As women transition into motherhood, many comforts and indulgences often fall by the wayside. This is an anticipated shift, as the leisurely Sundays spent lounging in robes, sipping coffee, and immersing ourselves in novels become distant memories. The carefree brunches with friends—where we could enjoy mimosas without the distraction of parenting texts—are replaced by urgent messages such as, “If our child fell and injured themselves, what should I do? Also, where are the Band-Aids?” The blissfully self-centered moments of our pre-motherhood lives are undeniably altered the moment we welcome a new life. However, the fundamental practice of self-care, such as showering, remains an essential ritual, albeit transformed.
Showering Before Kids:
- Begin by warming up the shower while examining your complexion in the mirror.
- Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the water—wait, maybe I’ll go with eucalyptus instead.
- Disrobe and take a moment to scrutinize your body in the mirror, wishing you were a little slimmer (if only you knew!).
- Step into the shower.
- Start with a foot scrub, removing all dead skin using a peppermint concoction you created on a leisurely day.
- Lather up: utilize a loofah for most areas, and an exfoliating glove for the backs of your arms.
- Time for hair care: shampoo twice—first with a purple formula to maintain your shade, then with a hydrating color lock. Rinse, lather, and repeat.
- Apply conditioner, allowing it to sit for at least seven minutes.
- Shave every inch, even the fine hair on your toe—no one wants to be caught unprepared.
- Treat yourself to a facial steam with a cleanser, Clarisonic device, exfoliating scrub, and hydrating mask. Rinse, apply, and repeat.
- Step out of the shower.
- You’ll need two towels: one for your hair and another for your body.
- Towel off, but leave your skin slightly damp for optimal moisture absorption.
- Begin with facial moisturizers: eye cream, serum, hydrating cream, sunscreen. Then, move to your body: bikini line serum, foot cream, coconut oil, bronzing lotion. Finish with hair products: color seal serum, styling cream, and a light-scented oil for split ends.
- Slip into a cozy robe that your partner warmed up in the dryer while you showered, embracing the comfort against your hydrated skin.
Showering After Kids:
- Silently enter the bathroom after successfully settling your baby for a nap.
- Turn on the shower, only to discover the water is freezing. Time is limited, so you begin anyway.
- Bring your toothbrush into the shower, brushing while you pump soap into the other hand.
- Realize the soap is out; use shampoo instead.
- Attempt to wash as much as possible with one hand while brushing your teeth with the other.
- Finally, the water warms up!
- Turn off the water and quickly exit the shower.
- Grab a damp towel from the floor that your partner used earlier and dry off in haste.
- Put on yesterday’s yoga pants and a t-shirt!
Next time you find yourself behind a perfectly put-together, childless woman in line, just smile. You once were her but have since discovered that the title of “Mom” carries a profound sense of fulfillment, far beyond any corporate title. She too may one day navigate the complexities of parenthood, reflecting on her transformation from stylish heels to cozy slippers.
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Summary:
Motherhood inevitably brings about changes in daily routines, especially in personal care practices like showering. The transition from leisurely, indulgent showers to fragmented experiences that often involve multitasking is a common narrative among mothers. Embracing this shift, while still prioritizing self-care, is essential for maintaining well-being in the chaotic yet rewarding journey of parenthood.