The focus on women's "post-baby bodies" is enough to put some mums off exercise after giving birth, but rediscovering a love of fitness or sport can be about so much more than appearance. It can help new mothers to feel like themselves again, as these four women are discovering.
"Fitness formed part of my identity prior to children and I'm looking forward to regaining some 'me time', even if it is just for an hour a week whilst looking after the littlies," Lucy Alexander, 33, tells HuffPost.
Prior to becoming a mum, Lucy played sport five times per week, but that stopped when she gave birth to her daughter two years ago — and she has since had a son three months ago.
Lucy Alexander