Advice for Expecting Moms

50 Pieces of advice for expecting moms from real, first time moms

Updated January 15th 2023

I asked my Instagram audience a while back to share with me advice that they would give either a first time mom or themselves when they were pregnant and an amazing thing happened.

Answers came in multiples! 5+ people would say the same thing about a particular topic. It’s amazing because it reassures you that you’re not alone when it comes to the experiences of pregnancy and postpartum.

I sorted through them to bring you 50 of the best, most helpful responses. You’ll notice a theme as you’re reading through. Share with me in the comments if you pick up on it.

50 Pieces of advice for expecting moms from real, first time moms

1. Plan ahead – learn about vaginal delivery as well as c-section and recovery
2. Trusts your instincts
3. Get yourself gift cards before you deliver for guilt free spoiling
4. Breastfeeding is not as easy as it looks! The road is exhausting but try to enjoy your LO
5. Lower your expectations and understand biologically what baby’s sleep looks like
6. Take a course, prepare food for months
7. Please read more on breastfeeding
8. Give yourself time. Be easy on yourself. It takes time
9. Learn a lot before delivery!!! I regret that I knew nothing. I was clueless
10. Just go with the flow
11. Work with a lactation consultant before baby is born
12. Search for a breastfeeding consultant and take it 1 day at a time.
13. Please don’t give up on breastfeeding. It will get better and easier
14. Go to therapy. Seek help if you need it.
15. Invest in classes with a lactation consultant
16. Education is key to breastfeeding success.
17. Doulas are amazing.
18. Be patient and take time for your body to heal.
19. Prepare baby’s room during the second trimester
20. Talk to someone and get on top of your mental health
21. Be gentle on yourself and give it time
22. This too shall pass
23. Accept all the help
24. Keep a list handy of what you need from others
25. Prepare meals and freeze them
26. It does get better and easier but ask for all the help you can along the way
27. Take all the classes! My biggest mistake was not thinking I knew what I was in for
28. Research a good IBCLC beforehand and get an appointment right after delivery (IBCLC stands for International Board Certified Lactation Consultant)
29. Discuss your expectations of support with your partner
30. Reach out for support.
31. You are not alone
32. Trust your instincts and if that doesn’t work don’t be scared to seek help
33. Make sure you have someone to talk to who will listen and only give the advice if you ask for it
34. Go day by day. Nothing is as planned.
35. Expect the unexpected
36. The hormones are unreal
37. Trust your gut and take all other suggestions and opinions with a grain of salt
38. Go to therapy. Really important.
39. Take a prenatal breastfeeding class
40. Reach out for help. Don’t wait and suffer alone
41. Take it one day at a time
42. Organize meals
43. Have a good support system.
44. Invest in a lactation consultant and a doula instead of a fancy bassinet
45. Take help when it is offered
46. Use any support systems you have
47. Learn about breastfeeding and babies before you give birth
48. Set up a station with diapers and everything else you need in a few different rooms
49. Make sure you and your partner are on the same page
50. Prepare for breastfeeding and learn about normal infant eating patterns and behaviours with the Breastfeeding Before Baby Program!

These are really excellent pieces of advice covering your physical recovery and health as well as your emotional and mental health and relationship with your partner. And, over a fifth of these are about preparing for breastfeeding! Ok, so I added number 50 but the moms who shared advice here as well as the ones I talk to daily would encourage you to prepare ahead of time.

Breastfeeding might not come naturally and winging it isn’t a great idea

Especially because hospital staff won’t likely have the time you deserve to help you. Most hospital based IBCLCs are quite busy (often times there’s just one lactation consultant per shift) and only get a few minutes with each new mom and baby after birth. It’s barely enough time to observe a feeding and support you with latching techniques.

You can feel confident about your body’s ability to breastfeed, and introduce yourself to the key foundations of having a successful breastfeeding experience ahead of time. Planning in advance also allows your partner time to learn about the experience and what normal infant feeding and sleeping patterns look like. It will also help you partner learn about ways they can bond with the baby and there are tons that are not feeding related!

If you want to learn a little more about breastfeeding and what to expect postpartum before jumping into a class, download my FREE 5 Day Mini Course for Prenatal Breastfeeding

This mini course will provide you with essential knowledge and skills to help get breastfeeding off to a good start

Alex Wachelka is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, mother of two and her practice Motherhood Blooms Lactation support parents and birth professionals both online and in person.