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Have you ever managed to 'relaunch' yourself, in style, health or other ways?

79 replies

Legacy · 20/02/2006 12:38

I feel like I need a major 'overhaul'.... The last 7 years have been a constant whirlwind of stress and change:

  • difficult births of 2 kids
  • made redundant
  • DH left job and started up on own
  • death of a parent, serious illness of inlaws
  • on-going relationship issues (now resolved I think) ...

Anyway, I am about to stop work fulltime and go freelance, ideally spend more time with kids and focus on family life and DH a bit more, but I feel like I need a complete 'life makeover'!

a) Am about a stone overweight
b) health is crap - get out of breath too easily
c) Have no decent clothes, because I won't buy any 'cos of a) (in denial that size 12 can look a bit tight sometimes)
d) hair is boring
e) teeth need whitening and straightening
f) need to rebuild my friends and social life

I don't know what happened really - I seem to have lost all my 'spark' and confidence...

Just wondered - do people really manage to 'relaunch' themselves (new & improved). And if so, how did you do it/ get the motivation etc?

OP posts:
006 · 22/02/2006 13:31

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

mumofthree64baby · 22/02/2006 13:38

I would try anything that would put a pep in my step. But thanks for telling me what you know because I have Coeliac Disease so it would be a disaster for me so!!!!!

Oh well we will have to stick with the eye cream. Got to go into car now for the 7th time today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

mumofthree64baby · 23/02/2006 09:48

Hi Girls,

Hope you all well and the makeup glowing!!!!

Had a sick baby up most of the night last night so my head is in a spin this morning. She has gone back to noddy land so hopefully she will feel better later!

Have a good day!!!!!!!!!!!!

006 · 24/02/2006 09:54

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

WideWebWitch · 24/02/2006 10:24

Hey, I'm going to start a six week ten years younger thread if anyone wants to join me, will post a link when I've done it.

WideWebWitch · 24/02/2006 10:28

here if anyone's interesting in joining

mumofthree64baby · 24/02/2006 13:05

Hi Girls,

Nice to see we are all trying to do something positive with our lives. I had this morning off work so I brought the two youngest into town and as herself slept happily in buggy I decided to treat myself and my 4 year old son to our breakfast out in a rather trendy new cafe bar. For the first time in ages I felt confident with my buggy, going to the toilet three times with himself and all in all a successful trip. I even managed to get the lady in M&S to measure me up for a new bra. So if I don't do anything else today I feel I achieved something. Time with son and the purchase of a bra that finally does not have breastfeeding straps. END OF AN ERA for me!!!!

Enjoy the rest of the afternoon.........

006 · 24/02/2006 14:44

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

mumofthree64baby · 25/02/2006 14:39

Padded straps out, but padded like knickers still been worn. Need to get into nice jeans and nice underwear again..................

Spent the night up last night again and any hope of feeling sexy in my new bra went out the window. Barely able to function today.

Hope you all enjoying the weekend!!!!!!!!!!!

Candiemom · 26/02/2006 16:06

hi all. ssd yes i am! but that gives little advantage without experience! plus i truly believe everyone can be happy. there's a great book called authentic happiness which has some real answers.

mumofthree64baby · 27/02/2006 09:10

Hi Candiemom,

Could I take the liberty of asking you for some tips to achieve relaxation for going to sleep. Me and hubby are having that old problem with getting up loads of times in the middle of the night with our little one who is not too well. Now last night when she finally got to sleep after us having to change her clothes her bedlinen etc. She suffers from reflux and its a nightmare really between vomits and constant feeds. Anyway when she gets off to sleep we cannot get off to sleep as we are so wound up waiting to have to get up again . It likes a vicous circle. Your wrecked then during the day and nearly overtired going to bed. Sorry to take up this message board with this query. But perhaps some of the rest of the Mums are suffering also from sleep deprivation and any hints on how to get us back to some what normality would be great.......... Also I think it would give us some renewed energy and overall wellbeing if we could just switch off when in bed.
Thanks in advance!!!!!!!!!!

Candiemom · 27/02/2006 12:14

Hi momofthree,

As luck would have it I am encountering the EXACT same situation as my dd also has reflux and I understand completely on the night feeds and wound up thing. We are having an ok time on Staydown formula but she cramps up and it requires a military operation to prepare so we are up about every 2 - 3 hours.

It's a challenge to relax under your circumstances and my general comment would be -- you have to learn to do it. There will be no miracle cure, but a series of trials and errors.

I would organise my approach to relaxing in several ways as just telling yourself to relax will never work and often makes it worse (I can't relax! I can't relax!).

Give yourself a good start before night time begins. Try to get some physical exercise in during the day. Try to eat dinner earlier so your tummy doesn't keep you awake and eat things that are smooth to digest. Unfortunately alcohol usually disrupts sleeping patterns so if you can, stay off it. Same with caffiene and pop. Instead (woo hoo!) drink warm milk (some kinds are actually night time milk which helps), or a bedtime tea. I put honey and cinnamon or almond milk in mine so I don't feel like a total grandmother.

