How would you/did you prep for childbirth?

[sortingmylife]

Expecting 2nd DC - planned this time!

In previous pregnancy I felt v unprepared in general as we had to move house during, had to renovate etc and never got to properly enjoy the experience. Post childbirth I have never felt so exhausted (and didn't expect to) and as stupid as that sounds during my days on the ward I couldn't even muster up the energy to pull my ponytail tighter at times and walked like a penguin for the first week!
I felt like a complete and utter mess for the first few months in messy clothes and zombie like appearance.
My friend was the complete opposite her pics straight post birth look like Kate Middleton, her bump like it never existed and she was out and about in all her polished and well groomed glory within days

This time I want to enjoy the whole experience a bit more as we are settled in the house so no moving/decorating and it will be my last pregnancy.

I'm hoping to get my nails done a few weeks before (no tips just manicure etc) to not feel as scruffy, possibly get my haircut to make it easier to manage and make me look a bit more put together than I will be.
I'm struggling a little for clothes as I remember with DC 1 I didn't like trousers/jeans as I was v.sore but luckily it was summertime so I got away with dresses but this time it will be a winter baby. Any recommendations?
Also any general recommendations for clothes that will cover my post-partum jellyfish belly?

Is there anything else I've not thought about or that you have done that made a difference to how you felt post baby?
Any tips are welcome!

You could have your eyebrows shaped & tinted & an eyelash tint. If you get some clear mascara you can put it on your lashes & it seperates & thickens them so looks like you have mascara on. You can comb the residue on the wand after applying to lashes over the eyebrows to groom them into shape.
Take a hand cream, lip balm, nail file & a body lotion into hospital with you. I found my skin went really dry afterwards. A small Evian water spray or rose water spray is nice to spritz on the face.
Maybe have a look at Next as they have maternity wear that is the same as their normal range. Some people still wear maternity clothes a few weeks afterwards for comfort while the body changes back.,

I got a manicure and a pedicure on my due date.
When I went into labour but still in the early stages I did my bikini line, made my hair nice and used waterproof makeup.
I did a shit job on the bikini line though because I couldn't fucking see it.
Afterwards I wore an orthopaedic corset as my back hurt. It did get me back into 26 inch jeans within a week as well.
I looked a mess though. Rumpled and exhausted.
But with a lovely tiny waist. and porn star breastfeeding boobs

Put petrol in the car. That was about it.

I had my hair done. It wasn't planned (son arrived early) but it looks great in the photos if do I say so myself.

The only snag was, absolutely no-one was looking at me. I can't think why.

Hope you did a spit and hanky wipe of your face before you set off though Nenny?

I got a hair cut but that was mainly to make showering with a newborn quicker.

I painted my toenails but they took it off in theater when I had my emergency section!

Mine was a planned c sec so easier to organise but harder as just before xmas and no appointments but managed to get a blow dry. It definitely looks good in the photos.

Good luck

I'm planning on treating myself to a haircut, manicure, pedicure, facial, leg & bikini wax & eyelash tint a week before due date to make myself feel a bit better.

With DS I was induced so washed & straightened my hair the morning I went in. I'd painted my nails but ended up having emcs & mw rubbed at my nails with some weird nail varnish remover so just be aware of that.

Definitely have a hairbrush & hairband, lip balm, hand cream, face wipes & moisturiser to hand in hospital.

Might go crazy & treat myself to a couple of pairs of yoga pants & nice baggy jumpers for post birth rather than old trackies & hoodies. Will have to take DS to childminder most days so need to have something comfy but presentable, not that she'd care but I would. Hoping for elcs this time so I can prep some suitable trousers, struggled last time but it was September so I could get away with maxi dresses until scar was less painful. Not going to work in November!

With DS2, my sister came to stay for a few days and we were more confident so I took longer showers and spent time moisturising- which I never do. Used a sanctuary spa new mum cream.

I bought new leggings and a couple of long jumpers. I always wear dark clothes but something new, unfaded, made me feel much better.

I didn't bother with makeup but getting eyebrows done would have been nice. Hair was still thick and glossy so ponytail was fine.

I think a lovely red gel polish would last, and look really good In new baby pics.