To ask how to stop feeling so bleurgh postpartum?

[LemonadeAndVodka]

My gorgeous little baby boy is 5 months old, and I’m loving maternity leave, the snuggles, watching him grow and change and the general joyfulness of it all so much so far.

And yet.

I keep seeing photos of myself and getting such a shock. I look like I’ve aged about 15 years in the last 5 months. My hair is falling out, my skin looks so patchy and dry (and I seem to be getting sunburnt every time I go out despite wearing SPF everyday - does anyone know if there’s a hormonal reason for this?), my face still looks swollen and I still have multiple chins. The texture of my skin looks so thick and lined 😩

Does anyone have any tips for feeling better postpartum? I’m taking Wild nutrition pregnancy multivitamins (which tbh I think are probably a load of crap) and a Spatone iron supplement. I’m prepared to throw money at the problem if necessary. Please give me your tips, or reassurance that this won’t be forever…?

Thank you! 🙏

Keep taking the iron. The weight suddenly started falling off me when my periods started at about 9 months. Otherwise, if you can afford it, go shopping and buy something that fits now. I felt so much better when I had since jeans that looked OK and a bra that fit, even if I was 10kg heavier than I'd like.

Eat fruit, veg, drink water and sleep as much as you can (not easy with a newborn!)

Time is a great healer and you’ll be in a place you're more comfortable with soon enough.

The sun burn may be due to raised melanin levels in pregnancy- this really affected me last summer! Factor 50 on your face every day and a hat will help.

Make sure you spf is good quality and you reapply regularly. You shouldn't be getting burnt in the UK right now unless you are toiling the fields 12 hours a day.

How is your b12?

Thank you, everyone 🙏 not sure about B12 - haven’t had bloods done. I think there’s B12 in the multivitamin I’m taking. Will keep up with the iron.

Also get your Thyroid levels checked. Its very common for it to go put of whack post partum and that does a number on you. Its an easy fix if its needed