Q&A with Reality Star Kristin Cavallari

Along with Jenna Fischer, is The Hills star Kristin Cavallari the new celebrity patron saint of postpartum moms struggling to get their body back? The new mom, to son Camden, took to Twitter recently to correct reports she’d already lost all her baby weight, just six weeks after the birth of her son. We chatted with the actress and bride-to-be (she’s engaged to Chicago Bears football player Jay Cutler) about standing up for new moms, her first few weeks adjusting to motherhood, and her fears about breastfeeding.

Why did you choose to correct US Weekly for saying you'd already lost the baby weight?
It was sending the wrong message to women that you should be able to lose all of your baby weight right away. Women may see that and think--why can't I lose my baby weight?--and get down on themselves. The truth is, I still have a few pounds to go before my pre-baby weight. It doesn't just magically fall off like it seems with so many celebs. 

What would you tell a new mom who's obsessing over getting her body back?
I would say not to obsess! It takes time and whenever you start, try not to be too hard on yourself. Just look at your baby and remember why that extra weight is there. We need to remind ourselves of the incredible journey our bodies went through and applaud it rather than being critical of it. 

Do you have a different view of your body after giving birth?
Absolutely. I have a newfound respect and appreciation. 

Can you describe what being postpartum was like for you?
I set myself up for postpartum to be incredibly difficult and thought I would be walking around like a zombie. I actually had this adrenaline the first few weeks, which made me not need much sleep. Every time I tried to nap during the day I wasn't able to. I was surprisingly calm regarding the baby. I was expecting to be a little more neurotic and worrisome. There were difficult times, but overall I was calm and happy. It all felt very natural to me.

We read you're nursing. Was it easier or harder than you thought? What advice would you share with a new mom? 
I know how difficult nursing can be so I got very lucky with Camden because he latched on right away. I took a breastfeeding class that was incredibly helpful, though. I also talked to friends and family and asked a ton of questions. I'd say the more info you know, the better.

Is Cam a good traveler? 
He is! I was nervous before the first flight I took with him. It's best if you can travel when you know they'll be sleeping. It also helps their ears to nurse or give a pacifier during take off and landing. 

How would you describe sleep deprivation to a soon-to-be-new-mom? 
You just have to go into it knowing you won't be getting much sleep and there will be hard times, but try to get help from family and friends. Don't plan on doing anything else those first few weeks. But it's all worth it. When you get that first smile from your baby, your heart will melt and you'll say that you would do it all again.