I know the title of this blog post seems a little weird. Do we have to be really concerned on how we look during childbirth and post-delivery? Of course, as long as the preparation of delivering a healthy baby has to be covered then you can worry about looking good during your delivery and postpartum. Just this April, the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton received a mixed feedback from the public after looking pristine, fresh and put-together hours after giving birth to her baby #3. Some were so amazed  at how flawless she looks after giving birth (Thanks to her glam squad team who we all assumed helped her). While there were some moms who thinks it is so unrealistic to look that immaculate after the gory reality of childbirth. 

Credit: Elle Singapore

Nevertheless, we all know for a fact that if we do take extra time and effort to look better, we do feel better as well. Right, ladies? Nobody should fault you for wanting to look good during one of the wonderful milestone of your life which is giving birth to your kids. I know some of my friends especially those who love makeup even uses the act of putting makeup as a distract them from the pain of childbirth. I also know some who would put on a full face for child delivery. I don’t think I can do that since I just know simple makeup techniques and I am not really into heavy eye makeup or an expert in facial contouring ala Kim Kardashian.  But you have to understand with the ever-ready phone camera, a momma has to be prepared to look good to show off her little one to the world. But what I noted that people who came to visit me in the hospital would tell me that I look glowing. Some uses the word luminous and one keeps repeating I looked radiant. I assumed they were being very sweet and nice to an exhausted mama like me.  But I am amused that all their adjectives are similar which describes a light-reflecting complexion. Yes, it is probably part of the happiness of having another blessing from God. But I have to admit that it was not a coincidence that the description of my post-pregnancy complexion were similar.  I attributed it with a particular brand of makeup which I will share with you later.

Though I have to admit also that I wasn’t particularly “radiant‘ and “glowing” all through out my childbirth and after giving birth. When I was roomed-in after giving birth to Zeke, I was still feeling much better so I got to freshen up a bit. But soon after, the side-effects of anaesthesia & postpartum hormones came rushing in and I was a total mess. I was sweaty and vomiting every 30 minutes. My pink hospital gown was drenched in sweat & vomitus and I smell horrible. I was strapped in with calf pump, bp cuff, catheter and IV line. I looked like a helpless bloated octopus. Good thing, the day after my delivery, the hospital staff removed all my tubes and I get to freshen up and look semi-normal again.

Ok, here are some tips in looking “radiant” during childbirth and postpartum. Or at least, we try to look radiant and put-together for our picture with the baby and when we have visitors who would come to visit. Of course, intention is important. We do want to look presentable during this important stage in our life. So preparation is also key.

• MOISTURIZE YOUR SKIN

I was lucky that usually when I am pregnant, my skin is much better that when I am not pregnant. I hardly have acne break-outs during pregnancy. I make it a  point that I stop any skincare products with retinol, alpha-hydroxy acids, salicylic acids or any skin care products with harsh chemicals to make sure it wouldn’t affect my baby. Baby first before anything else. But what I do is to make sure that I remove my makeup thoroughly using a 2-step cleansing encouraged by Koreans and I moisturised intensively. I would use mild serums or jojoba oils with essential oils to my skin then I apply a rich cream like a DIY cream I would create or Olay Total Effects Moisturiser. I also drink lots of water which helps in keeping a moisturised skin.

• SCHEDULE FOR EYELASH EXTENSION

A week before my scheduled caesarean delivery, I booked an appointment with KJ Studio for Eyelash Extensions. I know that I won’t be using any mascara when I give birth. Just imagine if you will apply on and it will be running like crazy especially if you are sweating or you would rub your eyes if it a water-proof one, you would look like a racoon. But I know my anorexic lashes needs help so I went to KJ Studio which is would occasionally go to if I am in a mood for eyelash extension.

I don’t really like the full volume and super long lashes. So I would often opt for the classic single lashes with the least number of lashes. I would go for the 80 lashes ($75) which looks natural and nice. You can go up to more than 140 lashes ($150). You have touch up within 3 weeks or within 4 weeks.

If you have some moolahs to spare, you can also opt for Eyebrow Embroidery ($350, 1st trail $300) to have lovely eyebrows that don’t need to fill up.

• NO-MAKE-UP MAKE-UP LOOK

One of the instructions for my surgery in Singapore is not remove all makeup and not to use contact lenses before surgery. When I   have birth to my two sons in the Philippines, I was being a bad patient (yes, it has been known doctors can be a pain-in-the-ass patients who likes to break the rules in hospitals) and I used my contact lens during my caesarean section and had makeup on. In my 3rd pregnancy, I did removed my contact lens but I applied a very thin layer of BB Cushion Powder on my face, covered some dark spots with concealer, pat a bit of cushion blush and dab a bit of lip tint & gloss on my lips.  During my hospital stay, I would use the same products with a little bit more layer when I was in my room.

Here are the products I used:

So I used the Laneige Layering Cover Cushion in 31 Brown. I attributed the “luminousity” to this product. It gives you a glow that doesn’t look fake. Using liquid foundation would make the face look very caked especially if you know you will sweat a lot. This product comes with a concealing base too before applying the cover cushion. I covered my dark spots and hyper pigmentation with my holy grail concealer, Cinema Secrets Ultimate Foundation Concealer. Use sparingly. Dab only, do not spread. Then I set with my ZA Two-Way Foundation Powder in OC30. Make sure to pat lightly the parts only with concealer. Then pat on the Laneige Delight Pop Cushion Blusher on  both cheeks. The color of this blush is so light that it looks like a very faint natural pink tinge on your cheeks. I dab  the Etude House Dear Darling Tint in PK001 lightly on my lips. Make sure just dab and not to put  a lot. Or else, it would look like your lips bled during child birth or worse like a vampire after her meal. Then I smear lightly the Laneige Serum Drop Tint No. 5 Sassy Girl.

After my caesarean delivery to Zeke

• BRING YOUR OWN HOSPITAL PAJAMAS OR CLOTHES

After I was relived from my bouts of post-anesthesia vomiting and all the contraptions were removed from my body, I opted to use the pyjamas I brought with me feel much comfortable . I got 2 pairs of cotton pajamas shorts from Uniqlo  ($39.90) which is much comfortable, cooler and also breastfeeding-friendly with its easy to button-down front part.

Visit from my blogger friends, Farrah of MyFarrahdise and Cherry of Cherryberry Lifestyle

• SMILE

This is one of the most joyous event in your life. Radiate with happiness and smile from ear to ear with this wonderful blessing from God. Welcome your newborn with your smile and greet your visitors & well-wishers with your positivity and gratefulness. It is indeed one of the best reason to flash a smile to the world.

Some few things to consider also while you prep for your baby’s delivery:

• Get a Brazilian wax if you can, Because they will do vulvar prepping before your delivery.
• List the things you need to bring to hospital a few days before your admission
• Keep a hair tie in your makeup pouch or wallet because you’ll need it
• Invest in a Bamboo Belly Bandit to placed around the abdomen after giving birth. I love this! I used it in my 3 pregnancy
• Bring travel-sized toiletries to bring along
• Don’t forget to bring a perfume or cologne

Hope these tips help you in looking a little radiant for your childbirth and after delivery.It is great to look great for your childbirth and after delivery but most importantly, the wellbeing of your baby must be placed in high priority above all things.

All the best to all, you beautiful pregnant ladies!