by Sarah on 7. February 2012 in
It seems like positive attention is spoon fed to you during your many months of pregnancy. In addition to the marvel and wonderment others look at you with, there is plenty of talk on how to feel great and look your best while you’re pregnant. However, shortly after you little bundle of joy arrives, the focus changes, and it’s easy to feel negativity come creeping in. Combine sleep deprivation, your changed body, lack of time, and a number of awkward transitions… it’s not uncommon for those joyous feelings of pregnancy to be clouded by a postpartum funk. As much as a new mother relishes the time with her sweet newborn, we understand that feeling great about yourself post-delivery isn’t always the easiest feat. Here are some tips that may help you to fully enjoy this unique time and to feel great about yourself… no matter what size jeans you’re wearing or if your life resembles that of a zombie!
:: Be Real. Be Prepared.
As excited as you may be to rid your wardrobe of maternity gear, it’s important to recognize that most likely you won’t be jumping into your favorite jeans for a few weeks, months, or longer! This is normal! When you think of all that your body has been through, it only stands to reason that it won’t bounce back to normal overnight. They say it takes 4-6 weeks just for your uterus to return back to normal shape—give your body and yourself a break—and be ok with wearing pants that may be a size or two bigger than normal. In the very beginning, allow yourself to revisit your maternity jeans from your first trimester. There is nothing wrong with this, and in all reality will look better for a short while until your body starts to recover. Resist the urge to continue this habit longer than necessary, and if needed, invest in some bigger pants to get you through the transition. Saying goodbye to the panel will boost your spirits no matter what size you’re wearing!
We suggest investing in a few mix-n-match staples for the weeks following pregnancy to help you through this awkward fashion time. While comfort is still key, you can still look put together. We suggest stocking up with items like Maxi skirts, nice fitting tanks or layering camisoles, longer cardigans, and some stylish active wear. Also equipping yourself with some fun accessories can help you to feel like you still have some fashion sense. Jewelry, scarves, or a cute new pair of shoes can do wonders for your slimming black wardrobe for a while! Prepare yourself with a few of these items before baby arrives… consider it a gift waiting for you at home after the hospital!
:: Take Time for Yourself
As mothers here at Oilo, we understand that there is a very real period of time after baby comes home where routines seem to fly out of the window. Cut yourself some slack about this, and just try your best to create new (possibly short lasting) routines that work for your new situation. One habit we feel is absolutely worth getting into is to take a little bit of time for yourself every single day. It may require forcing your tired self out of bed 10 minutes earlier, or accepting some help with baby (even if it is in the form of a baby swing)! The power of getting yourself up, dressed, and ready for a day is real. Some days you may only have the time to pull your hair back, put on some quick mascara, clean clothes, and lip gloss… but, you will feel better about yourself and the day ahead of you having taken this time to take care of yourself.
:: Be Confident
Firstly, there is a very real and proven connection between looking and feeling good. Even if you are competing with a less than desirable roll around the mid-section, you can still look good and have confidence. There is no reason that just because you recently had a baby, you have to forfeit doing the things that make you feel better about yourself. Get your hair cut/colored, indulge in a mani/pedi, or have a relaxing facial. Feeling good about how you look can help ward off those post-baby blues…it’s worth investing in!
Most importantly, find confidence in yourself and the fact that you just brought another life into this world. Your body is amazing, no matter its shape…and you have a darling child to remind you of that every time you hold him/her. Force yourself to admire what you have been through. Grant yourself the confidence that you deserve in your new role as a parent. Trust your decisions, your abilities, and yourself as a mother. Let go (for now) of how you used to look, and embrace the “scars” left and the beautiful time that is those precious days after baby arrives.
