight? Why are we heaping guilt on them making them worry how they look? Many are already questioning whether they are doing the right things for baby or not, without this weight obsession as well.
Shouldn't we be more concerned that both mother and baby are healthy and getting the nutrients they need, instead of having them think they have to starve themselves to fit someone else's picture of what they should look like?
As with all weight loss, it should be gradual and healthful to be effective and long lasting. I always say that it took 9 months to get to this weight, so don't be concerned if it takes 9 months to get back to your pre-pregnancy figure. And if it doesn't? Don't sweat it. Eat well, get moderate exercise, and enjoy the beautiful human being you created. They love you no matter what dress size you are.
I know for me after my first baby, it took me a while (2 years) to lose all of the weight I gained, however, after my second, it came off a little bit quicker. I attribute that in part to the fact that I was running around after 2 kids at that point, but also because I ate a lot better in my second pregnancy and afterwards, than I did in the first. While I got back to a healthy weight after my second child, I never got back down to the weight I was before my first pregnancy.
What was your weight loss/gain experience like after the birth of your baby? Did you have 'well meaning' family and friends who commented on your pregnancy and post pregnancy weight?
I am disgusted by the media coverage of Kate’s baby weight. Her body is a true reflection of how women look after childbirth. I especially loved your comment that your children love you no matter what your dress size is – it is so very true.
It’s funny, when she stepped out of the hospital with William and as yet un named (George) I was struck by how beautiful and radiant she was, and I have to say how pleased I was that she didn’t try to hide her after baby bump. I though “good for her” what a role model. I hope she takes her time losing the weight and just enjoy being a mother. People in the media are sick and cause normal women to judge themselves against anorexic models and singers.