Pregnant women have an inherent glow – all healthy skin and thick, lustrous hair. But once the baby arrives, things change considerably. That taut bump is now a wobbly tummy and you may be feeling tired, sore and overweight.

Take a deep breath

Take a deep breath. It takes nine months to put the weight on and it should take nine months to lose it. If you’re breastfeeding you can’t diet anyway, so enjoy your baby and remember the wonderful job you’ve done giving birth. Photos of celebrities getting back into their jeans straightaway are a fallacy. They have teams of nutritionists, nannies and personal trainers, whilst many seek help from the scalpel…

The good news is - other people are far more interested in your baby and his/her cute little fingers and toes. They don’t notice the dark circles under your eyes or the fact that you’ve worn the same outfit three days in a row.

The body does change after childbirth; hips, thighs, tum and bum all widen to some degree. However, this can be a good thing, heralding the start of an exciting new way of dressing. Curves have positive associations: think Marilyn Monroe and Botticelli’s Venus.

Here’s our definitive guide to respecting yourself again:

Love the skin you’re in

Massage your skin every morning and evening - you’ll help keep it supple and improve the look of stretch marks. Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Firming Butter (£4.49) is famous for its firming properties and chocolatey smell.

Underwear counts

Get yourself some good, uplifting underwear. A properly fitted bra will improve posture, streamline the silhouette and separate your bosom from your waist. If you’re not breastfeeding, you’ll be able to wear underwired bras again (hooray).

Nip and tuck...

... without a knife in sight - check out the ‘Perfect Bum Lift Knickers,’ from Marks and Spencer. Available in black, white and nude, they’ll banish any wobbly bits and streamline your hips and bottom.

Buy the right size

Many women hide behind too big, baggy clothes. It doesn’t matter if you’re a size eight or 18 – clothes with darts and tailoring will shave off pounds and enhance what you have.

Celebrate a bigger bust

Don’t cover up with high-necked tops. A larger bust can look great when accentuated properly (make sure you have a supportive bra). Look for deep v-neck or wrap styles to define your cleavage. Pretty camisoles can be layered underneath jumpers and long sleeved tops.

Smooth out any lumps and bumps

It’s fine to wear detailing on your top half (ruffles, wraps, buttons, draping). But when it comes to your bottom half – keep it plain and simple. If a skirt has pleats make sure they are wide and structured.

Trouser know-how

Everybody should own a pair of black trousers. They flatter all hip and bum sizes. Look for styles with a medium height waistband that supports your tummy. Gently flared or bootcut styles give a streamlined silhouette. Check out Wallis and Zara for good tailored trousers, which are cut for women not teenagers!

Flaunt those curves

1950’s style full skirts, fitted cardigans, tailored jackets and fitted shirts are perfect for curvier ladies. Avoid tight pencil skirts and stick to A-line or full swing skirts, which give the illusion of a small waist.

Show off your waist

The clever use of a belt can make you look like you’ve dropped a dress size. If you don’t have the time or inclination to accessorise your outfit, look for cardigans and dresses with a belt attached. Outerwear is an area where belts work a treat, particularly trench coats. Cinched in at the waist, a trench is great for emphasizing an hourglass figure.

Brighten up!

Bright colours are great mood enhancers. Many women shy away from brights, but it depends on how you wear them. A shot of bright colour here and there can compliment your skin tone. Wear a punchy camisole underneath a neutral cardigan or add a zingy scarf for a healthy dose of colour.

Invest in a tailored dress

A good dress should highlight the waist, bust and hips without being too tight. Matalan have an extensive selection of dresses this autumn. Check out their ‘Et Vous Check Hitch up Dress’. It’s a flattering grey check with a sweetheart neckline and wrap detail at the side.

Go for dark denim

It looks smart and hides a multitude of sins. Go for bootcut and flared styles to balance out your figure. Slanted back pockets are also ideal for slimming a big bottom.

It can take anything from a year to 18 months for your body to settle back into its pre-pregnancy state. So ignore any pressure to snap back into your old clothes and enjoy your new curves. Think of it them a rite-of-passage into womanhood.