Are you a first-time mom? Maybe you’re currently expecting? Or perhaps you’re trying to conceive?
No matter where you are on this journey, it’s never too early or too late to start thinking about the joys, challenges, and surprises that come with becoming a parent. Everyone has their own opinion about how you should feed your baby, put your baby to sleep, or even what type of diapers to use—but in the end, YOU get to make those decisions. That’s one of the most empowering aspects of parenting: trusting yourself to do what’s best for your baby.
But here’s the thing—there’s a lot people don’t tell you about being a first-time mom. Sure, you’ve probably heard the sweet, heartwarming stories about baby’s first smile or the joy of hearing their first laugh. But what about the not-so-glamorous parts? The morning sickness that sometimes lasts all day? The exhaustion of sleepless nights? Or even the surprisingly painful experience of your first postpartum bowel movement?
If you’re feeling unprepared, don’t worry—you’re not alone! We’ve gathered wisdom from birth professionals, experienced parents, and research-backed resources to guide you through this incredible transition.
Pregnancy: Preparing for the Journey
“Plan to gain as much knowledge & wisdom about birth as possible so when your birthing time comes, it will be your birth & not a birth that was the most convenient for the care providers.”
— Angie Heffner, Doula (SpringForthLife@gmail.com)
Pregnancy is a time of excitement, but it can also be overwhelming. There’s so much to learn, from nutrition and prenatal care to birth plans and hospital bag checklists. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Morning Sickness Can Last All Day: While it’s called “morning sickness,” nausea and vomiting can strike at any time. Some moms experience hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness that may require medical attention (ACOG, 2023).
- Your Body Will Change in Unexpected Ways: Beyond the obvious baby bump, expect changes in your skin, hair, and even foot size! Some of these changes may be temporary, while others may stick around postpartum.
- Prenatal Education Matters: Taking a childbirth education class can help you feel more prepared for labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery. Consider looking into Lamaze International, Evidence Based Birth, or Hypnobirthing for reliable education options.
- Plan for Postpartum Recovery: Many first-time moms focus on preparing for birth but underestimate the need for postpartum recovery support. Arrange for meal delivery, extra help at home, and a comfortable recovery space before baby arrives.
Helpful Resources:
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): www.acog.org
- Evidence Based Birth: www.evidencebasedbirth.com
During Labor: Having the Right Support System
“Have a group of people that keep you, your newborn, and family in prayer for the safe transition from parenting in the womb to life here in the world.”
— Charmaine Hinds (www.TheGivingTreeServices.com)
Labor and delivery can be unpredictable, but having a solid support system can make all the difference. Here’s what you should consider:
- Birth Plans Are Not Set in Stone: While a birth plan is helpful, flexibility is key. Things may not go exactly as planned, and that’s okay.
- Advocate for Your Needs: Don’t be afraid to ask questions and voice concerns with your healthcare provider. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.
- Pain Management Options: Whether you prefer an epidural, IV pain relief, or natural pain management techniques (like water birth or breathing exercises), it’s helpful to learn about all your options in advance.
- Doulas Provide Valuable Support: Studies have shown that having a doula can reduce the likelihood of medical interventions and increase overall satisfaction with the birth experience (Bohren et al., 2017).
Helpful Resources:
- DONA International (Doula Certification & Support): www.dona.org
- March of Dimes (Labor & Birth Information): www.marchofdimes.org
First Week Home: The Fourth Trimester
“Plan to spend the first 6 weeks snuggling and nursing your baby. It helps establish a nursing routine and allows adequate time for mom and baby to bond.”
— Ashley Barksdale (www.BarksdaleMissions.com)
The first weeks home with your newborn can be one of the most beautiful yet challenging times. Here’s what to expect:
- Newborns Eat Often—And That’s Normal: Whether you’re breastfeeding or formula-feeding, babies need to eat frequently—every 2-3 hours at first. This can be exhausting, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.
- Sleep Deprivation is Real: Sleep when you can! Accept offers of help, and consider taking shifts with your partner.
- Postpartum Emotions Can Be Intense: Hormonal changes can lead to the “baby blues,” which affect up to 80% of new moms (NIMH, 2023). If feelings of sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness persist beyond two weeks, reach out to a healthcare provider to discuss postpartum depression.
- Healing Takes Time: Your body just went through a major event—give yourself grace. Whether you had a vaginal birth or C-section, take it easy and prioritize your recovery.
Helpful Resources:
- La Leche League International (Breastfeeding Support): www.llli.org
- Postpartum Support International (Support Groups and Resources): www.postpartum.net
Final Thoughts
Being a first-time mom is a life-changing experience filled with incredible moments, learning curves, and unexpected challenges. No one has all the answers, and that’s okay. The best thing you can do is trust yourself, lean on your support system, and remember that every mom’s journey is unique.
Do you have any tips or experiences you’d like to share with other first-time moms? Let us know in the comments!
References
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2023). Morning Sickness: Causes and Treatments. Retrieved from www.acog.org
- Bohren, M. A., Hofmeyr, G. J., Sakala, C., Fukuzawa, R. K., & Cuthbert, A. (2017). Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 7(CD003766). Retrieved from www.cochranelibrary.com
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2023). Postpartum Depression: What You Should Know. Retrieved from www.nimh.nih.gov
