Heartfelt Advice for Expectant Moms: What I Wish I Knew During Pregnancy

Pregnancy, with its ups and downs, is a unique chapter in a woman’s life. As I embarked on this journey, I read numerous books, attended prenatal classes, and heard countless stories and anecdotes. To be honest, I received a huge amount of useless advice. (Read my post here). But when we look back and talk about it with other mothers and friends, we agree that there are certain things that books cannot fully capture and that few people share.

So today, I want to share some heartfelt advice, those pearls of wisdom I would have loved to receive when I was pregnant. Whether you’re an expectant mom or know someone who is, I invite you to join me on this journey of reflection and learning.

“Advice I Wish I Received When I Was Pregnant.”

Educate Yourself about Breastfeeding

If you plan to breastfeed, educate yourself.

Yes, breastfeeding is “natural.” No, natural doesn’t mean it’s easy.

Gather information before the baby arrives—more than the snippets shared in prenatal classes. No need for a master’s degree, but waiting until the baby is in your arms is not the ideal approach.

(I talk about breastfeeding because it was my experience, but the same applies to whatever the case may be: delayed, mixed, formula, etc. Educate yourself).

Have Dates with Your Partner

Take the time to have more dates with your partner. The reality is that you won’t have much time once the baby arrives and as you adapt, especially if you don’t have a tribe. So, enjoy your bubble of two.

Speaking of a tribe.

Find Your Tribe

I can’t stress enough into this one.

They say it takes a village to raise a child. And there’s so much truth in this one. 

You’re not alone in this. Accepting and seeking support from friends, family and other future moms can make a big difference. Sharing experiences and tips can be comforting and empowering.

Check out my post “About Motherhood and its Shadows“

Enjoy Your Pregnancy

Well, I must admit I hated this one a bit because I didn’t understand what they meant. My back hurt, my pelvis hurt, I had heartburn, I wasn’t sleeping. Torture!

But when my little one was born, and I took the first shower at home, I cried. I really cried seeing my belly sagging and not feeling his kicks inside me.

So when you hear “enjoy your pregnancy” they are, usually, trying to say: focus on the positive aspects, cherish the moments, and make the most of this significant period in their life. Enjoy that belly, rub it, and slow down to feel those kicks. You won’t be one again.

Take time to appreciate the experience of being pregnant. Capture memories, document your feelings, and celebrate the milestones.

Prioritize Self-Care

With all the preparations and changes, don’t forget to take care of yourself.

Whether it’s a relaxing massage, a quiet walk, or just some time to read your favorite book, self-care is crucial for your well-being and the baby’s.

Have a Date with Yourself

A few days ago, I was talking to a friend, and she said that as a first-time mom, she would have liked someone to advise her to take more “me-time” before the baby was born and say goodbye to that “me” who is not yet a mom.

When I was pregnant, I was so excited to meet that little one growing inside me that it never occurred to me to think that a new “me” was going to be born that day.

Children change you, and you won’t be the same; so take the time and appreciate who you are “before.”

Be Flexible with Your Expectations

Planning is essential, but so is the ability to adapt. Things may not go as planned, and that’s okay.

Motherhood often involves adjustments, and being flexible will help you embrace every twist and turn of this journey.

Trust Your Maternal Instinct

Motherhood comes with a built-in superpower: your instinct. Trust it!

Listen to your body and your intuition. Don’t underestimate the power of that innate bond you have with your baby.

Every experience is unique, but the connection between mothers through these pieces of advice can make the journey a little easier and more meaningful.

These are just some of the pieces of advice I would have appreciated hearing.

And to you, mom, what advice would you have liked to receive when you were pregnant? Leave it in the comments.