Maybe take it one at a time. If you can, take some turns at getting up instead of both of you together. I am able to do this as my dd is on formula but if you are bf perhaps you can express and your dh can do a shift. When this happens, I use earplugs AND an eyeshade as I can't sleep if I hear them in the other room. But earplugs work wonders! Same for your dh when you get up.

When you are awake, keep the atmosphere relaxing classical music or something relaxing you enjoy. I have a little dvd player and some earphones and watch a short comedy show. An ipod or similar will help when baby is crying or playing and you need a diversion but she doesnt. Make sure you have some place that is a bit of a sanctuary for us it is our bedroom which we try to keep unchaotic and have clean linen and good pillows etc. that make being in bed enjoyable even if not asleep. For my friend she has a rocker and some relaxation tapes (these are easy to find on amazon). A warm bath works wonders to relax but sometimes doesn't help get you to sleep. You need to experiment.

When you are trying to sleep, just keep taking yourself through some simple body relaxation techniques (start at the toes, relax them, and work your way up till you get to your forehead etc. You will lose your train of thought and start thinking about other things and when you do that, just take yourself back to your body and start again). You could perhaps try some meditation (closing your eyes and walking yourself through something/place that makes you feel relaxed myself I do a country place at home in Canada or tell myself a story about a fairy I used to love as a little girl or I imagine doing activities with my dd in a year or so or I picture my dd when she is fast asleep which I still find very calming again I lose my train of thought as I start to worry about dd again, but just keep taking myself back).

When neither of you can sleep, try talking about things that you both enjoy -- planning a trip, etc. Preferably keep forward thinking (to a time when this is over for as we both know it doesn't last for ever). Or if you can, try massage (or sex). I know that's a tall order when things are chaotic at night, but it works if you can get past the first bit which is that it is the last thing either of you feels in the mood for. The worst is when you wind each other up.

Finally, just keep starting again. Don't give up trying to relax. Every time you lose it, just start again. Lean what doesn't work at all and what works a little and what works sometimes and what often works.

mumofthree64baby · 27/02/2006 12:40

Thank you so much. It has made me feel so much better to know I am not alone.

I had my little one nearly 9 months ago and there hasn;t been a day that she hasn't gotton sick 4 or 5 times. She has been to specialist and is on Nutramigen milk now. She is awaiting a gastric specialist in 6 weeks. I have a 6 year old and a 4 year old and also went back to work in the mornings 4 mornings a week . Between the babysitter not being able to mind her and me trying to work with her on my knee from home. It is just one nightmare. I know it will get better and I think I have become so obsessed with not sleeping that little things are like a drama. All it is as you point out trying to take it slowly and relax as best I can. Me and hubby thankfully realise that its just us as a unit and we try to support each other and he is great but there is a limit to everyones patients. (Sorry cannot spell)We have no family close to help me out and I just sometimes feel this superwoman that I once was thought of is slowly no correction fastly disappearing.

Looking back now over the last few years:-

  1. Had three babies, despite difficult pregnancies.
  2. Had two miscarriages
  3. Finished PhD
  4. Moved house
  5. Kids sick on and off - Both oldest had tonsils out at 15 months.
  6. No family support worth talking about
  7. Gave up full time job to work parttime.
  8. Thankfully cannot think of anymore..........

Thank you so much Candimom.

What age is your little one?

P.S. Off now to put on some makeup before the first of the school runs? There is always a Mum out at the gate of the school looking terrific, how do they do it?????????????

Candiemom · 27/02/2006 12:56

I so relate!! I don't have family where I am either though I sometimes feel that I'd feel alone anyway. dd was 3 months on Saturday. When not upset from reflux she's a super baby -- quite happy and funny and interested in life.

We just tried Nutramigen on the weekend and dd just got worse -- I think it was so thin it just came up too easily and gave her heartburn. We are on SMA staydown which compared to SMA LF and Nutramigen which we have now ruled out, it works quite well. No spit ups or burps BUT cramping and hiccups. Also it is a total drag to make up which is resulting in my lack of sleep. But I am starting to think I was being too picky about results and we'll be on it for some time!!

I also never lie her flat -- we have a wedge pillow for her tummy time and her change table and cot are propped up at one end (looks hilarious).

My doctor said she'd grow out of it by 9 months or so but this doens't seem to be the case with yours?

The problem with sleep deprivation is that you do become obsessed and long term fatigue makes you lose perspective. The key is to know when you are being rational and irrational and just admit it! Also to try to enjoy the chaos if you can. I only have one baby but believe it or not envy you your three!

mumofthree64baby · 27/02/2006 15:32

Candiemom,

You are great. TX for all the kindness and support today. Yes you are right you just must realise when to let go and try not to be the supermum and just enjoy being you! nutramigen is awful stuff but so far she is drinking it poor thing. You hate to see them suffer.

