**Collaborative Guest Post**
It’s perfectly normal, following pregnancy, for you to feel as though you no longer recognise your body; and your mind may have taken a holiday too! The simple fact is you have a new focus in life. Time to even think about yourself, let alone time to spend on your appearance, is in short supply. Let’s face it, it can be a huge effort to get yourself dressed in the morning, and a coffee that’s still warm when you drink it is a distant memory. Hair, makeup and a new wardrobe are just not a priority at this stage.
Fast forward a few months, and as the clouds begin to part, you will feel more inclined to take an interest in, and focus on, yourself again.
So, what can you do to make the most of what you’ve got? From a few simple changes to something a little more extreme, here are some tips to get you started.
1 Work from the inside out
There are many different changes we go through from a mental health perspective. Some women find themselves no different, others can barely recognise their own state of mind. It’s vital that you have a network of friends or family to be able to share, honestly, how you are feeling. If you are struggling with your mental health don’t hesitate to speak to a professional. It’s a very common issue and one that can be rectified with the right kind of help. There’s no shame in seeking help and it may well be the best thing you do to be the kind of parent your child deserves. Once you feel more like your old self on the inside, you can start to work on the outside.
2 Pamper yourself
Ok, maybe we’re not talking full on spa day here, but you need to find a little bit of time to have a long soak in the bath or an invigorating shower, to set you off in the right direction. Getting the foundations right, whether it’s a buffing body scrub or a soothing balm, can set the tone for your new body care regime. Start as you mean to go on and make it part of your weekly routine.
3 Have a hair cut
You’re probably an expert now at perfecting your hairstyle in a matter of minutes, if not seconds. The ‘up-do’ is likely your best friend, opting for simple styles requiring minimum time and effort. But you’d be surprised how a visit to the salon can boost your self-confidence. Not only are you getting time to yourself, but you might also even get a hot cup of coffee to boot! Go for simple to manage styles, and if you’re having a colour applied, try to choose something that’s easy to maintain and that won’t look outgrown in a couple of weeks.
4 Makeup and moisturise
If those sleepless nights have taken their toll, and exhaustion is written all over your face, maybe it’s time to invest in some clever cover ups. A little bit of concealer beneath the eyes, a touch of mascara and a natural lip gloss can do wonders to add a healthy glow to your skin, even on the most draining of days. Maybe even treat yourself to a makeup session at a department store to get some professional pointers. Failing that, you can check out the thousands of tutorials online, and give it a go yourself. If makeup isn't your thing, make moisturising part of your daily routine. It’ll make your skin feel fresher and will add a healthy glow to your face.
5 Wardrobe overhaul
Whether your body is the same as before you had children, or it’s looking a little different, try to dress in a way that allows you to be comfortable, whilst emphasising your best bits at the same time. Your priorities may be different now and your wardrobe will reflect that. But that doesn’t mean you can’t dress to impress, whenever the mood takes you. Maybe you’re heading back to work, and you need to invest in more formal pieces. If that’s the case, you should consider ease of upkeep. You don’t want to be trekking to the dry cleaners every weekend, so try to find items that you can take care of at home. Similarly, if you’re staying at home with small children, you can still be stylish. The rise in popularity of ‘athleisure’ means you can effectively dress in joggers and a t-shirt, but still be on trend.
6 Body confidence
There’s no getting away from the fact that pregnancy and breastfeeding can have dramatic effects on the body. Whether you’ve gained weight, changed shape, or just haven’t been able to keep up with your exercise schedule, you might feel that you no longer recognise what you see in the mirror. For this reason, some women choose to go down the route of cosmetic surgery. It can be a good way to reverse some of the changes that you just can’t deal with by yourself. Fat removal, tummy tucks and breast surgery are popular amongst women who have had children. Enhance Medical Group is one such company that has clinics dotted around the UK, making it easy to pay them a visit without travelling for miles. So, if it’s liposuction in Liverpool or breast enlargement in Birmingham, you can tackle your areas of insecurity at a location close to home.
Hopefully you’ve found some of the tips useful, and you can start to incorporate them into your life. The trick is, don’t feel pressured. If and when you’re ready to pay a bit more attention to yourself, take it at your own pace. Your situation is unique, so don’t compare yourself to other mums whose lives may not resemble yours in any way. Don’t expect too much of yourself, and don’t feel guilty for wanting to take time out. Raising a child is a demanding business on both body and mind. So, give yourself a break and try to embrace the new you. Whether it’s a new hairstyle or a trip to a cosmetic surgeon that helps you along the way, if it works for you, it’s the right thing to do.
xXx
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