Babys First Year Blog
4 Things to Make You Feel Like Yourself After Having a Baby
It’s easy to get lost in new motherhood, and it’s far too easy to start feeling like an unkept milk machine.
The advice I received from nearly everyone when I came home from the hospital was, “don’t worry about what you look like, just sleep.” It was recommended to me not to worry about taking showers or to even attempt to keep the house clean. And for many new mothers, this is probably good advice so you don’t feel overwhelmed, but it left me feeling lazy, unattractive and unproductive. I was already coping with a vastly different body, some serious sleep deprivation, and raging postpartum hormones. What I came to realize was that what I need was to get back to feeling like me again.
Here are the four things that I did that helped me start to feel like my pre-pregnancy self again:
These are four ways that help me feel more like me. But I would love to hear what you all do or did, or plan to do to help yourself feel better after having a baby?
One of the amazing things about getting to write on this blog, is the amazing comments I get to read after I post, so keep them coming. It is great to hear all of the unique perspectives.
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[...] prepared. I waited in anticipation for weeks after the birth and my hair seemed entirely intact. I got my hair cut just to prepare for it (which I now regret – but that is another story). I thought I was a lucky [...]
My Hair is Everywhere | Babys First Year Blog commented on Sep 27 11 at 1:19 pmKenna commented on Jun 15 11 at 5:36 pmExercise, exercise, exercise. Even the simple matter of walking around the block. Exercise was my jump start to my day, walking, jogging, or even the simple pilates or yoga videos at home that I could do with my baby. I can’t go more than 2 days without doing some form or exercise. Now my 4 year old and my 1 year old love to do the work out videos with me, sit on my back during push ups, or love the ride in the jogging stroller.
I would also agree, makeup, I put a little bit of concealer on everyday even if i’m not going anywhere or seeing anyone, it just makes me feel better, and when I feel better the whole day is better.
Good luck with the adjusting of life with a new baby!
Kristyn commented on Jun 15 11 at 6:55 pmI agree with these 100%. I would also add get outside the house for a little while each day. Baby and I take a little walk around the yard each morning and it makes me feel less cooped up.
Holly commented on Jun 15 11 at 7:38 pmhaha, It took me a good two weeks to figure this stuff out after I had Eli! I felt like a zombie and then all of the sudden I was realizing I felt like crap because I was treating myself like crap! The minute I got off my butt and decided to deal with being tired and get out into the world again I felt way better! But I do miss those naps! Now the second time around I was ready to get home and was out of the house at Target the next day!
Bre commented on Jun 15 11 at 8:27 pmMy advice would be to go outside!! Even if it’s just to get the mail. Fresh air makes me feel like a human being (and not wanting my neighbors to think im a schlub is motivation to put on real clothes)
Nadja commented on Jun 15 11 at 10:30 pmYou know I don’t have a child yet and everything you said sounds good to me! It seems like many women out there forget they are human beings once they have children. All the dedication goes towards the baby, and even when baby is a bit older many women still forget about themselves, about the things they liked to do. They become a termite.
I hope I’m not the type of mother that won’t leave the house because of the hassle of taking mr/ms baby. Of course I have no clue what is like to have one but that’s what I think. I admire people that go on trips and still do all the things they did before having kids. I want to be like them.I can relate to somethings even though I’m not a mother. Because I work from home I often feel gross and ugly so whenever I get out of the house I try to look my best. One thing I should do though is what you suggested; you don’t need to have a place to go to put on decent clothing, do hair and make-up.
Stacie commented on Jun 15 11 at 10:57 pmI don’t wear makeup normally, so I didn’t put it on postpartum–but I would agree that the shower is a MUST. I don’t believe I missed a shower at all during the early months–it was non-negotiable.
I also refused to get the “mom bob”–I’ve had long hair since junior high, when I grew out a bad, traumatic ’80s short haircut, and getting the short bob would make me feel like an alien. So I didn’t. My son is 10 months old and I still have the long hair, which is not time-consuming to manage.
Meagan commented on Jun 16 11 at 11:30 pmTotally with you on the shower. It’s the only thing that let’s me feel human most days.
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