Becoming a parent changes everything, especially when it comes to your body and mindset. Chloe Madeley shares five honest and practical things to accept after having a baby, based on her own journey.

1. DO THE WORK

Go to physio, work on your pelvic floor and diastasis recti, do the rehab.

2. BE PATIENT

I didn’t lift for 14 weeks postpartum. Recovery and rehab were hard, but it was essential.

3. GRADE YOUR RETURN TO TRAINING

Don’t expect your body to be able to do what it once did right off the bat. You need to take your time getting back to peak performance.

4. ACCEPT THAT YOUR LIFE IS DIFFERENT NOW, SO YOUR APPROACH NEEDS TO BE, TOO

What I used to do would never work for me now. My priority is my daughter, not my body goals.

5. IT REALLY DOES GET EASIER AS THEY GET OLDER

What once felt impossible is now in motion. Be patient, it does get easier.

Just a final note that there is nothing wrong with wanting to feel good in your own skin, before or after having a child. Anyone who comes at you for caring about this needs to be pointed in the direction of their hair, makeup, and/or clothing priorities.