HOW TO FEEL LUXURIOUS AFTER HAVING A BABY

As I was writing this title I literally laughed out loud! Because it sounds so absurd. There's no way to feel luxurious after giving birth. NO. WAY. But I do think there are a few things you can do to feel as good as possible. As someone who had a risk for postpartum depression, my heart goes out to mom's who feel miserable for many months after giving birth - exhausted, run down, unbeautiful (or like a milk-cow!). So, here are a few ways I helped myself prevent the post delivery blues...

I am just going to throw this out there and say nothing will make you feel as good as exercising. Make it a priority, not an option. It's crucial, y'all. For so many more reasons than aesthetics. (Below: best workout tops EVER are the flowy ones with a cinch under the belly. Grows with ya ;))

There are many studies that actually prove that physical (even seemingly shallow) actions can affect the mental state of mind. For example, if you get up in the morning and do your hair and make-up , you will mentally will feel more confident and prepared for your day, thus boosting your mood. (There was a neat TED Talk on physical actions of power poses, here. Or think of the reverse - Charlize Theron training for Monster!).

Here are 7 things I did, and tell all my preggo friends to do as well!

1. Stock the fridge and freezer! Make sure you have all of your favorite foods and drinks. 90% healthy, 10% guilty-pleasure. Think of all your favorite foods that you may not treat yourself to all the time. For me it was ensuring I purchased fresh fruit, a big bag of local bagels, cream cheese, and smoked salmon. Prep meals beforehand if you can (I couldn't because I went into labor 2 weeks early). Food is super personal and comforting for people. Eating crappy take-out food while you are sleep deprived and in physical discomfort will actually *not* make you feel better... 

2. Purchase fancy drinks. I love sparkling water, sparkling soda, and a nice glass of wine. Get all your favorites. For some reason, favorite beverages have the ability to boost a sluggish mood... and so do pretty glasses. Here's your chance to splurge and buy those gorgeous Anthropologie rose-gold glasses to drink your sparkling water out of.

2. Buy at least three new sets of luxurious pajamas. Even get them monogrammed if you're that kinda girl. You'll be living in them at the hospital and then at home for at least 2 weeks. Another good reason to get new jammies is because you'll be taking a zillion selfies of you and your new baby while you're up feeding at 3am. You're welcome. (side note: If you are breastfeeding, make sure they are button down tops. Nordstrom has all my favorite brands of luxurious pjs.)

3. On the topic of clothes... I purchased a pair of "real" (aka not maternity) jeans a couple sizes up from pre-preggo size. By the time you have the baby, the LAST clothes you want to wear are your maternity clothes, but don't expect to fit into your normal wardrobe. No matter how little weight you hope to gain during your pregnancy, your body shape WILL change. So find a pair on sale and size up. You'll feel good wearing real people clothes again, and you won't be trying to squeeze into pants that won't button (a stress not worth having).

4. Make showering a priority. You think I am joking. If you don't have babies yet, this statement sounds crazy. If you do have kids, you're laughing because it's so true. Whether or not you have grandparents come over for an hour, or you wait until hubby gets home - shower, shower, shower. No matter how exhausted you feel, a good shower is like hitting the reset button. Purchase your favorite shampoo, good-smelling body wash, face mask, a new razor (now that you can actually see your legs again, sheesh), and body lotion. Mini-spa in your casa as often as you can in those first weeks. 

5. Before you give birth, make an appointment. Hair, mani/pedi, massage. Something. It'll get you up and out of the house. More pampering, I know. Mom's are so selfless when they have a new baby, and it is then when it's important to take care of yourself. The better you feel, the more love and patience you can extend to your new baby. 

6. Book a new baby shoot in the first 3 weeks. Babies are the most bendable and squishy then, and it'll force you to get picture ready (you catching my drift now?).

7. Find all your phone/ipad chargers and make sure they are plugged in (and have extension cords where needed) in all the places you'll be spending the most time. Couch, bed, comfy chair. rocking chair. Heaven forbid you're feeding the baby in the middle of the night and your iphone dies. It truly is the worst.

Let me know what you've done to make you feel happy, healthy, and beautiful in the weeks following delivery! I'm sure my list will grow and change the next time around :).

Enjoy!