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?

@LBB2020 thanks I'll have a look as they are pricey

I am also trying to save money since I'm on mat leave and currently on reduced pay, to go to statutory after Christmas!

For my birthday I had a rare treat of some child free time and money to go clothes shopping today.

Found some jeans. Skinnies look awful now post baby but found some comfy slouchy boyfriend Hush ones which I think look ok. Got a couple of jumpers which are comfy but less scruffy than my usual attire so starting to feel a little bit more like my pre baby self.

I will be honest I have not made amazing diet progress yet 😂 but doing ok on exercise. Keep going everyone!

I’m building up the courage to have a go on my DH Peleton bike. I’ve never been spinning and the thought of lugging my creaking bones over a bike is enough to put me off. Anyone got any words of inspiration? The effort it takes to get to grips with it, get changed, get the baby to nap longer than ten minutes is filling me with dread!

I have done approx 12,500 steps today which I'm happy with

Went for a walk with the pram and we were out about 2.5 hours

@Newmummyinlockdown can you just start small? 5 mins?
How old is the baby?

Maybe they will watch you on the bike especially if it makes a noise? Otherwise try Cocomelon

Well done on your walk! That’s inspired me to get out tommorow!
Yes - good idea. Even if I just do five minutes, it’s better than nothing.
They are 18months and 8 weeks 🤪
How old is your baby x

Oh gosh. Mine is 4 months!

Likes it in the pram so that encourages me to get out!

I did mummyfit yesterday and think it's a really food class.

Today did yoga and a walk.

Pleased with that!

Ran 5k before picked kids up from daycare.
Need to sort out diet. Should have shared in Cadbury

Great thread!

My “baby” is 3 but just when I’d started to get myself back together lockdown began and I’m now back to square one - but worse!

I’m a 10/12 so although by no means huge I used to be a tiny 6/8 so for me I feel out of shape and want to tone up. I don’t necessarily want to lose weight I just want to sort out my mum-tum. I have a massive sweet tooth & eat junk food every single day, washed down with about 5 coffees. I need to change

I have dreadful hair which needs 30 minutes of full styling to look even average. I am so jealous of those who can wash & go. I feel like having hair that is neat (even if not amazing) must make it so so much easier to look put together.

I’ve been posting in the what you are wearing thread on here which helps motivate me to actually get dressed (I WFH which is no good for my self-image). I have some nice clothes but because I’m a charity shopper / bargain hunter my wardrobe is a mush-mash of random things which can make putting outfits together trickier. I should probably have a capsule wardrobe but I like clothes too much!

@Newmummyinlockdown ooh I used to love spin pre-babies! I don't have a Peloton but don't they have themed music cycles (like, 80s music or Disney or whatever)? I'd find something you like and go for it!

DS still in some sort of hideous sleep regression so healthy eating is out the window for now but I did do a nice long walk yesterday (with him in the sling as an added weight )

Did mummyfit today
That was my only "win" really

DS has slept more than 2 hours twice on the night so that's also a win since his sleep appears to be regressing!

Three times actually

How is everyone doing?

I had a long walk with the baby today and have done iver 17000 steps

Yesterday did yoga and walked there and back so did over 18000 steps

We seem to be doing longer walks which is good although the weather is obviously getting more wintry

@Shimmylikejoanholloway you recommended lily and fox nail wraps - I got some and they arrived today and they are amazing! Thanks so much for recommending I love a mumsnet find!

I've also got some collagen and hyaluronic acid supplements and I've booked my first hair appointment in two years so moving in the right direction!

But god it's hard to accept that suddenly losing weight is so much harder. I've been a stick all my life without trying and now even my upper arms are too big for my clothes 🤣

@Yogaandcocoa that's an amazing amount of steps well done!!

Thanks for tagging me @onedaysoonish I fell off the thread and couldn't bloody find it! I'm so glad you love the wraps, I've just done mine in bright pink, I'm totally in love with them. They make me feel polished and put together.

By the way, anyone who is a pear shape with a bit of a tummy or c section pouch - the M&S Ivy jeans are BRILLIANT and only £20!

@Shimmylikejoanholloway I have the Ivy jeans and the Carrie’s - both really good (and they come in a short length!)