It’s all about expectations really.

You’re expecting a baby, you’re expecting to finish work a week before the baby arrives and you’re expecting to go back to work when that perfect baby you’re currently expecting settles into a routine at three months of age. And then he/she can pop off to nursery school when the creche you’re expecting to get a place at, confirms. Oh, and yeah, you’re expecting to be back in your bikini by then too, because that’s what they do in the mags. Right? Wrong. Big, fat wrong!

The truth of the matter is that there are many alterations to expectations during pregnancy and parenthood. Things just don’t always go as you, well, expected you see? And the belly does tend to take on a mind of its own! Cut yourself some slack, there are some factors here that contribute.

Probably, you are not a celebrity with a personal trainer, private chef, nanny from day one so you can get out and pound the pavements, or even your own plastic fantastic to help remove the extras you’ve been left with.

So here’s what we normal people do. How old is your baby? Fact is, it’ll take nigh on a year for all your bits and pieces to retreat to whence they came. And some never do. Think about what went on in that region!

Breastfeeding. It’ll either make the extra kilos drop off you (lucky you!) or you’ll retain a bit of extra coverage – it’s part of being able to provide for your baby in this most fantastic way.

Did you have a nicely curved belly pre-pregnancy? Give yourself a break, enjoy the changes to your body and revel in what it has just achieved! Do not amp up the stress levels all in the aid of a bikini body, it is just not worth it! You will get back to a place that makes you happy. Do not indulge in creams and fad diets and do not click on that irritating link that boings around on your screen every time you go near a clothing or lingerie site! Your abs will be fab again soon. Just keep your expectations in perspective, girlfriend!