"Dear New Mom,

Congratulations on your baby!  As a new mother you have a rewarding but challenging job ahead of you. All at once you have suddenly become a mother, a teacher, a consoler, a nurse, a friend, a protector, a playmate, and the list continues!  You have one of the most important jobs of all ahead of you - rearing achild.  And while I am sure that you have made this bundle of joy your utmost priority, I sense in yourwords a question which needs to be answered "What about mom?"

First of all, be easy on yourself!  After all, you've spent 9 months carrying around a whole other person! Your body needs time to slowly adjust and "regroup." Is it possible for you to have your pre-birth bodyback?  The answer is a definite "Yes!"  But you must allow yourself some time, work hard, and believe in yourself that you can do it.

You mentioned feeling "not so positive about yourself"and that your "positive self-image is all but gone." This is an important statement to make, because if you don't believe in yourself you will constantly struggle to reach your goals, and you may find yourself in a vicious cycle of self-doubt and depression.  Start by writing down character qualities which make you unique and attractive - make a list of the qualities which make you special, interesting to others, and strong as a person.  Your strength for your Fitness Journey begins inside - and it must start there in order for you to be successful.  Believe in yourself!

As far as a "puffy paunch" or "muffin top" around your tummy this boils down to hard work, exercise, proper diet, proper core strengthening techniques, and adequate cardiovascular exercises.  Has your diet changed since the birth?  How many calories are you eating per day?  Do you know how long it will take you to lose the weight you would like to lose?  These questions, and more must be answered.  Start by making a plan on how you are going to lose the weight.  Will you hire a Personal Trainer?  Do you need to get a gym membership?  Is there someone who can assist you with meal planning and proper nutrition?  Without a map,you are sure to get lost along your Fitness Journey,so start by planning the route that works best foryou!

Lastly, go at this slowly - take "baby" steps along the way.  Set small goals that are attainable and easy to accomplish.  You will find that once you begin achieving the smaller goals which you've set, you'll become more confident, self assured, and feeling fantastic about yourself!  You'll also find that the overall goal of getting back into shape won't seem so impossible.

Most importantly, do this for yourself.  In nurturing and taking care of your own body, you will discover that as a woman you will have more energy, strength,ability, and confidence to nurture your child - and become the most amazing mother ever! 

You can do it!"

David Cummings