Does parenting as a *new* mom make it truly impossible to care for ones self?

I think it comes down to your baby's personality and how you feel after birth. Some babies are really colicky and then it's a matter of the mother's tolerance for crying. Some mothers may not have the energy to look after anything but the baby. If this continues for more than a week or two, it's time to talk to a doctor to be assessed for postpartum anxiety or depression, though.

In my own experience, I didn't shower much or even change clothes much during the first 2 weeks. It was just such a big adjustment that I was completely overwhelmed and brushing my teeth was my daily self-care regimen.

After that, the fog started to lift a bit and I worked in changing clothes and showering while the baby napped. About six weeks in, I decided that if the baby was clean, fed, and safe, I could leave her in her crib for a few minutes while I finished what I was doing. I might not take a luxurious shower but I'm going to finish rinsing the conditioner out of my hair.

But that was my experience and my decision. I have a pretty easygoing baby. It all comes down to your baby and what you're comfortable with, but please know there's nothing wrong with taking care yourself. You're not a bad mom for keeping up with your appearance, not are you a good mom for giving up showering and getting dressed for the baby.

I don't put on makeup as much as I did before the baby, so I guess I have "let myself go" in that regard, but it's just laziness on my part. I think I'll get back into it. But I still dress cute when I leave the house, and I make time for hobbies outside of the baby.

/r/beyondthebump Thread