Your little one at 3 months I bet is gorgeous. You know it absolutely flies the time with them. So enjoy it as best you can in between the vomits. It will get easier and it does and I remember that it does and you go from one set of worries to another set but you deal with them and move on to the next thing. My three are a joy at the best of times and all that is wrong in our house at the moment is Mum and Dad overtired.

Thanks again for today.....

mumofthree64baby · 28/02/2006 09:15

Hi everyone,

Hope your all doing well. I have to say again that its great to be able to chat and get advice from fellow Mums.

Candiemom you gave me hope yesterday to get rethinking how I think. I went to the healthshop yesterday and stocked up on a good multivitamin and also they recommended for nighttime Jan deVries night essence (a bit like bach rescue remedy) and Kalms Night. I took 4 tablets an hour before bed with 5 drops of night essence. Relaxed in front of tv watching Kristie and Phil, Location Location and hubby and I had a great nights sleep. Even our little angel slept through last night for the first time in 8 months. Am I jinking it by sharing it, I hope not.

Girls there is light and hope!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Candiemom · 28/02/2006 09:34

No such thing as jinxing! Even if you have one of these nights a week to start you're doing great! We must have been visited by the same fairy because we also slept through last night. xx

mumofthree64baby · 28/02/2006 10:26

Brilliant Candiemom,

At three months to sleep through is great. Well done MUM!!!!!

My two are all excited today because its Pancake TUESDAY so I am hoping Jamie, Nigella or a quick packet from Tesco can help me out!!!!!!!!

Have a lovely day!!!!!!!!!!!

Candiemom · 28/02/2006 18:09

Well Jamie would be perfect...

mumofthree64baby · 01/03/2006 09:15

Hi girls,

How is everyone today? Candiemom pancakes with Marks and Spencers were lovely yesterday. Kids were delighted with Dad flying them into the air. It makes it all worth while when you see their happy faces.

How is your little one today? We have had three days now in a row without vomiting and she slept from about 12 until 7 this morning which along with her Mum was great.
We have a blanket of snow here this morning so there is a natural glow on my face instead of Clinique bronzer!!!!!!!!!!! Have a good day!!

Candiemom · 01/03/2006 16:07

oh am so jealous of your snow (an expat North American)! Good sleeping last night for you guys! Big vomit earlier today but doesn't seem to bother her. Last two days have been pretty refluxy, though sleeping ok and pretty happy.

How do you do it with THREE!! And shat has happened to all the other relaunchers?!

mumofthree64baby · 02/03/2006 09:02

Hi there!

Snow again today. In Ireland we do not get that much but when it comes it is lovely. Kids delighted with it.

You ask the question I am asked so many times, how do you do it with three. Well you just have to get on with it. Hard and all as it is most of the time. However it does get easier. I have to admit I did find it hard going from 2 kids to 3. Maybe because there is 4 year of a gap. You do believe it or not get back to some normality when they are toilet trained, don't need a nap and able to go to the fridge to get something to eat. Then when you go back to sleepless nights, nappies, bottles etc. it takes getting used too again. But I keep thinking to myself the last while its a gift to have a child and they are small for such a short time. Once they go to school it all changes. So treasure these few years Candiemom. Our little one had one small sick yesterday so I can say to you that it must be a thing they grow out off. Hopefully you wont have to wait another few months.

Hope all is well with you all today!

Have a good day!

Candiemom · 03/03/2006 12:49

Thanks for the positive thoughts. My sister is pg with #3 but her two are much older. I am so excited for her! I have two stepkids who are also older and as I myself am an oldster I don't think there will be any more babies for me, unfortunately. I do love every moment and I must say that the reflux could be far worse.

Hope you are doing well today.

mumofthree64baby · 06/03/2006 10:57

Hi Girls,

I hope you all had a good weekend. Candiemom I bet you make a great Aunt. My sister is getting married in the Autumn so I am hoping also that I get that pleasure some day. At the moment we are up to our eyes in wedding dresses etc. Myself and my little girl are the bridesmaid and flower girl. Next Saturday we are spending a girls day surrounded by wedding dresses.

I am trying to be full of energy for next weekend but I had such a bad weekend with very little sleep that I am hoping this week I can catch up on it and get some enthusiasm for wedding shopping.

I kept trying to do relaxation in the bed last night but it just would not come. My friend has suggested acupuncture to try and relax and aid sleep. I think it is envitable that something gives when you are a mum with kids and job, house, husband etc. My downfall is sleep I guess.

Please tell me girls that some of you have had successful life makeovers............

Have a good day!!!!!!!!

mumofthree64baby · 13/03/2006 09:31

Hi Girls,

I hope I find you all well.

This morning I left my little one who was 9 month last week to her creche for the first time. I bawled all the way in the car and also on the way home. She was playing and laughing when I left. I have her in a creche now four mornings a week. Its never easy leaving them but hopefully she will be as happy as my other two were in their creche.

Have a good day girls. Don't forget the glowly makeup!!!!!!