Five Post-Pregnancy Boosts for New Mums

I'm not quite sure when the post-pregnancy period officially ends, I feel a bit like I'm still there even though Little E is nearly 17 months old! Those first few months post-baby can be a tough slog and it's easy for mums to forget about themselves in the day to day routine of caring for a newborn and the rest of the family. I've been thinking about a few ways that Mums can take a little time for themselves, working around baby of course!

1. Get Out and About

The age that I've left my littlest at has got younger with each baby. I've always had to take my time where I can find it, and around feeding my babies, but as time has gone by I've realised the importance of time alone - even if it's just a 15 minute walk around the supermarket without a little one attached to me!

If you're not happy leaving your little one then take them with you, meet up with a friend for coffee or lunch or check out a 'mum and babies' screening at your local cinema,  the Odeon do Newbies screenings and I think many of the other cinema chains do too. A simple walk in the park can make you feel so much better if you're feeling cabin fever setting in.

2. Book a Shopping Trip
I found my shape really changed after my first pregnancy and nothing looked right even if it fitted! Now three babies in and those days pre-baby are a dim and distant memory and I find myself sticking to the 'mum uniform' of skinny jeans, stripy top, flats and a cardigan. I had a personal shopper session when Bud was about six months old (Ian walked him around the shops while I had my appointment) and she really helped me to understand my new shape and to find some items that I would never have previously considered. I had my appointment at John Lewis and can't recommend it highly enough. In fact I think I need to book another one now!

Sometimes I'll go shopping and purposefully ignore the children's sections. It's the only way I seem to be able to buy for myself and is definitely good for the soul!

3. Get a Haircut

Pregnancy messes with your hair! If you're anything like me then your hair looks amazing until a few weeks after your baby arrives and then it falls out in clumps and you end up finding piles of it around your home every time you vacuum. I have really thick hair so I can always stand to lose a bit but a good haircut can make all of the difference when you're feeling like you might be losing it all!

You probably won't get as far as looking at FUE Hair Transplant Costs like Wayne Rooney but feeling like your hair looks great, with a simple cut and colour can make all of the difference.

4. Beauty Treatments

Just before I had Bud a lovely friend bought me a voucher for a 'new mum facial' which I booked when he was around 12 weeks old and it was divine! 40 minutes of relaxing bliss which totally transported me while it lasted. It cleared up my skin which was a bit grey and dull from all of the night feeds and really gave me a much needed boost. If you can't book a treatment, why not invest in a few favourite products and give yourself a pamper session at home? You can work around baby that way and a simple hot bath with some of your favourite bubble bath can be a real restorative.

5. Baby Groups

These are a real love-hate thing for many new mums but I always enjoyed going to those I went to. I didn't make loads of 'best friends forever' but I did enjoy the opportunity to meet people with similar aged babies to me and have a chat. On some days just being able to have a cup of coffee and a chat with someone who knows exactly what you're on about works miracles! I'd recommend 'shopping around' a bit to find the one that works best for you. I've been going to a toddler group for over 6 years now and I think we're part of the furniture there!

If you're looking for groups try asking your Health Visitor or local SureStart Centre. They should be able to signpost you to meet ups in your area and, hopefully, you might find one that suits you It doesn't have to be all Baby Gymnastics and Swimming and Yoga either. These tend to be quite expensive, my favourite group only costs £1 per week.

Obviously all of these ideas are simple ways for any new mum to give themselves a bit of a pick-me-up. If you feel like you're struggling it goes without saying that you should have a chat with your Health Visitor or GP.

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