Rebecca Adlington admits pressure to snap back to her pre-baby body

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Rebecca and husband Harry Needs welcomed their first child on June 8
The 26-year-old said becoming a mother has been 'life changing'
The Olympic champion is an ambassador for Huggies Little Swimmers

Published: 04:00 EST, 5 August 2015 | Updated: 05:17 EST, 5 August 2015

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Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington has spoken candidly about adjusting to life as a new mother - and how she is putting pressure on herself to return to her pre-pregnancy shape.

The 26-year-old swimmer - who welcomed daughter Summer on June 8, her first child with husband Harry Needs - told FEMAIL that she is 'looking forward' to fitting back into her old clothes but her number one priority is spending time with her newborn.

Despite a painful labour and sleepless nights, the Mansfield-born sportswoman revealed that becoming a parent has been 'life changing'.

Rebecca added that she'd love to have more kids in the future and she plans to have a 'big family'.

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Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington takes a dip in the swimming pool with her two-month-old daughter Summer

Speaking about life with her two-month-old daughter, Rebecca said: 'I love it! Obviously it’s a big adjustment but we’re settling in and we just love her.

'It’s been so life changing. Family is really important to me so being together - the three of us - is so rewarding.

'Things like seeing Summer’s first smile, of course the first time we took her to the pool together. Creating those little memories together, I love it.'

However, four-time Olympic medal winner Rebecca, who is famed for her athletic physique, said she has felt under pressure to return to her pre-baby body - although she admits it has all come from her.

'Really only from myself. I don’t feel quite like myself just yet but I’ve enjoyed doing a few workouts again and I am looking forward to getting back in my old clothes,' she said.

'I'm not going to rush it though, as I don't want it to totally cut into my time with Summer. My priority is her.'

Rebecca, pictured in April 2014, has revealed she doesn't 'feel quite like myself just yet' and is looking forward to getting back in her old clothes

Rebecca, pictured during the Women's 800m Freestyle final at the London Olympic Games in 2012, retired from competitive swimming in February 2013 at the age of 23

Fitness fan Rebecca, who retired from competitive swimming in February 2013, was in the pool 'all the time' during her pregnancy and now tries to go as often as she can: 'Obviously where time permits!'

Rebecca managed most of her labour in a birthing pool, as she had planned, but had to get out when complications arose just before Summer was born. She admits the process was a lot more agonising than she expected it to be.

'I knew it was going to be painful of course but I didn't really think about the type of pain,' she said.

'It’s worse as its painful for a long time and so intense. You don't know when it’s going to end either.

'It’s a hard pain to describe too. It’s all worth it of course but not something I would want to experience too many times!'

Despite this she added: 'We want a big family and would like a close age gap between children but we want to enjoy our time with Summer first.'

The former I'm A Celebrity contestant said the experience was harder than winning her two Olympic gold medals: 'To be fair it was totally different as Olympics was about ten years of hard work and labour is only one day, but labour is definitely a more intense pain.'

Rebecca and her personal trainer husband Harry Needs, pictured together in May 2015 before the birth of their daughter, are 'very much a team' and share all childcare responsibilities

After welcoming their newborn Rebecca and her personal trainer husband Harry struggled to decide on a name.

'It was a tough decision. For two or three days she didn't have a name,' she said.

'We really struggled but then my sister Chloe came up to visit with a list of names and Summer was one of them.

'We loved it and we realised we got married in summer, conceived in summer and I won my medals in summer so it seemed so right.'

While Harry 'wanted a boy at first', he was over the moon when he discovered the pair were having a healthy little girl.

'Harry loves being a dad,' Rebecca said. 'He went back to work after a week but because he works early mornings and late in the evening he’s been able to spend loads of time with Summer during the day, which is brilliant.

'He's very hands on. He has been changing and feeding her. We’re very much a team and share everything.'

The sportswoman gets emotional as she collects her bronze medal for the Women's 800m Freestyle final during the London Olympic Games in 2012

Rebecca, 26, hit the swimming pool throughout her pregnancy and now tries to squeeze in sessions 'where time permits'

Although it's clear that Rebecca and Harry adore their bundle of joy, they have challenges to overcome like any other new parents.

'It’s not a challenge as such but you do have to accept that life will never be the same – in a good way,' she revealed.

'You have to make sure you plan a bit, I can’t just nip to the shops anymore! But I wouldn’t change anything, I’ve always wanted to be a mum.'

She also said napping has 'become essential' and admits the only time she has to herself is when she takes a shower.

'Summer wakes every few hours for a feed but goes to sleep in-between, and so do we!' she said.

'Seriously though, Harry and I are really good at sharing it all, so he gives me an hour to work out and then I have her all day while he works.

'I've managed a cinema trip with a friend and Harry’s had a day with the boys too. It’s all about balance, even though we're parents now we still want to be us too.'

Rebecca, pictured at the BBC Sports Personality Of The Year Awards in December 2014, has revealed she would like a 'big family'

Rebecca, who is one of the most decorated female Olympians of all time, has also managed to squeeze a few work projects into her busy schedule.

She is currently doing punditry for the World Championships, running her 'learn to swim' programme called Becky Adlington Swimstars and has launched a new campaign with Huggies Little Swimmers.

As an ambassador for the brand, which make swimming nappy pants, Rebecca is encouraging families to enjoy the water this summer.

'It’s not just about getting in the swimming pool, it could be splashing around in a paddling pool, a dip in the sea or even in the bath!' she said.

'Having Huggies Little Swimmers to hand makes it so much easier as there’s no risk of accidents spoiling the experience.

'I’m a firm believer in swimming together as a family, I think it really helps boost confidence and development in little ones – it definitely did for me.

'The younger you can get babies in the water the better, it helps them get used to it before their fears kick in as they get older and can start a lifelong habit.'

In the pool with Rebecca Adlington: Why you should take your children swimming

1. I loved being in the water from a young age and my sisters and I were fortunate to have parents who took us swimming every Saturday. It was the most fun we had as kids and created lots of wonderful memories. And it doesn’t cost a fortune.

2. Swimming is a life skill everyone should have - it could save your life one day as well as being great for your health and well-being. I’d love Summer to follow in my footsteps but whatever she decides to do, I’ll be happy as long as she’s a confident swimmer. Just like my parents, Harry and I plan to take her swimming every week.

3. Getting back in the water is empowering for new mothers as well as being a great confidence booster. It’s easier said than done, but women should try not to worry about their post-pregnancy figure and instead embrace spending time with their new arrivals. It’s also worthwhile remembering that swimming is a fantastic all over exercise which can help tone your whole body. You actually burn 300 calories for every 30 minutes of swimming, which is why it is one of the most effective forms of cardiovascular exercise.

4. Swimming is one of the few activities you and your little one can actually participate in and enjoy together – it provides that real special bonding time for parents and children.

5. Once you’ve been swimming with your baby a few times you’ll realise that it’s a huge amount of fun and really not much hassle. Preparation is key of course and a well-packed swim bag can make it even more enjoyable. I never leave home without Huggies® Little Swimmers, which won’t expand or leak in the water, a change mat and oversized towels to wrap up in when we come out of the pool.

Rebecca Adlington is an ambassador for Huggies Little Swimmers. For practical advice, support videos and a step-by-step guide to taking babies swimming, visit www.littleswimmers.co.uk.