Yesterday a friend called to check on me and my now 4-month old baby boy who has become the center of my world. As our conversation progressed she suddenly asked “so how is motherhood?” I paused, I chuckled then paused again. She couldn’t understand what was so funny and I didn’t expect her to. I was searching for a perfect answer to her question; I wanted to give her a response that accurately portrayed my motherhood experience so far. So, I said “it’s been fun but it’s a lot of work…it’s a beautiful experience, I really can’t explain the joy.” And that truly sums up my motherhood experience to date.
Once I returned home after delivery, the reality of motherhood set in pretty quick. In the first 48-hours I managed to get two hours of sleep. I was catering to my baby around the clock with little or no time left for me to groom myself. As a new mom, I keep reminding myself that I can’t “let myself go,” I knew I had to make some changes to my beauty routine. I needed to develop quick and easy fixes to put myself together within a short period of time but most importantly since I am breastfeeding, I’ve had to switch my beauty products to more healthy options that are safe for my baby.
Face Care
Due to my oily skin, I get a few random breakouts. I had to abandon most of my acne products during pregnancy which are also discouraged while nursing due to their unsafe chemical components such as salicylic acid. I found a solution in tea tree oil which contains terpinen-4-ol, a naturally-occurring compound with superb antimicrobial strength. For my daily facial cleanser and moisturizer, I switched from Clinique products to Neutrogena Naturals which have no harsh chemical sulfates, parabens, petrolatum, dyes or phthalates.
Skin Care
It’s no secret that pregnancy stretches the skin to its limits making it quite itchy and dry. To restore my skin to its pre-pregnancy firm and robust self, I resorted to virgin coconut oil which I love for its amazing moisturizing quality. I have also increased my water intake to moisturize my skin from the inside out and the results have been really encouraging.
Hair Care
Like most people, dandruff is a continuous problem for me. As part of the no harsh chemicals resolution I made during pregnancy, I tossed my chemical-based dandruff shampoo and embarked on a research for permanent dandruff solutions. In the process, I discovered foods that have the very best anti-dandruff properties – talk about nature’s perfect cure. Ginger, sunflower seeds, papaya, garlic and organically grown apple are some of the foods that have become regulars in my diet due to their dandruff-fighting properties. I have since noticed that my scalp is softer, less dry and more dandruff-free. How perfect, right? Eating healthy while kicking dandruff in the butt.
Physical Fitness
In the first few weeks after my son’s arrival, I was so busy trying to fulfil his every need that I could barely find time to brush my hair…no joke! It seemed impossible to find a few minutes to work out. I was following a baby-led routine which means I simply let my baby sleep, eat and play at his own time. But that meant my day was as unpredictable as you can imagine. With no set routine for the baby, it was difficult for me to schedule workout time. Two weeks before I was due to return to work, I developed a routine for my baby which changed my life and returned my sanity. With my baby’s routine in place, I was able to fit exercising back into my own schedule without being interrupted by his wants and whimpers. Kegels, cardio and most importantly yoga are now back in my beauty routine.
So, new moms out there, how has your beauty routine been affected by motherhood? Feel free to share your tips and experiences.
Founded in 2007, Ladybrille® Magazine is a California based pioneer digital publication demystifying the image of Africans in the west through contemporary African fashion and celebrating the brilliant woman in business and leadership, with an emphasis on the African woman in the diaspora. Our coverage includes stories on capital, access to markets, expertise, hiring and retention, sales, marketing, and promotions.
