Having a baby is rewarding in so many ways but it can also take its toll on both your physical and mental health – especially in the months immediately following the birth. It is common knowledge that the female body experiences extreme changes during pregnancy, but it seems as though no one ever talks about how the body is left afterwards. The postpartum period can often produce symptoms similar to that of puberty including mood swings and difficulty managing weight which are often as a result of differences in sleep, energy, appetite, and hormones.
Self-care is so important for women of all ages and lifestyles, but it can be difficult to find time to fit it into day-to-day life. This becomes somewhat of an impossible task when you add a baby into the mix and your typical pampering ritual tends to get neglected. This combined with the fact that you’re probably struggling to shift those last few pounds and the pressure that is put on women to get back to their pre-baby body can really have a negative impact on both yours and your baby’s wellbeing.
The following tips have been put together in order to help new mums look good with minimal effort and manage their emotional relationship with their post-pregnancy body.
- Start With Your Thinking
The first step in improving your relationship with your body is to change your mindset. This is often the most difficult step because society and the media lead us to think a certain way all our lives. Women are conditioned to believe that the thinner you are, the more desirable you are – but big is not bad. Pregnancy is often filled with lots of contradictory messages; one day you’ll be getting applauded for your pregnant body and the next you hear that you’ve let yourself go. You simply can’t win! As much as you can, you need to try and keep up a positive body image and not be too hard on yourself.
- Gradual Weight-Loss
When it comes to loosing weight after giving birth, the most important thing to remember is to take things slowly. Stay away from drastic diets and weight loss programmes and embrace healthy meals with plenty of fruit and vegetables. Both extreme diets and junk food can reduce your energy, so it is crucial that you find the right balance in order to keep your strength up – you’re going to need it trying to juggle life as a new mum!
Exercise is equally important when trying to lose weight. Try to take a brisk walk each day and have your little one safely tucked up in their pushchair in front. Still got stubborn areas of fat that you can’t seem to shift? It is very common for women to experience this following pregnancy. Consider getting a mummy makeover to help you get rid of tricky fat deposits, remove any excess skin, and get your pre-baby shape back.
- Haircare Tips
Haircare routines can be time consuming. Save time in the mornings by washing your hair before bed so you only need to quickly style it the following day and you’re good to go. Invest in some pretty scrunchies or slides to spruce up even the simplest of hair styles. Also, dry shampoo is going to be your best friend when your hair is looking a little greasy – simply give your hair a quick spray for an instant freshened appearance.
- Prioritise Your Skin
Both drinking lots of water and sleeping will do wonders for your skin. Getting enough sleep can be more difficult with a new-born but even if you just manage to get a few extra hours while your baby naps too, this can make all the difference! Fake tan is also great for giving you a healthy-looking glow.
- Easy Makeup
Tinted moisturiser and a bright eye shadow on the inner corner of your eyes is a simple yet effective way to help you appear fully rested and wide awake. If it’s within your budget, consider getting your eyelashes and eyebrows tinted to give the illusion of makeup without having to actually put it on each day!
- Styling Your Wardrobe
The main thing when it comes to deciding what to wear as a new mum is to wear what you feel comfortable in – don’t feel pressured to dress a certain way. Your body shape may have changed slightly but you can still embrace it. Invest in a pair of high-waisted jeans to help shape your tummy and flaunt your fuller breasts! Celebrity mums love wearing sunglasses to hide the signs of sleepless nights so why not give it a try yourself?
Following these tips is sure to give you the confidence boost you need after giving birth. Not only is this advice designed to make you look better but feel better too. So, what are you waiting for? Give them a try today and prioritise both your physical and mental wellbeing!
