Postpartum Glow Up: Strength First, Then Style
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Postpartum Glow Up: How I Reclaimed Strength, Style, and a Bit of Fun
A postpartum glow up is deeply personal, and for me, it was never about snapping back or rushing my body into something it wasn’t ready for. It was about rebuilding myself slowly—physically, mentally, and emotionally—while adjusting to a life that no longer revolved around just me.
In those early postpartum months, my time, energy, and attention belonged almost entirely to my daughter. And while that shift was beautiful, I also learned that finding small ways to reconnect with myself—through movement, routine, skincare, and even what I wore—made me feel more grounded and more confident in this new season.
Starting at the Core: Why My Postpartum Glow Up Began With Healing
Building Strength Before Style
In the beginning, my postpartum glow up had nothing to do with appearance. It started with healing and stability. I had worked on my deep core before and during pregnancy, so postpartum it felt essential to return to that same foundation instead of skipping ahead.
Using Pilates and the Fit With Coco app, I focused on reconnecting with my body through slow, intentional movement. Deep core engagement, breathwork, posture, and alignment were my priorities. I wasn’t chasing intensity or sweat—I was rebuilding trust in my body.
Alongside Pilates, I walked a lot. Walking gave me steady, low-impact movement that supported circulation, recovery, and mental clarity without overstressing my body. It kept me moving daily while allowing my core to strengthen gradually.
This phase laid the groundwork for everything that came later.
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Bringing Back the Fun: Skincare and a Wardrobe Reset
Skincare That Felt Like “Me” Again
Once my body felt more stable, I slowly layered in skincare as a form of routine rather than pressure. Skincare became one of the few moments in my day that belonged entirely to me.
I reintroduced treatments like microneedling and consistent LED therapy using my Omnilux mask to support collagen and skin quality. I was also genuinely excited to bring retinol back into my routine. Not because it symbolized a “bounce back,” but because it felt familiar—like reconnecting with a version of myself that still existed within this new life.
Even on nights when all I had energy for was a simple routine after bedtime, I showed up for it. Those small moments added up.
The Joy of a New Workout Wardrobe
My workout wardrobe reset was one of the most unexpectedly meaningful parts of my postpartum glow up.
I donated every workout piece I owned and started fresh. That decision felt symbolic. My life had changed, my body had changed, and my routines had changed—so my wardrobe needed to reflect that.
I invested in complete matching sets: bras, leggings, and tops that worked together effortlessly. High-quality fabrics, supportive fits, and cohesive colors made getting dressed feel easy and intentional. Since workout wear is what I wear most days, having pieces that made me feel put together—even at home—made a noticeable difference in how I carried myself.
In a phase of life where so much felt out of my control, choosing what I wore daily became a small but powerful way to feel grounded, polished, and a little more like myself.
Creating a Sustainable Routine: The Heart of My Postpartum Glow Up
Small, Consistent Rituals Over Grand Gestures
My routines had to fit into real life. Long, elaborate rituals weren’t realistic, so I focused on consistency instead.
Some days that meant Pilates and a walk. Other days it meant just skincare after bedtime. But no matter how small, I showed up for something.
Those rituals became anchors. They reminded me that caring for myself didn’t require perfection—just intention.
The Final Phase: Nutrition, Energy, and Weight Loss
When my body felt strong and supported, I shifted into a more structured nutrition phase. I had gained about 40 pounds during pregnancy, and my goal was to lose it in a way that felt calm, sustainable, and supportive of my lifestyle.
Nutrition became less about restriction and more about strategy. I focused on:
- Keeping calories steady
- Prioritizing high protein for recovery, muscle, and energy
- Supporting my body while pumping
Maintaining adequate fuel was non-negotiable. Protein helped with satiety and strength, while consistent calories supported both energy levels and milk production. I didn’t rush the process or chase extremes.
Over time, I lost the 40 pounds—and even a bit extra—without burning out or feeling depleted.
Related: What I Eat in a Day For Energy and Clear Skin
Fifteen Months Later: A Postpartum Glow Up That Feels Like Me
Redefining What a Glow Up Really Means
It took me about 15 months to feel fully like myself again. And honestly, I’m grateful I gave myself that time.
This postpartum glow up wasn’t about returning to who I was before. It was about building a version of myself that felt strong, aligned, and confident in this new season of life.
I feel better now than I did before pregnancy—more aware of my body, more intentional with my routines, and more selective about what I give my energy to.
That’s what a real postpartum glow up looks like to me.
