How to look and feel fabulous after having a baby
/If you recently birthed a baby, you may be coming to grips with how your entire world is different. If we're being honest, YOU are entirely different, emotionally, and physically. We spend a lot of our postpartum days wondering, who am I?
When the time comes to start wearing actual clothes again (don't rush it, ladies, sweats, and tees are worthy attire while you spend your days snuggling in that newborn haze.) This questioning of who we are is brought to the forefront. We can't wear the same clothes as before baby for reasons of comfort, fit or style. We may be tempted by the support of our maternity clothes, but since most of us only buy a limited number of maternity items, we may be sick of them by now. If we do lean into the maternity clothes, before long, those get too big, stretched out or just plain ill-fitting.
This challenge may seem insignificant compared to the new life you're now responsible for, but it can leave you feeling not so great about yourself.
Let's face it, with this new addition, it's not easy to get out of the house. First, it's hard to want to leave this cozy cocoon you have created with your little one. It also means you have so much much more to think about when you do try to leave the house. You need spare outfits, onesies, a sweater, blanket, burp cloths, diapers, wipes. lovies, pacifiers, and more things I am probably forgetting as I did in those first few days of venturing out with a baby.
That list doesn't even include getting yourself ready! Now you have to find something acceptable to wear in public, that you feel comfortable in and, for some of us, that you can easily nurse your baby in. It is totally understandable if you're thinking you'll just crawl back into those maternity leggings and go back to binging Netflix with your babe.
Even if you have lost your baby weight (no pressure, mama!), your body has changed. I'm not just talking about size, but your body shape may be totally different.
While this may seem like a downer, there are things you can wear to help you feel good again.
Pants (that are not leggings or sweats) can be especially tough to get back into postpartum. However, luckily for us, pants with elastic waistbands have come a long way in recent years. They're great because they allow for fluctuations in size as you're settling into your postpartum body. They're comfy but also look polished and put together.
Footwear is one of those items that highlights a surprising change. Your feet may have changed size between pregnancy and postpartum. Also, you may notice a difference in the use of your footwear. You need more comfort and more functionality in your shoes when you're living life with a baby. I suggest investing in a good pair of sneakers and diving into the world of flats (or at least shoes with a flat heel.)
Eliminate the uncomfortable items you put up with before kids. It's always important to alter your wardrobe to fit your lifestyle. There's no reason for you to be uncomfortable, but there are also items that make your baby uncomfortable as well. Avoid hanging jewelry, scratchy/sequined shirts, and other rough materials.
Nursing friendly clothes have come a LONG way! If you're nursing or pumping for the baby, you'll need clothes that offer easy access. You'll want shirts that layer well, have loose necks or that were designed with nursing in mind. Shirts and dress with a wrap top will work great for this and are very flattering cuts. Cardigans are great over nursing tanks for easy access and allow for varying degrees of modesty if you're concerned about that. Button-down shirts offer flexibility as well.
If you're feeling a little lost without your old wardrobe and sense of style, try adding some accessories to allow for more self-expression during this phase of life. Cute shoes, hats, earrings, bracelets, and rings will let you show a little pizzazz without interfering with your new role as mom.
I have two words for you: washable fabrics. I am sorry to have to tell you this, my friend, but babies make you messy. Save those silks and other investment pieces for when they move out. Choose clothes that are going to outlast the spills, spit-ups, and blowouts.
Sometimes we have to let go of our old style to find our new style. This is a new phase of life. I know you don't want to look matronly, you want to be a cool mom! (Admit it, we all do!) You may need to play around with what you feel comfortable in and what fits your lifestyle. You do not have to give up all of who you are, you can just make some shifts so that your style fits who you are now.
We all know that life doesn't stop when you have a baby. Most of us still have work, family parties, weddings, and many other things that we're expected to attend. While you have no obligation to look good for anyone else, I know that it often helps US to feel better when we feel confident. Make it easy for yourself by preplanning a few outfits. Have them hung up and ready so that you won't have to think about it. You will feel better when you feel put together and polished.
I love to help moms in this new phase of life. If you'd like some support in this process, reach out and let me help you find who you are again.