How To Glow-Up Postpartum: 5 Super Realistic Ways to Feel Like Yourself Again
When you become a new mom, your life and routine are completely disrupted. Postpartum is a challenging time in every mother’s life, and it’s normal to wonder how to start feeling like yourself again after having a baby. The good news? It’s possible to regain your confidence and energy postpartum.
In this guide, I’m sharing five realistic ways to glow-up postpartum. This will allow you to reconnect with yourself and feel more like YOU again.
Cover Photo by Tamara Govedarovic on Unsplash
Table of Contents
What is a Postpartum Glow-Up?
A postpartum glow-up isn’t just about your appearance (though that’s part of it!). It’s about rebuilding your confidence, learning how to care for yourself again, and creating a new rhythm to support your well-being.
You may feel like this is impossible, especially during those long, sleepless nights with a newborn. Trust me, I’ve been there. But as your hormones begin to regulate and your baby grows out of the newborn phase, you’ll find yourself craving change.
This post is here to help you take small, intentional steps towards your goals. You can also download my free postpartum glow-up guide to start building your routine with the habits we’ll go over today.
1. Prioritize Nourishing Foods
I get it, when you’re a new mom, just remembering to eat is a win. But nourishing your body is one of the most powerful forms of postpartum self-care. It supports healing, energy, mood, and even milk production if you’re breastfeeding.
Forget perfection! This is about simple, sustainable changes.
Keep A Stash of Healthy & Delicious Snacks
You’re more likely to make healthy choices if they’re easy to grab. Keep snacks on hand that nourish you and that you actually enjoy!
When I was freshly postpartum, I relied on sugary snacks to get through the day. But they didn’t keep me full or energized. Once I started focusing on higher-protein options, I felt better and even started losing baby weight (while still breastfeeding).
👉 Need inspiration? Check out my post on 10 Healthy Snacks To Help You Glow-Up Postpartum!
Stick to Convenient Options
You don’t need to cook from scratch every day. Use healthy shortcuts (like rotisserie chickens, meal kits, and nutritious takeout) to save time and energy.
Stock Up Your Freezer
When you do get the time to cook (rarely, I know), try making double (or triple) batches of foods that freeze well. That way, you have something you can pull out in a pinch! Remember, one way to glow-up postpartum is to get organized, so keep track of what you have out in the freezer with a simple list.
2. Incorporate Movement Into Your Daily Life
Finding ways to be active will improve your mental health during your glow-up postpartum. With a new baby, it takes creativity to get some exercise.
That doesn’t mean hitting the gym right away. Start slow, and always check with your doctor first.
Easy Ways To Move With A Newborn
Babywearing
I love babywearing. It keeps your hands free, soothes your baby, and counts as light exercise. Bonus: it can reduce postpartum anxiety and help regulate your baby’s nervous system¹.
There are many carriers to choose from—stretchy wraps, ring slings, and half buckles. Try what works for you!
Walking
Going for a walk can be an excellent mood booster, especially postpartum. I found that getting outside changed my whole perspective in those early postpartum days. There is just something freeing about getting outside of those four walls.
You can put your baby in a stroller or even go for a babywearing walk. A 15-minute walk in the sunshine works wonders for your mental health and helps reset your nervous system.
Stretching
If you’re anything like me, the thought of stretching after giving birth is far from your mind. But you will be amazed at how much better you feel with just some gentle movement.
You can even do mommy and me tummy time! Put your baby on their tummy time mat while you do your stretches. It’s a great way to bond while doing some self-care.
3. Make Time for Self-Care
I know that self-care may seem impossible in those early days of motherhood, but hear me out. Even a short session of self-care during naptime will do wonders for your glow-up postpartum.
Easy Self-Care Ideas For New Moms
- Wash your face and brush your hair
- Write in a journal
- Drink water and eat a nourishing snack
- Put on lotion or a little makeup
- Read a few pages of a book
Start small! Adding self-care to your routine as a new mom will help you start feeling like yourself again after having a baby.
4. Declutter Your Space (And Your Mind)
Listen, it is understandable if your house is a wreck when you have a newborn (or kids). But decluttering your space will help you declutter your mind postpartum.
Pick one area (your bedroom, the nursery, or the kitchen) and give it a quick refresh. You’ll feel more in control and more like yourself.
If you need help getting started, grab my free glow-up guide. You’ll learn how to do a “brain dump,” organize your thoughts, and plan low-pressure tasks around your new routine.
Once your main space feels better, move on to smaller projects. For example, your diaper bag, pantry, or bathroom drawers.
Reminder: Don’t aim for perfection, but aim for progress. Every little win counts.
5. Know When To Ask For Help
Let’s be real, postpartum can be overwhelming. Between the sleepless nights, healing body, and emotional rollercoaster, it’s a LOT. All these factors may lead to postpartum depression and anxiety. But remember, there is help out there!
If you’re feeling constantly down, anxious, or disconnected, please don’t wait to reach out. Talk to your doctor or visit Postpartum Support International for help and resources.
There is no shame in needing support. Having a strong support system is a gift. Remember to utilize it, for yourself and your baby.
Final Thoughts
Your glow-up postpartum isn’t just about snapping back. It’s about feeling like yourself again. Don’t try to change your life overnight. Start small and build momentum.
Remember to give yourself compassion and room to grow. This is a precious time in your life, you’ll want to enjoy it as much as possible.
You’ve got this!
FAQ: Your Postpartum Glow-Up Questions, Answered
How long does it take to feel like yourself again after giving birth?
This timeline varies for everyone. While a lot of physical recovery happens in the first 6-8 weeks, it may take months or even a year to feel like yourself again. It’s normal if it takes time. Implementing small healthy habits will help support this process.
Do I have to work out to glow-up postpartum?
No! Gentle movements and healthier choices will help support your physical and mental recovery without overwhelming you. If you are cleared for exercise by your doctor, try some stretching or short walks!
What if I don’t have time for self-care?
I hear you! Those early days are intense. Self-care doesn’t have to be long or elaborate. Even brushing your teeth, washing your face, or putting on clean clothes counts. Think of self-care as small acts of kindness to yourself.
How can I stay organized with a newborn?
Use brain dumps, checklists, and simple routines to stay on track. Start with one space at a time. Maybe your diaper bag or kitchen counter, and build from there. My free postpartum routine guide has templates to help you get started.
When does the postpartum period end?
The “fourth trimester” typically lasts 12 weeks, but postpartum recovery can take longer. Many physical and emotional changes continue for 6–12 months. Give yourself grace and space to heal. Your glow-up doesn’t have a deadline.
Sources
¹ La Leche League International – Babywearing
