YOU SEXY MOTHER! author Jodie Hedley-Ward shares some exerts from her YSM Body Bible on getting back and staying in shape.

1. After recently having a baby, I don’t have any time to pamper myself – any tips?

You don’t have to do it all alone. Make sure you ask your husband or partner for support so you can start carving out some vital ‘you time’. Light some candles and slip into a hot bubble bath in the evening before bed. Pop on a face mask and let the water relax your every muscle. Getting out in the morning (with or without baby in the buggy) can do wonders for your sense of self. You can clear your head whilst soaking up vitamin D from the sun – a proven energy booster that will help you feel good in no time! Remember too – babies don’t know whether they are wearing designer booties or not… Don’t be afraid to spend some time and money on yourself sometimes, it doesn’t ALL have to be about baby. Be kind to yourself too!

2. I don’t feel sexy any more – any styling/clothes buying advice to help me feel sexy again?

Get out the good stuff! Reach back into the underwear drawer for all those sexy, frilly, pretty bras and knickers that you have forgotten about and get them on. So often we walk around in our tatty old, mismatched grey cotton undies, wondering why we don’t feel sexy anymore! We spend all our money on the best baby clothes and toys we can find (which let’s be honest only last a matter of months before they grow out of them!) and find it impossibly hard to spend money on ourselves. Find a shop you like and go first thing in the morning when it is relatively quiet. Ask the sales person for some styling tips and find out how you can accessorize the clothes you already have to make them more current and trendy. Finally, get yourself a great bra. Whether you are still breastfeeding or not, it is vital you have a bra that supports and provides lift if you want to look and feel sexy. Sexy from the inside out – that’s the secret!

3. I’ve been diagnosed with PND and find even the smallest tasks overwhelming – what advice do you have for me?

PND can be debilitating and difficult on all family members. The best advice I can give is to get out in the sunshine (pump that Vitamin D into your body) and walk for just 5 minutes to begin with. Ask your friends and family to support you as it is vital that you have some time out.  Exercise is the natural equivalent of an antidepressant – it allows the release of ‘happy’ feeling endorphins and changes your mood without you having to think or do too much. It is important that you talk to someone such as a counsellor or your doctor. There are some wonderful support groups around and it is great to know that you are not alone and that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

4. How can I keep motivated on days when I’m feeling burnt out?

The 80/20 rule really works when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You have to realise that you will never be perfect. Don’t beat up on yourself and give yourself dedicated rest days or eat something decadent now and then if that’s what you’re craving. Just make sure you wake up the next day and recommit to your healthy living program. Meeting up with a friend in the mornings to exercise can help you stay committed and focused on days when you might otherwise have just stayed in bed. Doing something creative like cooking a new healthy recipe can help you to stay motivated and less likely to get stuck in a rut. Finally, make sure you surround yourself with positive and uplifting people who are on the same journey towards wellbeing.