New mums soon realise that giving birth doesn’t mean losing the bump and that it takes up to a year for their body to totally recover. The physical and mental exhaustion following the first weeks after childbirth, plus a flabby stomach that sticks out won’t do much for a new mum’s self-confidence.
While happy to show off the photos of their newborn/s, many mums won’t feel that pleased about the way they look post partum. How do celebrity mums do it? They are not bionic, they can afford to pay people to help achieve that glamorous image, such as a housekeeper, trainer, nutritionist and nanny.
A real mum has to do everything herself, especially when her partner is at work and family is not close by. No wonder new mums can’t easily achieve a groomed look! So how can a real mum become a yummy mummy?
Luscious Locks After the Birth
Hair loss is normal after giving birth (those pesky hormones again!). The good news is that it is temporary and lasts up to six to nine months. If a mum feels her hair has lost volume, a volumizing spray or mousse can help.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that regular washes encourage new hair growth. Hairdriers and/or tongs should be used as little as possible as they leave hair dry and brittle. It’s also best to wait until hair is healthy before dyeing it.
Baby-Soft Skin Post Partum
Mums fall in love with their baby’s skin, so they eagerly enroll on baby massage classes and enjoy bath times – any excuse will do to touch that lovely skin.
After the birth, hormonal changes cause women’s skin to become dry and less supple. It is temporary, but it’s important to look after it. Drinking lots of water and a balanced diet can help, as they did during pregnancy.
If a mum has no time to prepare proper meals during the day, it’s best to fill the fridge with healthy, nutritious snacks that are easy to prepare, such as fresh fruit, bagels and fresh bread, salad ingredients, yogurts and cheese. Junk food has no nutritional value and can sap energy levels. On top of this, a good moisturiser applied in the morning and before bedtime will also help.
A Well Mum is a Happy Mum
Pushing a pram outdoors for walks in the park and to the shops is good exercise – keeping a good pace will see the pounds fall off. Swimming is effective and so are exercise classes for new mums. Whatever a mum chooses, she should not overdo it as the body needs time to recuperate.
Breastfeeding burns up to 600 calories a day – that’s why some celebrity mums include it in their fitness plan. A balanced diet is important, too, as it increases energy levels.
Exercise is not only important for physical fitness but also for emotional wellbeing. Most mums experience baby blues after the birth and some women end up suffering from postnatal depression, a terrible condition that doesn't let a mum enjoy caring for her baby.
Exercise can improve a mum’s mood, so if a mum feels down because of tiredness or lack of sleep, a walk to the park or to the shops cannot fail to lift her spirits and make her feel more positive.
Further Reading
If a mum is breastfeeding, she might want to read Beauty Treatments for Breastfeeding Mums.
