I made my maternity leave work for me

Jane Milner lives in Halifax, West Yorkshire, with her fiancé, Chris, and their daughter, Caitlin. Jane lost 2st 7lbs in four months at Tamina Oates’ Slimming World group in Halifax. She shares her story with us here…

"Before joining Slimming World in January 2008, I thought losing weight meant starvation – no chocolate, no alcohol, and no fun!

"When I weighed myself after giving birth to my daughter, Caitlin, I knew I wouldn’t need to return to my old crash-diet habits – just to my Slimming World Consultant, Tamina. It was thanks to her that, in April 2008, I’d achieved something I’d never experienced in the whole of my adult life: a size 10 figure. And amazingly I’d achieved it eating “normal” meals like shepherd’s pie and Sunday roasts!

"Almost the day I got to my target weight, I discovered that my fiancé, Chris, and I were expecting our first baby. Although I knew it was possible to stay at Slimming World while I was pregnant, my midwife said that pregnancy was “no time for diets”. I could have pushed the point, as I knew Slimming World had worked with the Royal College of Midwives to develop their policy, but I didn’t try – I was craving chocolate, crisps and sweets too much!

"Almost as soon as Caitlin was born, I started looking forward to losing my 2st of baby weight. I went back to group when she was 12 weeks old and was welcomed with open arms.

I was so pleased to be back on the plan again – and meetings were a fun way to get out of the house, too.

"My weight came off as easily as it had before, at an average of 2lb a week, until I reached my target of 9st 9lb in August 2009. I was on maternity leave for the first few months, so I had time to get used to planning my meals and shopping every couple of days to make sure I didn’t run out of healthy ingredients.

"Being a slim mum is wonderful. I’m confident about my body, I love being able to wear skinny jeans and little tops, and whereas many women with small children complain of constant tiredness, I’m full of energy because my diet is so healthy.

"We’re hoping to have another baby in the next couple of years and this time I know I’ll keep up my Slimming World membership. Especially as I’ve got an added incentive! After our next baby arrives, we’re planning to get married, and I want to feel just as good on my big day as I do now."

*Weight loss will vary due to your individual circumstances and how much weight you have to lose