EXCLUSIVE ‘The weight didn’t come off like everyone said’: Made In Chelsea’s Tiffany Watson describes her ‘uphill’ battle for body image post-baby
Tiffany Watson has candidly described her “uphill” battle with post-baby body image, admitting that “the hernia hasn’t come off”.
The Made In Chelsea star, 29, welcomed her first child, son Jude, with husband Colchester United footballer Cameron McGeehan in June and is adjusting to life as a new parent.
She admitted she had “naive” high expectations about losing weight after giving birth and said other new mothers told her it would “just fall off” while breastfeeding.
However, Tiffany shared that this was not her experience as her hunger levels increased while breastfeeding as she spoke about her postpartum struggles.
Speaking to MailOnline about her new role at Mama Bamboo as Head of Accessories Design, Tiffany admitted fitness was ‘difficult’ as she didn’t have time while parenting baby Jude.
Motherhood: Tiffany Watson has opened up about how her expectations were ‘pretty high’ when she lost the weight after giving birth to son Jude
She exclusively told MailOnline: ‘I was quite naive in my thinking – everyone was like me ‘oh my god if you breastfeed the weight just comes off’ but I didn’t find that to be the case because I’m so hungry because of breastfeeding.
“I eat more than usual because those hunger levels are completely different.”
“I feel like the weight didn’t come off like everyone said, so maybe my expectations were pretty high with that.”
“Also, it’s like finding time to actually go to the gym that doesn’t really exist, and when you have an hour off, it’s like, ‘oh, I should probably prioritize doing work or cleaning the house.’
“It’s hard, it’s hard but we’ve just joined the gym and we said we’ll go together and he’ll watch Jude and I go to class and then we’ll swap so hopefully we’ll stick with that which would be nice .’
Tiffany also spoke candidly about life as a new mother, admitting she didn’t ‘really prepare’ and didn’t read any parenting books before giving birth to Jude.
Now, she has to do solo parenting while her husband Cameron plays away for Colchester United and admits those times have been tough.
“It’s definitely a shock to the system, I don’t think I really prepared myself.” “I hadn’t done any NCT classes or read any books or anything, so I went into it pretty much blind,” she said.
Parenthood: The Made In Chelsea star, 29, welcomed her first child, son Jude, with husband Cameron McGeehan in June and is adjusting to life as a new mother
Struggles: Tiffany (pictured during pregnancy) admitted she had high expectations about losing the weight after giving birth and said other new mums told her it would ‘just fall off’
But luckily I had family who could help me through the first few weeks. I feel like it’s only now that he’s four months that it’s a bit more manageable, but when there are days when Cameron is away for football and I’m away, it’s difficult.’
Tiffany joked that Cameron often talks to her about his long nights of sleep while he’s away, leaving her furious because Jude has a hard time falling asleep at night.
Speaking about Cameron being away for work, she said: “I’m exclusively breastfeeding so I think a lot of it is put on me, so obviously it’s easier for the man if he’s away because it’s not like a part of him is needed.
“But obviously he misses him and he really misses me but he really drives me crazy because he’ll be like ‘oh I slept from 9pm to 8am last night’ and I’m like ‘I don’t need to hear that, so unfair!’
Although struggling with Cameron’s absence, Tiffany said she was delighted he had joined the Essex team, as there had originally been talk of them moving to Copenhagen or the Middle East with newborn Jude.
As well as welcoming her own son, Tiffany is also gearing up to be an aunt after her sister Lucy and her partner James Dunmore confirmed they are expecting.
Lucy, 32, announced the baby news in September, just three months after Tiffany gave birth, and the reality star said her sister told her she was pregnant shortly after giving birth to Jude.
Tiffany said: “I’m going to be an aunty which is so amazing and (the two babies) will be very close in age so it’s such happy news.
“I found out very soon after Jude was born, so I was very hormonal anyway, so I was so happy. I’m so happy for her and James, it’s just the best news.’
Tiffany said Lucy and James have found it “eye-opening” to help her with newborn baby Jude, and she urged the couple to enjoy this moment just the two of them before the baby arrives.
Changes: Tiffany and her husband Cameron married in May 2022 and announced they were expecting their first child in February (she’s pictured at her bachelorette party in May 2022)
Challenges: And Tiffany said she has to deal with single parenting while her husband Cameron is away playing for Colchester United and admitted times have been tough
Happy news! As well as welcoming her own son, Tiffany is also set to become an aunt after her sister Lucy and her partner James Dunmore confirmed they are expecting
Since announcing her pregnancy, Lucy has been open about her plans to raise her first child vegan, but Tiffany – who is also vegan – says she’s still undecided about doing the same for Jude.
“I’m undecided at the moment, he’s obviously only taking breast milk at the moment and that’s what they need until six months, so we’ve got a bit of time to decide.” I think we’re just going to — I don’t really know, I have to do more research on that,” she said.
“I’m not 100 percent sure, I have to talk to the baby nutritionist and see if I should go the plant-based route with him, what he should have as well to make sure he’s getting all the nutrients and stuff.” So I have to do some research on that.’
Four months after welcoming Jude, Tiffany is back at work and has been busy filming Made In Chelsea with her baby, while also working with nappy brand Mama Bamboo.
The star admitted she was ‘terrified’ filming with Jude in case he cried during the scene, but admitted the cast and crew were very accommodating when filming at her house.
Alongside her busy filming schedule, Tiffany has started a new role as Head of Accessories Design with eco-disposable nappy and wipes brand Mama Bamboo.
Tiffany has been using the brand’s products since Judah was born and chose to work with them because they are eco-friendly and aligned with her beliefs.
She said: “When I first had Jude, it was the brand of nappies and wipes we chose to use. We really liked the brand because the products are made from bamboo, so it’s really gentle on baby’s skin and it’s really kind, and it’s really kind to the planet, so it’s all in line with what we like to use ourselves.
“Then they noticed I was using the brand and buying it, and they got in touch with me and said they were thinking about starting this friends club for subscribers and sending their range into more bamboo-focused products, and would I like to be turned on.
‘So I was like ‘I’d absolutely love that’ because it’s everything that’s in line with me and everything that I love.’
Busy: Tiffany has been back to work four months since welcoming Jude and is now working with Mama Bamboo as Head of Accessories Design
New venture: Tiffany will collaborate with Mama Bamboo founder Laura Crawford to create a new line of bamboo-based products, including baby and muslins
Tiffany will work with Mama Bamboo founder Laura Crawford to create a new line of bamboo-based products, including baby and muslins, as well as gifts for members of Mama Bamboo’s loyalty club, the Bamboo Buddi Club.
While raising her son Jude, she will work with the brand from her home in London, as well as visit the offices to select and test the new product range.
Founder Laura said of Tiffany’s new role: “Tiffani is a great fit for the brand, having been appointed to this role, working on product testing, sharing her feedback and creatively investing in the design process.
‘Tiffani’s ethos is so aligned with ours and being a new mum she understands our customers.’
Made in Chelsea star and new mum Tiffany Watson has announced her new role as Head of Accessories Design at award-winning nappy and eco-disposable wipes brand Mama Bamboo.
Tiffany’s role will involve working closely with Mama Bamboo founder Laura Crawford to create a new line of beautiful and natural bamboo-based products, including baby and muslins, as well as a new gift range for members of Mama Bamboo’s loyalty club, the Bamboo Buddi Club.