One important thing I didn’t expect as a new mom
(Thank you to Pantene for partnering on this post and allowing me to share my new momma mojo!)
Every day is crazy-busy when you have a four-month-old. (Sleepless nights, endless baby laundry, feedings around the clock, changing diaper after diaper…and yet enjoying so many heart-melting moments.) My momma friends had told me all about it, so I had expected those things. But the one thing I didn’t expect when I gained a family member is that I would feel like I was losing one. (Me!) I expected not fitting into my favorite jeans right away and being out of shape. However, I’m pretty disciplined and figured I would fall right back into my healthy habits… but truthfully, I didn’t. Pretty soon after coming home from the hospital, I started to feel defeated, like I would never get my mojo again. Before Nico was born, I was walking 2.5 miles a day along with working out almost every day and eating at least 6 fruits and veggies a day. Now I’m lucky if I can get a walk around the block or make time to cook a healthy meal. And then I get down on myself thinking since other moms find the time, why can’t I?!
What I have learned during this time is that I have to give myself GRACE and start SMALL. It’s not always going to be like this and HE’S not going to always be like this. I need to soak up all of the special moments and hold him as much as possible instead of worrying about fitting into my skinny jeans.
My new momma mental checklist includes asking for help when I need it and taking time for myself when I can. So now when he’s asleep, I might get on my stationary bike for 30 minutes, sneak in a short workout with an exercise app, or take a bubble bath. Another priority for me has been to do my hair and makeup most mornings. I find that just taking 10 minutes in the morning to get ready for the day makes a huge difference for me mentally. Looking presentable (even though I’m just at home) makes me feel like myself again!
New momma must-have… a good dry shampoo
And since I’m usually in a rush, I rely on a 5-minute makeup routine and doing my hair with Pantene’s Never Tell Dry Shampoo Spray and Mist Behaving Dry Conditioner Mist. They both work to refresh my hair every morning. (Because you know this momma doesn’t have time to wash her hair!) This pro-vitamin B5 invisible dry shampoo spray absorbs oil without the white powdery residue that most brands have and is sulfate-free and paraben-free too. It leaves my hair instantly refreshed and volumized!
If I’m in a super hurry, I just spray in the dry shampoo and brush it out for an instant refresh. If I have a little more time, I’ll curl my hair and finish with Pantene Mist Behaving Dry Conditioner Mist. It’s is a dry conditioner mist that’s like a leave-in conditioner and styling spray in one. It’s great for when my hair gets tangled or when I need a dose of nourishment by smoothing out my damaged ends, creating touchably soft hair.
My new morning routine
Admittedly my first couple months as a mom was spent in sweats with my hair in a ponytail. But now that baby Nico is getting into his own routine, I’m getting back into one too. Over on Reels, I’m sharing how I start my day. It involves a cup of coffee, Pantene, and some help from husband. Go check it out over on my IG Reels and let me know what helps (or helped) you feel like yourself as a new mom. I love hearing all your advice! And shop these Pantene Waterless Collection products online or at your local CVS!
xo