Anyone fancy joining my “getting back to myself after having a baby” thread?

[Shimmylikejoanholloway]

I had a baby nearly two years ago. My weight isn’t too bad although I could still lose some and tone up.

I’m more concerned with how I feel - it might be vanity but I don’t care, it’s making me feel low and invisible! So I’ve stArted doing a few things to make myself feel better:

Currently on the prowl for a half decent blonde box dye so I can maintain my hair even though I can’t afford highlights at the moment

Tried nail wraps - I’m not great at doing my own nails and can never seem to find the time to sit down and do them without DS needing me or something and they end up smudging. I love the wraps and am really impressed with how easy they are to apply and how good they look.

Invested in two face halos so I always take my
Make up off even when I’m knackered - they’re magic.

Face mask once a week and leave on face mask twice a week. Nothing fancy just slapping it on before the shower and before bed.

Got some multivitamins to take for a boost.

Been drinking more water daily

Trying to get out walking more. I take DS out in the pram in the morning but it’s tricky as he wants to walk everywhere at the moment so I try to let him roam the park for a bit or go out for a walk where he can stop every five minutes in the afternoon

I’ve signed up to a course in an area of interest online. It’s taking up time but I do it when he naps or is asleep at night and it’s really giving me a sense of purpose.

I’m going to try to low carb again…

Anyone else want to join?

Good luck with ttc#2 MrsL!

Funnily enough, I fell pregnant with dc2 while on a similar sort of thread, so maybe it will be good luck for you too (when the time comes, obviously)

Well this is going well...the sneakers i ordered became out of stock after I ordered , so I'm not getting them.

Also I fell face first into the Halloween sweets just now. On the plus side I did do a face mask earlier.

I’m in ! Relate to all of these posts. Thanks for setting this OP .. too tired to post this afternoon but yes to everything.

oh that's a shame @mildrose which sneakers had you gone for? I want a pair of Vejas but can't justify the cost at the moment.
@MrsLeclerc good like fot TTC number 2! I'm interested in the liquid foundation, I've never heard of it! I need a bit of glow!

@stylewannabee, relate to the tiredness too. Come back when you've squeezed in more sleep (so, five years time?ha!)

I'm in. 5 months post baby mumber 2 and DC 1 is 3.5. I have felt lost and not me. I have 2-2.5 stone to lose so stopping eating 2+ chocolate bars a night will help!

Are the face halos good? I use a flannel but anything that makes it quicker....

You have prompted me to put my favourite mask on my Christmas list as my skin care us seriously lacking.

I have booked a haircut for next week although my hair has started falling out the last two weeks.

Meal plan in place to low carb.

Stop destroying my nails when I'm tired and stressed. Neat nails make me feel more pulled together.

Personal trainer booked for end of the month. I have never set foot in a gym so this is very scary and exciting. I had terrible PGP and need to strengthen up as I still have pain.

I miss red lipstick but I don't feel brave enough to wear it yet. Loving everyone's suggestions and plans.

They were just some M&S white leather ones with a silver star on them, but they did look nice and not too spendy. Bad luck they're out of stock. Hate it when they let you buy them and the tell you you can't have them!

I've ordered some Adidas ones instead. But they don't have the star on them.

Oh this is just what I need! My eldest is 4, youngest 9 months (& I've got a 3 year old too!). My mind body and soul need a full on renovation after Covid... I'm currently juggling mum-ing alongside running my business (which Covid almost killed) & working 20hrs/week in another job (as my business hasn't paid the bills for a while)
I am well and truly at the bottom of my list of priorities but that needs to change and I need some accountability too!

Glad to see a few folk in the same situation who want to make a change! Yesterday was a bit chaotic as I had a very busy shift at work so only had coffee and snacks for most of it, then felt knackered when I got home but was up half the night with heartburn from aforementioned wine and snacks, then DS was up at 4.45 due to clock change 🙃. So I’m sitting drinking tea now but am determined to have a healthier day today with more fresh air and less caffeine.

I sorted out my clothes at the weekend and there is so much that doesn’t fit me any more I think I’ve put on about 3 stone since pre pregnancy - and most of that has gone on this year, I found the winter lockdown really tough, as I’m in a city where restrictions came in autumn 2020. I used to be so motivated to exercise and eat healthily, but I’ve found working & parenting really hard and I am just so lazy in the evenings, the desire to exercise has just gone.

This is an amazing thread!
DD is 14 months and I've still a stubborn 14-18 lbs to shift which I keep losing 2 and gaining 2 lbs - I tend to get a good run at it them we have a bad week of sleep or illness and I end up with her strapped to me all day and eating whatever I see.

Style wise I've not felt like me for ages. I probably look ok but it's not 'me'. I used to wear floral tea dresses with docs, or tight fitting bodysuits and jeans.
I'm a 14 now but don't carry it well, my optimum size is a big 10 or small 12.

