Baby has arrived, it’s time to think about yourself. Treatments, sport, thalassotherapy… Discover our advice for getting back on track after pregnancy.
Your baby has been here for (already) several weeks and you don’t have a minute to yourself. Between bottles, crying and daily chores, you no longer know where to turn, but that’s no reason to get overwhelmed and not take care of yourself! Our advice for taking the time to take care of yourself, even with a baby!
1 – We buy new clothes
To avoid feeling like a marshmallow, put away jogging and pregnancy clothes! The time has come to have fun. Invest in a few new clothes that you will choose in your current size, and not in the expected size, and in which you feel good. Several inexpensive brands offer pretty pieces that will allow you to change without breaking the bank. Also remember to adapt your underwear to your new shapes. Bra with good support, special “flat stomach” panties, bodysuits… There is a wide choice of underwear that is perfect for hiding unsightly little bulges. To feel good about yourself, it is also essential to keep a beauty routine if you have one. Don’t worry, there’s no need to overdo it. Simply moisturize your face, put on some mascara and lipstick, and you’re done!
2 – Take care of your skin after childbirth
If appearance is important, it is also essential to hydrate your body well in order to reduce the traces that pregnancy may have left. For your epidermis to regain its pre-baby firmness, choose a cream specially formulated for post-pregnancy and a “special bust” treatment formulated for young mothers. The latter will also allow you to ease tensions and is generally compatible with feedings.
- If you have some stretch marks on the stomach, hips, thighs and/or chest, use a specific cream and massage the affected areas regularly, always remembering to avoid the nipple area if you are breastfeeding.
- Breastfeeding women often have irritated skin on their nipples. If it is advisable to let a little milk flow after breastfeeding and gently massage the nipples, a specially adapted balm to soothe and strengthen the nipples (Weleda breastfeeding massage oil, for example) can also be applied after each feeding.
- You may also still have a few brown spots on your stomach and/or face. If they can last for several months, these spots generally disappear spontaneously a few months after childbirth. If not, see a dermatologist.
- If you gave birth by caesarean section, remember to moisturize and massage your scar with a suitable cream. These massages will be performed daily for several months to eliminate the risk of adhesion.
3 – Opt for a new haircut
How about marking your new life with a new haircut? Square, degraded, short… It’s time to take the plunge and opt for the one you’ve always wanted. You can also opt for a new color. Perfect for changing your look and caring for your hair! Especially if you are prone to hair loss. This can be significant, but rest assured, all your hair will grow back in a few months! In the meantime, take care of your diet and favor foods rich in vitamins B2, B5, B6… If the hair loss continues for several weeks after childbirth, talk to your doctor who will possibly offer you a treatment.
4 – Get pampered, between two bottles
Taking time for yourself is essential to breathe a little between two bottles. Massage, exfoliation, manicure… The choice is yours, so indulge yourself! There are also post-natal thalassos that allow young mothers to rest, to benefit from treatments and massages, but also to follow weight training sessions in order to regain their pre-pregnancy tone. Perfect for a parenthesis with or without a baby.
5 – (Re)get into sport
In any case, it is best to seek advice from your gynecologist or physiotherapist. Depending on his answer, you will be able to get back to sport more or less quickly. However, initially prefer a gentle sport such as yoga, walking, swimming (except in the case of caesarean section)… You will be able after a few months (especially after the rehabilitation of the perineum) to go jogging, special gym ” young mom”…