I’ve been doing my best to raise my son in the best way I know how and lately it has been dawning on me that I am best able to do this only when I take care of myself. For many months after he was born, I threw myself into taking care of my son. Making sure he was fed, clothed, clean and engaged. Before I knew it, months had passed, and I was suddenly back in the work-force. Until that point, I had lived in bathrobes and would be lucky if I got a good shower in occasionally. I didn’t bother with bras because, lets be honest, I was a milk machine and I didn’t deserve nice things. Seriously, my bed sheets were soaked with milk, my clothing, my underwear. I’m pretty sure I smelled like milk. TMI? Trust me, that description could be worse. I promise, one day , I’ll share a detailed account of my challenging first few months as a new mom. For now, let me tell you about the adventures of dressing my body as a new mom.
Just the thought of getting dressed in the morning was so exhausting that it was easier to just walk around in a nursing bra and a robe. But this was NOT going to fly in the work place.The first time I tried on my old pair of jeans, they didn’t go up past my thighs. I thought, ok! I’ll wear a skirt. But then I discovered that the zipper wouldn’t close past my newly acquired belly rolls. I tried on the biggest work button up I could find in my closet and was horrified to find that not only could I not button the shirt but my hideous pink nursing bra was making its debut into society. I burst into tears. I can’t remember if it was the hormones or the thought of shopping or the thought that I had no choice but to leave my house but in that moment, I was certain that my life was over! I know, I’m dramatic. Ask my husband.
In the end, I settled on an oversize sweater to hide my gut and I used an elastic band to hold the buttons of my pants together. It was the middle of winter and my coworkers were just going to have to make do. I eventually went shopping and replaced my wardrobe with a few key pieces. But a year later, and I am still partial to sweaters. I have SO MANY of them in my closet. Granted, I have lost a lot of weight since last year; a combination of post partum depression, extreme anxiety, over production of breast milk and bad eating habits. But I do find that sweaters, especially of the oversize turtleneck variety, remain a closet staple for me. I can look like I put in some effort into my look without really trying. This is why I am excited for my collaboration with @loft to bring you my favorite selection of sweaters from their current collection. They also happen to have a 50% sale at the moment so happy shopping!