My belly is soft, and protrudes more but don't think it's due to DR as I sorted that early on just an extra layer of fat. I just feel a frump and hot like me. Face is too round now too, cheekbones aren't hidden

Love the saving up for teeth whitening, I may see if there are any New Years offers

These posts could be me! Baby nearly 2.
Put weight on when I returned to work, had been losing during lockdown and mat leave. Got an injury that stops me walking so can't do very much. Then find the chocolate bars every night! I've hit my highest weight which SHOULD stop me.... but it doesn't

I've completely lost my way, style and confidence. I don't even think it is all due to being a mum.... think it is the pandemic and just not being comfortable with myself anymore. It makes me really sad.

To help others... nail spray from Boots! Dries your nails in minutes so you don't smudge

For those walking, could you try a backpack instead of a buggy? Ours loves being uo high and seeing people, so good for hiking... if I could hike more than 2 miles atm

Morning!

First thing on my list in my mission to be more me again, is to eat a proper breakfast. Need to get my eldest to school first, but will make something then. Snacks are my downfall at the moment and it's because I don't make time to eat proper meals. So need to knock that on the head really.

@MildRose I was going to just read through this thread and run really, as I'm only 7 weeks in with baby no2 and nowhere ready to get back to myself... then I saw we were similar, as I also lost my mum a few weeks ago ! I feel like I will never get back to myself, but if you do I think there's hope for me down the line as well. I had my hair done the way my mum liked it for now, I did it just for her, but now I think I'll just leave it and review in a few months once we're out of the fourth trimester... for you though.

Oh I'm so sorry @Smurftastic

God, those first few weeks are horrible and coping with a newborn on top of it makes it so, so hard. Do you have good support irl?

I am getting there. I miss my mum a lot of course. My dd is a lot like her in looks and personality and that is an absolute joy to see! I talk about her to my dcs and they laugh at all the funny things I tell them - my mum was honestly hilarious. Very mischievous and such a fun person. She was in her fifties when she died and still so much fun. My dcs love hearing all about her. It also means they understand a bit more about life and losing someone I think, as they know about her.

It has been a struggle at times and I've felt quite isolated at times. But I am getting back to myself.

Please feel free to dm me any time. If I don't reply immediately it doesn't mean I'm ignoring you! I'm taking the 3yo to soft play today and working tomorrow. Xoxo

Oh ffs I just typed out a massive "please can I join the thread" post and it's disappeared. To summarize...

3rd and final baby born in Spring. Lockdown + several small children + general ageing = action required. I started my little personal revival project before baby arrived but need to keep the momentum going now I'm done making babies.

Sorted skincare, makeup, shoes and accessories. Haven't reached my target size/shape for wardrobe updates yet (I don't weigh myself but have lockdown weight and a bit more baby flab left to get rid of first) so just making plans on that front for now.

Only exercise = walking so I aim for 10,000 steps a day. Bought weights to tone up arms a bit but can't remember where I've put them

Fave quick fix = Nivea in-shower moisturiser. My skin has got so dry since having kids. This is a small thing but it takes about a minute (same as applying and rinsing shower gel) but means I don't have to wait for moisturiser do dry before I get dressed. I buy about 6 bottles at a time. 2nd fave quick fix = lipstick. Takes seconds to apply and makes me feel good.

@Shimmylikejoanholloway thanks for the thread

to those of you who have lost your mums.

Oops turned out it wasn't really a "summary" after all

Thank you

I think I would like to lose a stone. I eat of lot of sweet snacks and think I need to cut down on these but before Christmas seems like not the best time!

Unless I allow I try to lose weight before Christmas but then allow myself some Christmas treats? 🤔

It's also hard bit to eat rubbish when you feel like you have no time to make anything and I think BFing makes you hungry!

The charity steps challenge I was doing has ended but I'm going to try to keep doing 10K.

⭐️ How about some sort of goal - either a monthly challenge/ goal or we try to do one thing a day to look or feel better. Could be something like a walk, a gym class or a face mask? ⭐️

I feel like I need something specific that I can aim for or measure!

@Smurftastic @MildRose

I'm sorry for your losses.

It's not the same but part of the reason I think I'm finding it hard to get in shape etc is my DS is my second DC after losing DD. DD would be 2 and a half now but she died before birth. It was a full term loss and I really think I didn't get back to my old self physically or emotionally. Maternity leave and a post partum body with no baby are a bitch!

Now I have DS and I have lost weight faster but I feel like there's maybe a bit more work to do given all we've been through. I'm so grateful to have him but I'm also tired and then feel guilty for not being grateful enough.

Sorry didn't mean to derail.

Currently sitting on the sofa eating chocolate cookies while feeding DS as I haven't eaten yet but I'm 90% sure he will cry if I put him down somewhere...

