New partnership to help with weight issues

It brings together world-class midwifery and maternity expertise and the UK’s leading weight management organisation, with 42 years’ experience.

It is part of the Alliance Programme, which promotes the work of the RCM to midwifery professionals, actively supports midwifery and promotes the interests of the RCM, midwives and mothers.

Obesity in pregnancy can lead to serious complications for a mother and her developing child.

It is estimated that over a quarter of women in the UK aged over 16 are obese and Slimming World champions healthy eating and sensible weight control in pregnancy.

Caryl Richards, Slimming World’s managing director, said: ‘Slimming World is the only national weight management organisation in the UK which continues to provide support to members when they become pregnant.

‘This is a time when women often feel vulnerable and unsure about the way to manage their weight; they need specialist support and we’re very proud of the positive contribution we make to the lives of so many women and their families.
 
‘Many women who come to Slimming World tell us that their weight problems began in pregnancy, and that their weight increases with each successive pregnancy. We know it doesn’t have to be that way.’ 

‘We don’t encourage weight loss or ‘dieting’ during pregnancy – instead we support women to adopt a balanced, healthy diet to prevent excess weight gain,’ said Carly. ‘We also help mums to manage their weight healthily following the birth of their child, while breastfeeding.’ 

Slimming World’s approach is a healthy balanced diet and moderate activity, backed up by group support.

With the consent and on-going recommendation of their midwife or GP, Slimming World works with women to address weight management issues.

Cathy Warwick, RCM chief executive, said: ‘Nothing could be more vital than the work of the RCM and Slimming World to improve the health of women, and through this, their babies. 

‘Their approach to weight management with pregnant women is sound, achieves positive results and helps to change the lives of many women.

‘This partnership will mean that we can work together to raise awareness of the right kind of weight management in pregnancy, through Slimming World’s groups and through the work of midwives to improve the health of women and their babies.’