For the Sake of Appearences
(photo by Elizabeth)
There is a little secret that no one seems to want to tell you about being a new mom; it's going to take some time for you to feel like yourself again, and I am not just talking about the baby weight. This may seem obvious to some, but I guess I thought that once that baby popped out, my body would just whip itself back into it's pre-pregnancy state and I would jump right back into my old wardrobe. Not so much...I am just now, after six weeks, starting to feel like myself again. For the first month I felt like a human burp cloth, constantly covered in spit up and struggling to find the time to shower every day. I have finally gotten into a daily routine that allows for a quick morning shower and this alone feels like a huge accomplishment. I have also become quicker and cleaner when it comes to breastfeeding- fewer leaks, fewer drips- which means I can actually keep my outfit clean for the entire day!
This weekend, I took my first solo trip away from the little guy- for two hours! I got a massage and when I returned home, not only was I super excited to see my little one (absence truly makes this new mama's heart grow fonder) but I felt like a whole new person. We went over to our friends for dinner that night and I put on some makeup and a super cute nursing shirt, not to mention my pre-pregnancy jeans (yippee!), and I left the house feeling like a million bucks. I'll tell you... it did wonders for my confidence.
Now...I am not saying that appearance is everything, but it is an important part of who we are. So whether you are a new mom, someone who works at home (and is prone to spending the day in pajamas- been there, done that), or just someone whose spirit is in need of a lift, might I recommend pampering yourself a bit?
Whether you treat yourself to a pedicure, put on a new shade of lipstick, or change out of your ratty sneakers into a cute pair of boots- I guarantee your new and improved outward appearance will do wonders for your sense of self. Sometimes, it's the little things that make the biggest difference. Do you have any spirit-lifting tips and tricks you'd like to share?
*My perfectly worn-in Kerry Cassill button-down in Black Ashley (as seen above): one of the only non-nursing shirts I can wear.
*Supportive, cute nursing tanks.
*My gorgeous new necklace, which my husband gave to me on the day our boy was born (the circular pendant, as seen above).
*Burts Bees lip shimmer in Rhubarb; the perfect color.
*These fabulous organic cotton nursing pads, which are so soft and absorbent.
*A luxurious cashmere sweater from my mom, that is long enough to wear over leggings. It is my MOST favorite thing in my closet these days.
*My Bugaboo Frog stroller (which I bought for a steal on craigslist). This stroller makes walking a complete joy.
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I agree, Christine. Sometimes, as women, it is so important to just feel pretty.
I have spent the last couple years trying to find the balance between putting so much emphasis on vanity and appearance, but understanding it's importance in the confidence we have. I think it's most important to be beautiful on the inside, but our outside is still the carrier of our soul, and we want to feel and look the part of how we feel on the inside.
I agree...Your appearance has a lot to do with our confidence and self-esteem. But I have to say that you look great! You look so healthy...the thick hair, your glow...must be love!
What helps me feel the best consistently, is having my regular gym routine: walking, stair-stepper and lifting weights 3-4X/wk make me look and feel so good and it's a great stress reliever. As far as clothes, I'm loving my new Victoria's Secret cotton cashmere wrap sweater...even when your feeling bloated, it covers you up and looks elegant! :) And a new bra that is supportive and cute always helps too! :)
It's true that it takes time... I was a runner before my pregnancy (still am) but it took a really long time afterwards for it to feel ok to my body again. It was as though things had shifted around inside and were not in the same place anymore. Eventually, it all came back together. (Then again, I had twins, so that's a whole 'nother deal...!)
Totally agree. For me, it is this pair of brown suede boots that I bought when I was in Italy. After I had my little girl, none of my clothes fit... but my brown suede boots did! And they made me feel awesome.
Thanks so much for the recommendations on the post-pregnancy nursing wear...I am 8 months pregnant with my first child and I am at a loss!