I’m four months postpartum. I miss my former self very much. I don’t even follow my skincare routine anymore. This might sound nasty, but I shower every 2-3 days. If my hair isn’t in a ponytail, it’s a complete disaster. The old me would never have left the house like way. She would feel humiliated. I’m trying to get back into my schedule, but it’s been difficult. Does anyone else relate?
I’m 5.5 months in, and I just started being able to shower before noon regularly about a month ago. Trust me, I get it—it’s tough. I used to shower every few days and maybe managed to fit in my skincare routine once a week, if I was lucky. I was barely eating a meal a day and hardly drinking any water. My husband had to remind me to take care of myself. It sounds like you’re in a similar situation. You want to care for your little one, but everything else falls by the wayside.
Here’s the thing:
You can’t pour from an empty cup.
You need to carve out time for yourself. It’s challenging, but taking care of yourself is crucial so you can be fully present for your baby.
I think this is totally normal. My main goal since giving birth has been to take a shower every day, and my husband and I make it a priority to support each other in that. Some days I miss it, but even a quick 2-5 minute shower helps me feel a bit more like myself. My skincare routine has taken a hit, but I still try to fit it in when I can. I’m 7 months postpartum now.
It’s really about taking baby steps. I make an effort to get out of sweatpants when I leave the house, and a few times a week, I put on a little makeup. If we go out for a meal with the baby and it feels rushed, I still try to wear something casual but cute—a dress, a bit of lipstick, maybe some earrings!
Just getting into the habit of taking 2-5 minutes for yourself every day can make a big difference in how you feel. It’s definitely easier said than done.
I still cry at least once a week because I get sad about how little time I have for myself. But I’m trying, and I’m getting better! You’ve got this, and you deserve to feel good too! 
This!! Especially the clothing and makeup! I’m 8 months pregnant today, and even when I take the baby for a stroll around the block, I strive to put on a cute athletic outfit and style my hair. Sometimes I even get up before the baby to get ready. When I look well, I feel better and can be a better mother.
At 3.5 months postpartum, I can really relate. I used to love getting dressed every day, had a simple but effective skincare routine, and showered regularly. Now, I often feel like a slob, but I do manage to brush my teeth, and when I get the chance to shower a couple of times a week, I take my time and truly enjoy it.
I’ve also started wearing a little “outfit” and some makeup a few times when I have 5-10 spare minutes, and wow, that makes a difference! It’s tough not to feel like I should be doing something practical around the house or for the baby whenever I have a moment to spare, but taking time for myself is practical too—and it benefits the baby as well. I have to remind myself of this all the time.
I’m 21 months in, and I still don’t shower every day and usually wear my hair in a messy bun. I am exhausted. I never follow a nightly skincare routine. I want to get back into it all!
Very much relate! It’s 10 p.m., and I’m still dressed from yesterday (complete with baby spit up residue). I really wanted to shower and wash my hair today, but it did not happen. Now I’ll probably sleep in these clothes again and expect to shower tomorrow.
I encountered some neighbors while we were out for a stroll today, and I didn’t realize how messed up I looked until we arrived home. That was embarrassing. I’d feel a lot better if I could spend a few minutes each day putting on clean clothing, showering, and even applying some makeup. I am going to start creating tiny objectives for myself!
It’s hard! I shower after the baby is fed. I put her in a bouncer just outside the bathroom, with the door open, and she appears to be fine while I chat or sing to her. Then she watches me blow dry my hair; I’m not sure why, but she’s fine with it. She even enjoys watching me get dressed, lol. Baby is 12 weeks old, and I’ve been doing this for approximately a month, maybe more. Bouncer has been my saving grace because she dislikes napping on her own. My next issue is getting this one to nap in her crib throughout the daytime.
Set little goals, such as showering every day this week, doing your morning skin routine three times next week, styling your hair four times the next week, and so on, to gradually return to your normal pattern.
If you have a partner, ask them to take a day off from work next week so you can have a manicure and pedicure, have your eyebrows waxed, and do other modest pampering.
Unfortunately, you have to force these things back into your life.
I’ve also been like that. I believe it is typical when you have a newborn. It came to the point that my spouse was startled when I took a shower, which is when I realized I was dirty hahahaha. Now I can shower in the morning with my kid or at night after he goes to bed. I’ve lately started brushing my hair more regularly. Also, attempt to put on cosmetics when heading out.