After you’ve had a baby, you just dont have the same amount of time or energy to put into your appearance for a while- and there’s nothing wrong with that!
It’s normal that your priorities shift, and when you’re navigating breastfeeding, night feeds, keeping your baby happy and everything else, the way you look might be the last thing on your mind. However, as the weeks and months go on and you start to find you have a little bit more free time again, you might reach a stage where you look in the mirror and want to get ‘you’ back. While this new you might not be the same person as before pregnancy and postpartum, it can be nice to do some things for yourself to make you feel good. Here are some ideas for going about it.
Have Your Hair Done
Postpartum isn’t very kind to our hair, most women lose at least some of their hair and if you notice thinning and lots falling out this is completely normal. Once it grows back it can start to stick up at funny angles and generally leave you looking like you’re having a bad hair day- every day! While there’s not too much you can do about hair regrowth aside from being patient, having your hair done postpartum can really help. A new cut and colour can make the most of what you’re currently working with, and you can even add hair extensions if you want extra length and thickness. If you go with clip ins it’s easy to maintain, simply apply them on the days that you have more time and dont bother on the days that you dont. Having your hair looking and feeling fresh can definitely make you feel more like yourself.
Get Some New Clothes
Buying new clothes after having a baby can be a struggle, chances are you’ve been living in maternity wear for some time and dont even know what your current style is. You might be breastfeeding and so limited on the choices that you have where some clothes are too restrictive. You might be conscious that your body has changed or just want a new style now that you’re a mum. Do your best to find a few pieces that make you feel good. Find things that have some stretch in, like dresses or tops with shirring at the bust which are easy to wear and really forgiving if you gain or lose weight. Stretch jeggings instead of restrictive jeans again are good as your body is changing and settling, and can make you feel like you’re wearing a ‘proper’ outfit and still be comfy, as opposed to things like loungewear. Check charity shops, Vinted and inexpensive high street shops if you’re not sure what kind of styles or sizes you want.
Pamper Yourself a Little
It’s easy to overlook self care when you’re knee deep in nappies and sleep deprivation, but making a bit of time for yourself can do wonders. You don’t need to book a full spa day (though that would be lovely!)- even small treats can help you feel more like you again. Run a hot bath with your favourite bubble bath or essential oils, light a candle, and give yourself a proper unwind, even if it’s just for 20 minutes. Or if you’re craving a bit of TLC, book in for a massage, a facial or a simple manicure. These little moments of indulgence are more than just beauty treatments, they’re a reminder that you’re still you beneath the mum mode, and you deserve to feel good.
