The arrival of a baby is often accompanied by a myriad of emotions. Friends, family, and colleagues usually highlight the joy and positive aspects of welcoming a newborn but rarely discuss the emotional turbulence of the postpartum period.
Ah, the postpartum stage: that mystical period that supposedly wraps up in 6 to 8 weeks, but in reality, can extend its stay for a whole year! This is the biggest dip in hormones you will EVER experience. It's like your body's own personal remodeling project, complete with emotional rollercoasters and physical surprises. Luckily, most moms navigate this wild ride with a mix of trial, error, and wisdom from their trusty support squad. It’s okay to cry, mama! (in fact, it’s normal). This doesn’t have to be negative. Your postpartum period can be filled with incredible HIGHS, blissed-out JOY, and heart-busting LOVE.
While skincare might be the least of your concerns during this period, it is indispensably essential for your health and overall well-being. After all, a healthy glow can work wonders for your morale amidst the chaos.
Skincare for moms at home
Start small. Simply allocate ten minutes of your time to self-care, that's all you have to do. A straightforward skincare routine that includes a gentle cleanser and moisturizer should address most of your needs. Your morning routine should prioritize protection and hydration, while your evening routine should focus on regeneration and anti-aging. And hey, if there are days when even ten minutes feels like a luxury, don't sweat it. Remember, this too shall pass!
Cleansing
We know life might not allow for a morning and evening cleanse, which is why a gentle non-toxic cleanser might be perfect for you! Try Mama’s Medicinal Coconut Milk Cleanser.
Moisturizing
Your skin loses moisture constantly and requires regular replenishment to stay healthy. Breastfeeding takes a lot out of you too. It can be a challenge to keep up with water intake. Without moisture, your skin cells risk being damaged and depleted, resulting in a dull, dry, and lifeless look. Moisturizers work to restore these cells, thus retaining water and giving your skin a plump, youthful glow.
Anti-aging
We all know the clichés about new moms: fine lines, graying hair, wrinkles, and a look that says, "I haven't slept in days!" But guess what? You can turn those stereotypes upside down with a little help from anti-aging products. They help smooth out wrinkles and fine lines while evening out skin texture to prevent signs of aging with ingredients so natural they are edible.
Haircare
Although temporary, experiencing significant hair fall might seem alarming. Rest assured, you're not going bald! Applying a hair mask once a week can help. This also addresses frizz, tangles, and split ends. Consider a trim or a chic short haircut. Additionally, use a wide-toothed comb and wash your hair with a mild shampoo and conditioner two to three times a week. Try this vitamin-rich serum as a hair and scalp mask.
Rest as best you can
Babies are like little sleep ninjas with their own unpredictable cycles. A typical newborn wakes up every 1 to 4 hours, needing to be changed, fed, or comforted—keeping you on your toes! This often leads to sleep deprivation for new mothers, making that elusive eight hours of sleep seem like a distant dream. So, take a cue from your baby: rest or sleep whenever they do, and remember, this is just a phase. You’ve got this!
Ask For Help
Always remember, asking for help isn't a sign of weakness—it's a smart move! Trying to handle everything solo, though? That’s a one-way ticket to Burnoutville. As a mom, it's perfectly okay to admit you can't manage every situation, task, or dilemma solo. Every mom needs a strong support system. After all, it takes a village to raise a child! If you don’t have friends and family nearby see what kind of support groups your community has or find a moms group to share what you’re going through with someone who truly understands.
Focus on Balance
Don't feel pressured to achieve perfection in everything you do. Perfection is overrated anyway! Instead of letting an all-or-nothing attitude get you down, focus on finding your groove. Doing things well enough and putting in the required effort is more than enough—no need to stress. Remember, every little step toward your goals is still a step forward!
Plan for you
It's perfectly normal to map out your children's schedules. But why not carve out some time for yourself too? Set aside 20 minutes at the start of every week or month to schedule some "me time," focusing on your health and well-being goals. After all, you deserve it!
Limit visitors
It's natural for friends and family to want to visit and greet you and your new bundle of joy. However, this might not be the best time for hosting guests. Remember, it's perfectly fine to politely limit visitors or decline company altogether for the first few weeks. You can even put a sign on the door: "We love you and can't wait to see you... next week!"
If you do have visitors, try not to stress yourself out about minor tidiness issues. They're there to see you and your newborn, not a flawlessly tidy home. Refrain from making your home look perfect during this period. Instead, feel free to ask your guests for a hand with the laundry or dishes if needed. After all, they're there to support you!
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