I am so sorry to hear about your dd @Yogaandcocoa. A full term loss sounds like one of the most traumatic things I can imagine

That isn't something people discuss - that of course you have the post partum physical effects to your body when you suffer a loss like that. Must be really difficult.

Currently sitting on the sofa eating chocolate cookies while feeding DS as I haven't eaten yet but I'm 90% sure he will cry if I put him down somewhere...

I remember these days! Chocolate cookies are absolutely necessary in these circumstances

Oh, yes please.

DD2 is 15 months old now. I'm 3 stone heavier than I was before DD1 and want to get back to that weight again. My sister is getting married August next year, so that's my target. I lost a few lbs on Second Nature, but we've all been suffering from everlasting colds and that's gone by the wayside. Need to get back on it, but currently eyeing the ENORMOUS bowl of left over sweets from halloween.

Had a haircut for the first time in ages last week. Felt great and made me realise how scruffy I'd been, and that I enjoy being not scuffy!

Also doing Skin and Me, first month, but really like how its making my skin look so far (after I got the recommended moisturiser).

I do need new clothes, but loath to buy much more at the moment, especially as my youngest has a cold and uses my clothes as a tissue if I don't get to her nose quickly enough (belugh).

If anyone has the secret to finding motivation to work out in the evenings please do share. We have all the gear (well an excecise bike and weights) but I'm so tired I can't bring myself to actually use it.

Oh I'm interested to hear about Skin and me @RenegadeMrs. I've heard mixed reports, but sometimes think I'm just flinging stuff at my skin without really knowing what I'm doing.

There is a skin specialist aesthetician type person in my area. I'm tempted to throw money at it and go and see her.

So far, I've "only" had breakfast today, which is better than what is usually do, which is no breakfast and then a tonne of snacks. Not necessarily junk or sweets, but too much bread, crackers etc. I have an early start tomorrow, so at least that will force me into an early night (and no wine)!

I like the personal challenge idea suggested by @Yogaandcocoa too BTW.

This thread is definitely for me!

My DS is 16 months and I'm back working 3 days a week.

Things I've managed to do so far:

• Regular haircuts and at-home hair dye
• Taking lunch into work (can improve on the quality of the food but at least I'm not buying pre-made stuff)
• Dematica prescription since last Sept but need to start using it regularly again. I've always loved skincare so I have good products, just need to find time to use them (eg. face masks)
• Electrolysis sessions
• Used whitening strips last summer (not sure how much difference they made but at least I consistently used them!)

Things I need to work on:

• Drinking water! Why do I find it so hard? Does anyone have tips to increase the amount they drink? Apps haven't really worked for me in the past.
• Doing my nails - cutting, cuticles, moisturising. I treated myself to an Essie nail polish but I've not used it yet.
• Exercise - everything's just too rushed so I can't work out where to fit exercise but ideally I'd do Fitness Blender videos at home (but we're limited on space).
• Fresh food - we have a Gusto delivery for four dinners a week and cook healthy dinners on the other days but I feel like I'm lacking fresh produce in my diet.
• Clothes - slowly working on this and getting lots of inspiration from the S&B board.

Hobbies - I like craft stuff but I'm quite slow at knitting so thinking about maybe some Christmas themed cross stitch.

I turn 40 next summer and I'd like to have a hold on this by then!

Can I join? Baby was born in May 2020. I always pile on loads of weight when I’m pregnant. I now have 5 stone to lose to get down to a normal BMI

Done so far
Joined a gym - but been mega busy the past month so haven’t had time to go
Had my non-existent eyebrows micro bladed
Ordered a load of Heul

Goals before Christmas
Loose 1 stone
Get hair cut/coloured
Go to gym twice a week

@RenegadeMrs Is there a tv programme or podcast you like that you could watch while on the exercise bike or something like that to make it something to look forward to?

I've been doing a steps challenge and enjoyed getting out as I listen to an audiobook or podcast while out.

@MildRose Thank you. I am having my "breakfast" now - porridge so sounds healthy but I always add sugar!

@Gloucester15 first thing I do when I go into the kitchen in the morning is neck a pint of water. Then I just carry a water bottle everywhere with me. Even at home. Sip from it constantly. When I go up to do my skincare routine in the evening (I do it at teatime not just before bed) I take my time and drink water as I'm going and I make sure the bottle is empty by the time my skincare is done. It becomes habit after a while.

[quote FreshFaceTime]@Gloucester15 first thing I do when I go into the kitchen in the morning is neck a pint of water. Then I just carry a water bottle everywhere with me. Even at home. Sip from it constantly. When I go up to do my skincare routine in the evening (I do it at teatime not just before bed) I take my time and drink water as I'm going and I make sure the bottle is empty by the time my skincare is done. It becomes habit after a while.[/quote]
I am terrible with water. Like barely 200ml some days. I know my skin suffers cause of this

How do you avoid constant weeing? I still have weaker pelvic floor muscles