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There’s nothing like growing a human for 10 months, giving birth, and then keeping said human alive to make you feel not quite like your pre-baby self, amiright? It can be really hard to start feeling like ‘you’ again postpartum, but here’s how I’ve managed to start feeling better postpartum and somewhat normal, even after having my 3rd babe:
Feeling Better Postpartum
Lower Your Expectations
Then lower them again. You may think that other moms have all their stuff together right after they have a baby but unless you live with them 24/7, you’re only seeing part of the picture. No one – I repeat, no one – has it all together right after they have a baby. Or ever, for that matter.
Dress the Part
No, your skinny jeans won’t fit (probably… if they do, good for you!) but wearing something other than your hubby’s old boxers and a college t-shirt is good for the postpartum soul. A few of my favorites are comfy matching pjs, leggings, and a good nursing bra.
Take Care of Your Skin
Chances are, pregnancy changed your skin (along with the rest of your body). I found that my skin was much drier during and after pregnancy than normal. I’ve been using PONDS® Dry Skin Cream to moisturize and it’s one of those thick creams that works SO well – definitely keeping in on-hand for the dry winter coming up. I’ve also been using Noxzema® Classic Clean Original Deep Cleansing Cream for SO many things this summer – it’s a great cleanser but it also works for sunburns, on mosquito bites, and it has a great wake-you-up scent for mornings when my kids wake up before me (ie every morning). Bonus – both of these products are SUPER inexpensive ;).
Bronze Up
This is a personal preference and may not be for you, but I find that tan flab looks better than pale flab ;). I definitely do NOT tan in the sun but I do use sunless tanner about once a week to give myself a healthy glow. Be sure to exfoliate well before you apply so you aren’t streaky and orange. I keep St. Ives® Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub in the shower to exfoliate and it works wonders!
Get Moving
No, you don’t need some crazy exercise routine 6 weeks after giving birth. But having some goals to work towards is always helpful. I try to sweat at least 3xs/week, mostly at home or on walks because I’m always with a baby.
Eat Right
Basic, boring, but essential. I got into a bit of an unhealthy “eat-whatever-whenever” phase when I was pregnant and it carried over to postpartum and the weight didn’t melt off this time like it did with my other two. I ended up doing a total reset of my diet to lose the weight while nursing – almost all whole foods, lots of fruits and veggies, tons of protein, and only “good” carbs instead of the handfuls of Goldfish crackers, bags of Pretzel Crisps, and pizza I was eating before.
Get Out
I remember going for a drive to pick up a pizza after I had Emmy, all by myself. I wasn’t wearing a bra, my hair was a mess, but I felt FREE and those 16 minutes really recharged me, as weird as that sounds. Some people (me) need some time to themselves or with other adults to feel like themselves, and that’s ok.
Set Up Shortcuts
Whether it’s splurging on grocery delivery, making a ton of freezer meals in bulk, or hiring a neighbor girl to come over to watch your big kids, be prepared for being tired and not wanting to do the mundane ‘mom’ things. I keep these Simple® Cleansing Facial Wipes next to my bed in my nightstand so I can get all the junk off my face at the end of the day even if I’m already in bed. #momlife
All the skincare goodies mentioned above can be found at Walmart – cheap, effective and convenient – the combo really doesn’t get better for moms.
