New mum - help!

[zaffa]

Help! DD is 9 weeks old and so far I live in pull up jeans, vests for BF and my hair scraped back. I can't remember what it's like to wear makeup or look presentable (for the post man - I barely see anyone else!). I'm definitely ready to leave the house (and get some exercise) but I'm struggling with what to wear. I need to be able to look presentable quickly - but I'm really bored of the tired old look of everything at the moment. I'm plus size and was losing weight before I got pregnant (got down to a size 18) but I'm closer to a size 20/22 now and everything looks very different ... my skin has taken a battering and looks dry and foundation looks caked on too - so in all I'm really struggling.
I'd love some suggestions for regimes, quick mix and match bits for getting dressed and even hair styles that will keep my hair out the way from DD's grabby little hands but not be scraped back into a bun all the time ....

Quickest "uniform" for BF (assuming you don't want to get into the minefield that is BF-specific clothing) is to think in terms of either skirt or jeans plus the one up one down method - stretchy vest top (Primark do excellent cheap strappy vests perfect for BF) and then any jumper, loose-ish top or cardigan you like over the top. Get yourself some comfortable shoes for pram walking so that you can start getting out of the house for exercise and fresh air - brogues, smart trainers or flat ankle boots. Get measured for a decent nursing bra or two for comfort, and to make all clothes hang better. A decent quality, smart-ish coat will keep you warm and dry and feeling presentable when you are out with the pram.

I found that after having a baby it was having a good haircut (that was my first outing without the baby, and it felt amazing!) and also eating as well as possible that made me feel human again most quickly, though, as you feel the benefits in your energy levels as well as with the post-baby skin, hair and weight.

Honestly it's too early to do anything much. Your body and hormones are still changing rapidly, and you're busy with baby. Any investment in clothes probably won't pay off and the skin issues will be primarily hormonal.

As PP say a good haircut is a good idea. Drink water and try to eat decently. I'd stick to stretchy basics on clothes and not waste a lot of time worrying about your day to day appearance. The postman (and anyone you encounter in the world) will cope.