Tips for Looking and Feeling Your Best After Giving Birth

Although there may have been days when you didn't feel it (and when you don't feel it, it can be hard to believe it), during your pregnancy, you really did experience some of the most physically beautiful times of your life. Aside from the "pregnancy glow" and probably the longer hair and nails, there's simply something so stunning about a woman who is carrying life inside of her.

Now the baby is here, though, and you're trying to find some way to (physically) get back to who you were before you were pregnant; or at least some way to embrace this "new normal" of yours. There are certain things that you can do to get back to looking and feeling your best in this season. The good news is that they're things that don't require a ton of extra time and effort, either.

If you're ready for your "new beautiful you", keep reading.

Don't leave without the basics. OK, a full face of makeup may not be something that you have time for or even care about doing anymore, but there are three essentials that you must not forget to do that will only take up a couple of minutes of your time. Make sure to wash and moisturize your skin, apply a couple of coats of waterproof mascara and dab on a bit of tinted lip gloss. If you want to take it up one more notch, a brush of bronzer will keep you having that "pregnancy glow", even after the fact.

Get on a workout regimen. In the back of your mind, this is probably something that you already know you should do and have been actually talking to yourself about for a while now. Let this serve as your confirmation because working out tones the body, builds endurance and the sweat helps to get the toxins out of your pores, which in turn, helps to provide you with healthy skin.

Have a makeover. A lot of women put a ton of energy into looking their best as they transition from "woman to wife", but for some reason, that isn't so much the case when they go from "woman to mom". Both are huge milestones that change a lot of who you are. Whether it's finding a new "makeup face" for your on-the-go lifestyle or a haircut that is low-maintenance but still fresh and sexy, make the time to get a new look. It will help you to celebrate your new way of life.

Go accessories shopping. Especially as you're trying to lose your baby weight and/or breastfeeding, when it comes to clothes, comfort is probably the top priority. That's fine, but you can dress up some of your solid skirts and cotton tops with some really cute bangle bracelets and earrings or chunky necklaces and rings. Costume jewelry is cheap, fun and there are more and more stores that carry a ton of options. So, if you're feeling like T-shirts and khakis for two days in a row, a simple swap from a headscarf and dangle earrings to a Hobo bag and funky sandals can give you a totally different look without a ton of pre-planning stress.

Make time for you. Before you were someone's mom, you were still yourself. This means that resting, eating and making time for pampering appointments like massages and mani/pedis should not fade away simply because you now change diapers and rock your baby to sleep. Nothing says "I feel great" than doing things that prove that you are still a priority. With all of the demands that your newest blessing requires (like midnight feedings, baby proofing with nursery decals and doctor's visits), make sure to schedule yourself into the daily agenda. Both you and your baby will be thankful for it, because when a woman feels good about herself, she is able to love the people around her, including her baby, from a healthier place.

(Guest Post by Carol)

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