Before pregnancy, I had no idea how my life would change when I became a mother. When I gave birth to my first child, I was so overwhelmed with joy and love. Yet there were some aspects of pregnancy and postpartum that took me by surprise and that I wish someone had told me about before. With the experience I have gained, here are 7 things I would have loved to know before giving birth to my first child.
I would have love to know...
1. That pregnancy and giving birth would be a journey of self-discovery. As they say, pregnancy changes you – and it did change me in the best way possible! I learned to accept my body as it changed over time, and gained confidence in myself as a mother.
2. That breastfeeding is challenging but rewarding. Feeding my baby with breastmilk was difficult at first; there were lots of bumps along the way, like latching issues and discomfort while nursing, but learning how to do it was incredibly empowering!
3. Not to compare pregnancy or postpartum experience with others' stories. Every pregnancy and postpartum journey is unique, so comparing mine with someone else's just added unnecessary stress and anxiety.
4. That pregnancy and postpartum hormones are real. I had no idea that pregnancy and postpartum could be so tumultuous – the waves of emotions and mood swings were something I hadn't prepared for beforehand.
5. How important it is to take care of myself during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Eating healthy foods, getting enough rest and exercise, and being mentally present during labor can help make the birthing process smoother for both mother and baby.
6. That having a baby means making decisions every day—big ones that can affect the entire future of my family. From choosing a pediatrician to deciding whether or not to breastfeed, pregnancy was full of choices!
7. That motherhood is not just a job—it's a lifestyle. As a mom, I had to learn how to balance my career, family life, and social life while also taking care of myself physically and mentally. It took a lot of trial-and-error learning, but now I'm more organized and happier than ever!
I am so thankful for all of the experiences pregnancy, labor and postpartum have brought me - even when they were challenging. By sharing my story, I am dedicated to helping new moms confidently navigate through their pregnancy journey and make better-informed decisions!
