POLL: Do You Feel the Pressure to Be a Skinny New Mom?

I blogged on a related subject a while back (regarding the impossible standards that new celeb moms often set for us mere mortals). I've also blogged about mommy makeovers. Now, however, I'm asking my readers to weigh in on this multi-facted subject. Have you gone to extremes (including strict dieting, uber-exercise, and/or plastic surgery) to get your body back after pregnancy? What do you think about moms-to-be doing strenuous exercise and counting calories during pregnancy? Do you think there's too much pressure to do so, especially with all the other pressures on a new mom? (like, I don't know, caring for your child, balancing work life and motherhood, getting healthy and strong again rather than just skinny and fabulous).

As your guide to plastic surgery, I obviously have nothing against plastic surgery. The truth is that I've had some myself. As a new mom, I feel the pressure...perhaps less with my second child than with my first. Priorities have a way of rearranging as I get older. But that doesn't mean I don't sometimes feel "less than" for not bouncing back into pre-pregnancy shape in record time. In fact, the words "breast lift" and "tummy tuck" enter my mind more often than I care to admit.

So, new moms (and you veteran moms too)---Please weigh in on my latest poll about post-baby supermodel syndrome (not a technical term). And when you're done voting, leave a comment or swing on by the plastic surgery forum and join the discussion.