How to Feel Pretty After Having a Baby

As someone who has recently had a baby (I have a 6 month old daughter), I usually feel tired and very frumpy because I spend all day taking care of my baby instead of myself. I love spending time with my baby but that doesn't mean I shouldn't spend any time on myself. If you feel good, you can really get more accomplished during the day and you seem to have more energy. Follow these easy steps and you will see what I mean.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A shower
• Make-up (basics will do here, powder, blush, and mascara)
• An outfit that makes you feel good about yourself

1. I know this can be difficult, but when you get up in the morning, take a shower first thing. Bring the baby into the bathroom with you if you can. I have found that putting my daughter in her bouncy seat usually keeps her quiet long enough for me to take a basic shower.

2. When you get out of the shower, moisturize. This only takes a couple seconds but can feel very pampering.

3. Put on some make-up. We're not talking a club hopping look but just enough to get rid of the look of exhaustion that most new mothers have.
   Don't forget to do something to your hair as well. I know its tempting to just pull it back but a little effort in this area will go a long way.

4. Get dressed! I don't mean sweats or lounge wear. Put on real clothes, something that hides any baby weight that you may have left in a not too obvious way. Choose something that makes you feel good about yourself and makes you want to look in the mirror every time you walk past.

5. If you can try to get out of the house for awhile. Even if its just a short walk, leaving the house will help you feel human again and give you a feeling of accomplishment for the day. Just doing these short steps will have you feeling pretty again in no time.

Tips & Warnings

• You won't be able to do all of these steps at one time. Baby will not allow it but that's ok, it takes mom's a little longer to get ready (remember this when you have to be somewhere).

Resources

• Pregnancy without Pounds
• Fit Yummy Mummy
• Fitness Ebooks

[huitzilin]

on 10/29/2008 These tips are things that we all should know but somehow, between feedings and diaper changes and sleepless nights, we forget them. I especially like the one about actually getting dressed! I have an 11-month-old, and for the first few weeks, I literally lived in pajamas (and felt huge and frumpy). Thanks for the good advice.