Following last week's article where we gave you our tips for adopting a beauty & wellness routine during pregnancy, today we offer you the perfect routine for new mothers!

That's it, the little wonder is finally here! Time for cuddles, hugs, and games. But be careful not to neglect yourself; you need to rest and take care of your body to recharge your energy.

Here is the post-natal program we've put together for you!

Tip #1: An adapted diet

Return to an (almost) normal diet:

• Increase your protein intake: To compensate for iron deficiencies, if you like it (and have been deprived of it for 9 months for fear of toxoplasmosis), opt for meat or fish. In general, to regain strength, eat all protein-rich foods: white meat, fish, eggs (2 eggs = 100g of meat).
  For vegetarians: you can replace meat with cereals, dairy products, and legumes.
• Eliminate salt as much as possible: which promotes water retention.
• Drink plenty of water, tea, or herbal tea to promote blood circulation.

Tip #2: Get back to exercise, but always gently

Return to sports in stages:

• Postures: 1st step, adopt good postures. Don't slouch on the sofa while breastfeeding; keep your back straight and well supported.
• Abs: In the 3rd week, you can start thinking about abs to strengthen your belly muscles, but without overdoing it. For example, lying down, arms along your body, knees bent, feet on a low piece of furniture, lift your pelvis while exhaling, push on your arms, hollow your upper back as much as possible, and lift your buttocks.
• Perineum: And here we go... tone your famous perineum by starting with small, simple exercises at home on a chair: sitting properly, imagine you need to pee, try to hold it in and release, or contract your perineum and exhale as you lift.

And gradually, you can resume swimming, aqua aerobics, or cycling and shed those few extra pounds!

Tip #3: Learn to manage your emotions

Do you feel emotional and doubt your ability to be a good mother? You are probably experiencing the baby blues. Rarely discussed during pregnancy, the baby blues is a completely normal post-natal reaction.
This emotional crisis is due to hormonal upheaval. The new mother's mood is therefore very sensitive.
→ Above all, don't feel guilty about feeling sad or crying for no apparent reason. Becoming a mother is not an easy thing...

Some tips to stay positive:

• Don't stay alone; see people, go out.
• Talk about it with your partner or your mother (who probably experienced the same doubts as you years ago).
• Schedule moments of relaxation for yourself during the day.

Don't worry, the baby blues only lasts a few days, then you can fully enjoy your little baby!

Tip #4: In the 4th week, focus on your skin

Some tips to erase those pesky stretch marks:

• First, use good old traditional methods: alternate hot and cold water jets on your belly, buttocks, hips, and chest, and perform circular movements. This will improve circulation and awaken the skin.
• Replenish your vitamins.
• Opt for suitable beauty products:
  Choose a natural anti-stretch mark cream and apply it twice a day. Accompany it with a stimulating massage to promote the penetration of active ingredients, and continue these treatments for 4 months after childbirth.
  → It is advisable to continue to be careful about the ingredients, especially if you are breastfeeding, because even if absorption is not immediate, your baby will be in contact with your skin (breasts, belly).

Les Petits Prodiges Tips: The Scentless Balm by Les Petits Prodiges is an effective ally against stretch marks. With its natural formula rich in sweet almond oil, it will gradually erase your stretch marks. Don't hesitate to apply it morning and night on your belly!
The fact that it has no scent will also ensure that you don't confuse your baby with too strong a smell.
If you want to know more about the ingredients of our miraculous balm, feel free to read this article, which details its benefits!

⚠ Avoid: Sun exposure to stretch marks during the first year, even after applying sunscreen...
Last resort if they have already scarred: a dermatologist.

Hair regrowth objective: It is not uncommon for hormonal changes postpartum to make your hair dull or even cause hair loss. Don't worry, this is completely normal and temporary.

Some tips to boost your hair regrowth:

• A course of anti-hair loss capsules + a diet rich in iron: to stop the reaction.
• Castor oil baths to deeply nourish the roots and promote regrowth.
• Rich treatments & serums for your ends.

Les Petits Prodiges Tips: We recommend using The Coconut Balm by Les Petits Prodiges.
Take a pea-sized amount of balm and warm it in your hands. The balm will turn into oil: apply it to the lengths and ends of your hair (avoid the roots!) and leave it overnight (rinse thoroughly in the morning with shampoo).
Its delicious (but light) coconut scent will not leave you indifferent!

Tip #5: Take some time just for yourself!

Just because you become a mother doesn't mean you stop being a woman in your own right. Our most important tip in this article is to take care of yourself! (and your baby, of course).

• Go to the hairdresser, osteopath, beautician, or go shopping with a friend.
• Entrust baby to their dad or your mom and don't worry about household chores!
• Take a nap (20 min/day) to relax.
• Alternate night "bottle" shifts if you are not breastfeeding.
• Frame visits well: At first, the whole family/friends will want to come and see you. Try to organize visits as best as possible so that it is not too tiring for you, and remember to ask your entourage if they are not sick before coming to your house.
• Don't isolate yourself: Get some fresh air, meet up with friends in green spaces to breathe fresh air and de-stress.

In short, stay energetic, relaxed, and fulfilled to be the most beautiful of mothers!

Oh, we almost forgot, there's no such thing as a perfect mother. Becoming a mother is something you learn. Give yourself time to get to know your baby, and everything will be fine!