What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Mom (Now Pregnant With My Third)

When I was pregnant with my first, I did all the “right” things. I read the books, asked the questions, and tried to prepare as much as possible.

But now, pregnant with my third, I can honestly say—there are some things you just don’t fully understand until you live them.

These are the things I wish other moms had told me before I had my first baby.

1. Postpartum Isn’t Always Pretty

You hear about the newborn snuggles—but not always about what your body and mind go through after delivery.

Postpartum can look like:

• Sleepless nights that blur together
• Intense physical recovery
• Hormonal shifts that feel overwhelming
• Hair loss months later
• Loss of muscle strength (that takes months to rebuild)

After I had my first, I could barely walk up a flight of stairs for weeks. My body felt completely depleted, and it took me close to a year to rebuild my strength.

Every experience is different—but it’s okay if yours isn’t easy. That doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.

2. Keep Expectations Low (Especially for Your Baby)

One of the biggest mindset shifts? Letting go of unrealistic expectations.

Babies are meant to:

• Wake every few hours to eat
• Cry (sometimes a lot)
• Experience things like colic, gas, or skin rashes

You can prepare—but only to a point.

The early days can feel like you can’t catch your breath. But that phase doesn’t last forever, even if it feels endless in the moment.

Remember, you birthed and are raising a human, not a robot. 

3. Postpartum Lasts Longer Than You Think

You’ll often hear about the “fourth trimester”—but for many moms, postpartum goes far beyond that.

After my second, it took me about a year and a half to truly feel like myself again—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Healing isn’t linear, and it doesn’t follow a set timeline.

Give yourself more time than you think you need.

4. The Only Constant Is Change

Just when you feel like you’ve figured something out—sleep, feeding, routines—something shifts.

A regression. A growth spurt. A new phase.

Motherhood is a constant evolution.

Instead of chasing perfection, focus on doing your best in the moment you’re in.

5. Everything Is a Season

This is the one that grounds me the most.

The hard nights. The exhaustion. The overwhelm. The uncertainty.

They are all seasons.

Some feel long. Some feel heavy. But none of them last forever.

Hang on tight, mama.

Final Thoughts: It All Changes—In the Best Way

Motherhood will stretch (physically, mentally, and emotionally) you in ways you never expected.

It will challenge you, humble you, and sometimes completely exhaust you.

But it will also change you—in the best way possible.

And one day, you’ll look back and realize… you made it through every phase you thought you couldn’t.