Our pregnancy and post-natal policy
We have worked in collaboration with the Royal College of Midwives to develop our policy on the best way to support our members in managing their weight during pregnancy. The Royal College were very pleased that Slimming World were able to offer this support and importantly to help women avoid excess weight gain, which could result in increased chance of problems during pregnancy and birth.
Slimming World’s eating plan, Food Optimising, is based on current healthy eating guidelines.
- It enables members to enjoy a varied and balanced diet during their pregnancy with particular attention to calcium and fibre intakes.
- It helps limit intake of sugary and fatty foods, especially saturated fat.
- It encourages a healthy balance of all the major food groups without the need for severe calorie restriction or avoidance of key food groups or nutrients.
We realise that there are no formal recommendations regarding appropriate weight change during pregnancy and that women are best advised by their midwife and health care team depending on individual circumstances. Therefore, as part of our policy:
- Any member wishing to continue attending their Slimming World group during their pregnancy is required to gain the consent and ongoing recommendations of their midwife.
- Slimming World do not advise members on their weight change during their pregnancy.
- Slimming World group Consultants support the member in maintaining a healthy balanced diet to manage her weight safely as advised by her midwife.
Slimming World recommends breast-feeding mums consume a varied, healthy diet to supply all the extra nutrients needed and advise that they make healthy food choices rather than increasing their intake of fatty foods to supply the additional energy and nutrient needs.
A booklet detailing the current recommendations for healthy eating and food safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is available to members in group.
