Do you ever feel pretty while also having kids?

[flyingbeet]

I know my question sounds stupid and I don't want to come off as ungrateful whatsoever. I have a beautiful 8 month old and I feel blessed. I've just been waiting for that moment where I'll be able to do proper skincare again or get a keratin treatment done (currently breastfeeding) or be able to find time in the day to do yoga to improve my posture. Right now my routine is moreso making sure my baby is eating 3 meals, is clean and content, cooking, cleaning the house (which is never ending). Then baby only naps with me and co-sleeps so I have no time to really do any sort of self care. I go to sleep at night without showering or shaving or brushing my hair. Feel like an absolute bum lol. I know this is a struggle so many others relate to and it's not just me. Its just hard to see other women being all dressed up while having kids too though. And I think if I plan on having more kids then the even more less time I'll get. But I don't want to look back and regret not having kids just because I wanted nice skin and nails. It's so hard. I wish I could have both. Does anyone else feel this way?

I had 2 babies under 2. I never did my hair nice and looked like I'd fallen into the laundry basket for about 3 or 4 years! In the early days I was just too busy and focused on them. It's normal!

By 8 months you should be able to have a shower and brush your hair. Do you have support?

Yes, yes, yes! I have a 7 year old, 2 year old and a 5 month old and I feel this at the moment. What I can say is it does get easier, once you have a good bedtime routine, which doesn’t normally happen until around 1, but you will slowly get your evenings back and time for yourself. Our 2 year old goes to bed at 6:45pm, 7 year old goes at 7pm and can read in bed until 7:30-8pm. Once the baby is older we will have evenings to ourself again. It is hard but there is light at the end of the tunnel, I say that sitting here in my PJs, slightly greasy hair that could do with a wash and nope I haven’t brushed my hair this evening either!!!

Thank you for your replies. I feel better knowing I'm not alone.

@knephew My baby is very high needs with several allergies so she's always grumpy and only wants me so I think that adds to it too

I know the feeling. I think I e felt this for the past year but I’m fortunate to have had the odd event where I’ve been able to get dressed up again such as a friends wedding, a few work events where I’ve “scrubbed up” and wore something flattering - but I live in baggy clothes and maxi’s at the moment. My baby is just over 1 and I think when I stopped breastfeeding I started to feel a little more like myself. Also maybe leave baby with OH for a little while to do a facial or face scrub. I got myself an exfoliate and I spend a few times a week using it which makes me feel good. I also file my nails and have turned it into a fun thing I do with baby as he has very sharp nails! So filing them down whilst shaping mine is a sneaky way to feel decent.

I’ve also got a hairdresser I go to every few months and she does my hair for me. OH sees that as important for me so that’s usually a day out for me and I feel nice for a few weeks after.

Find a way to put care into your routine. Get the family involved if helpful.

I also joined the gym but I might have joined too soon as Iminjured myself so I also want to say do take the time to heal and start of gently x