The arrival of a baby is a wonderful time in anyone’s life and one that is filled with joy and happiness. On the other hand, it’s also one of sleepless nights and adjusting to the arrival of something that is going to dramatically change your life forever. Sounds exhausting… right?
With that in mind, it’s only right that us new mums partake of a bit post-birth pampering and treat ourselves once in a while. Once the flurry of visitors has died down, it’s time to entrust your other half or your mum with the new baby, grab your coat and head out the door for some quality ‘me’ time.
I’m sure I’m not the only new mum who, just weeks after giving birth, is less than thrilled at the idea of getting practically naked in front of a total stranger. That’s why a massage or a spa day is off the cards for most mums, when it comes to enjoying some down time.
However, what I would consider is a relaxing facial. A facial is the perfect way to indulge in a bit of pampering, without relinquishing that baggy hoody and those comfy jeans, the only thing we feel comfortable in post-birth. Clarins offer a range of facials depending on your skin type and they often include a short shoulder massage as part of the package, to make sure you’re truly relaxed. You can find a list of their facials here.
We all love shopping and spending money, although it can be somewhat depressing immediately following the birth. Your body is still changing shape and you’ll be losing your pregnancy weight, so you should try to hold off from treating yourself to new clothes until you 100% body confident. And the thought of tottering around in a pair of high heels does nothing to inspire you right now. Thankfully, there’s never been a better time to buy a new handbag to cheer yourself up.
And if you’re feeling a tad guilty at the prospect of spending money on a purchase for yourself, you can pass it off as a practical choice for a new parent. Something like this, from the selection of Ted Baker handbags from Diffusion Online, is as stylish as it is practical, and can accommodate more than its fair share of spare nappies, Rusks and dummies. So you’re killing two birds with one stone.
It’s not always possible to leave the house for some down time, and more often than not, the only time you can grab a few moments to yourself is when your baby is sleeping. At times like this, even just sitting down with a cuppa and a magazine can make you feel like a new woman. But it’s also great to have some supplies in to give you a helping hand when you need to relax.
Make yourself a chill-out playlist on your iPod, so that you can listen without disturbing the sleeping baby. And always keep a constant supply of scented baths oils in the house, so that if you have the chance to indulge in a relaxing bubble bath, you’re good to go! You can buy gorgeous bath oils online from Cowshed, so you can stock up even when you haven’t had the chance to leave the house.
Even just taking a walk or relaxing with a book can make all the difference at this period in your life. Although it’s often near impossible, you have to make some time just for you. After all, you’ve got the rest of your child’s life to deal with, so you’d best grab some down time while you can!
