Actresses in Hollywood these days are getting thinner and thinner. The entertainment industry has set these standards for female stars, and competition can be fierce over movie roles. Unfortunately, these pressures have carried over to also affect Hollywood's expectant moms. While these women may be able to indulge in ham and cheese sandwiches during their pregnancies, many of them know that it will be "crunch time" – literally – after the new baby clothes have barely been folded and put away. The care of these newborn babies will be relegated to someone else while Mommy prepares for a sweat session that can last anywhere from one to three hours.

Look at Halle Berry for starters. She's been in seclusion after having her daughter, but she's recently been spotted out and about in L.A., looking as fit as ever only two months after giving birth. It's no surprise, seeing as how People magazine recently published a copy of her strict workout regime and diet. How does circuit training 60 minutes a day, five days a week sound to you? Don't forget a diet consisting of lean protein, lots of water, vegetables and complex carbohydrates, which I'm guessing is well below the average American's 2,000-calorie a day consumption.

When I had my first child via c-section, I was told not to exercise for six weeks after the delivery, and I followed those instructions to the letter. Exercise was the last thing on my mind, but I was lucky and hadn't gained a lot of weight during my pregnancy. Nursing helped burn extra calories so I didn't really watch my diet either. I was too exhausted and sleep deprived to think about dieting and monitoring what I ate. I was too enthralled with my new daughter.

Unfortunately, many Hollywood moms don't get to enjoy that laid back attitude after the birth of a child. While male actors can put on a few pounds while their wives are pregnant and they won't lose a job over it, younger and hotter actresses who aren't bearing children can be cast over a new mom in a heartbeat.

I think it's sad how Hollywood expects the female celebrities to get in tip-top shape so soon after giving birth. I never realized how severe the expectations were until I saw a photo "slideshow" on UsMagazine.com one day that told how several stars got their bodies back in shape after their babies. I read about how Kate Hudson worked out for three hours a day in the weeks following Ryder's birth because she had a movie to film. Three hours. I can't imagine spending an hour a day away from my newborn after giving birth, much less three. I remember watching the movie "The Skeleton Key" and thinking how thin (almost too thin) she looked. She filmed that movie just a few months after her son was born.

I also wonder how healthy can all that exercise really be for a nursing mother who needs her energy and extra calories to feed and care for her baby? I also know a lot of actresses have their babies delivered via c-section for a variety of reasons, and it sounds like they are being forced back to the gym before they have a chance to heal properly, which could be dangerous in many regards.

I'll admit I've stood in check-out lines at the grocery store and gnashed my teeth over how slim and fit some of these new moms look just months after having their babies. But now that I know more of the truth behind these transformations, I have to be grateful for my normal, everyday mom existence. After each of my children was born I didn't have a movie role to get in shape for or a television series to shoot. I didn't have to watch my diet carefully and I got to take naps with my babies in the middle of the day instead of rushing off to the gym for a kickboxing session.

I understand it's all part of the job, but I feel like these celebrity moms need to stand their ground and make a choice over what is more important. Babies are only young once, and spending quality time with their mothers is critical to their well being and development. Some actresses have chosen to step out of the spotlight, reject the desire to look perfect after baby and raise their children without a lot of fuss for a few years. Gwyneth Paltrow is a perfect example of this. She's just recently begun accepting movie roles again and says she's grateful she took the time away from the pressures of Hollywood.

I also really admire Keri Russell, who recently welcomed son River into the world. Every time she is photographed she has her baby in a sling snuggled close to her. I read an interview where she said after River was born she took him on walks all over New York City, did Pilates once a week, and admitted many times that she waited a long time before she left him with a babysitter other than her husband. Now there's a woman who has her priorities straight!

Hollywood executives should celebrate new moms for creating new life and protecting that life for nine months before bringing a child into the world, not tell these actresses to find a nanny and put the personal trainer on speed dial. Women such as myself look up to these actresses as role models. Is this really the message that new moms should be receiving? Starve yourself as soon as possible after the birth of your baby, work out for three hours a day, and get back to work as soon as possible! I think not.