Media Release:

Looking after you: no more guilt for new mums

It's not a crime for new mums to eat an uninterrupted meal or take a long soak in the bath.

That's the message of a free booklet called Looking After You: A New Mum's Guide to Feeling Great, just released by Women's Health Queensland Wide.

'Most information for new mums focuses on baby care', said Health Information Officer, Kirsten Braun. 'Of course that's important, but new mums also need to look after themselves so they can stay on top of things.'

'Don't feel guilty about taking time for yourself. It's not selfish to do something for yourself occasionally while someone else looks after the baby.'

The 32 page booklet provides lots of practical tips on eating well and staying active. Many of the hints came from new mums who shared ideas about what had worked for them.

'Finding time to exercise is a challenge with a new baby,' said Braun. 'Women suggested shared baby-sitting groups like the 'Surfing Mums'; setting up a baby-sitting club with friends; or just putting on a DVD at home and dancing around the lounge room.'

The booklet also includes healthy, low-GI recipes from Cooking with Conscience author Michelle Trute, who was one of six expert advisors to the project.

Other advisors included Simone Nalatu, previously a member of the Queensland Firebirds netball team and now completing a PhD on physical activity for young mums.

The booklet was funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing's Healthy Active Australia Community and School Grants Program.

New mums in Queensland can obtain a free copy of Looking After You by contacting Women's Health at 07 3839 9962 or 1800 017 676 (toll free outside Brisbane).

The booklet can also be downloaded at www.womhealth.org.au.

Mum Zone Release Date: 18th August 2009

Back to Media Releases