Health and beauty

When you become a mom (assuming you’re not a celebrity mom with an entourage nannies, cooks and personal trainers) it’s all-too-easy to stop caring for yourself in the way you did pre-baby. Apart from anything, with so much to do there seems hardly enough time in the day – getting dressed is a feat in itself, let alone scheduling that salon appointment.

Although it may seem impossible to plan in, it’s important for your own sanity and self-esteem that you show yourself you care. If you’re well groomed and healthy, you’ll feel better about yourself and more confident in your approach to the world around you. The first thing to keep an eye on is your diet. If you’re breastfeeding, you’ll need to make sure that you’re eating a well-balanced and healthful diet full of nutrients – see diet for a breastfeeding mom for detailed advice. Eating well benefits your skin, hair and nails not to mention its well-documented effects on mental health.

Similarly, doing some exercise will ensure you’re in tip-top condition to keep fit and healthy for yourself and your child. There are a range of fitness activities you can enjoy for yourself, as well as some you can do with your baby, such as baby yoga or baby swimming.

If you can get a sitter, it’s worth setting aside some time, even once a month, to go and have some sort of beauty treatment that reminds you that you’re worth looking after too! Whatever you choose – massage, manicure – it’ll help you to relax and value yourself at this demanding time.

The information on this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

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Last Modified: 02/07/2007

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