Learning Through Experience
Looking back on my first pregnancy, I wouldn’t change much—but there are definitely a few things I’d do differently!
Like most first-time moms, I did my research and prepared as much as I could, but some of the biggest first pregnancy lessons can only be learned through experience.
From breastfeeding struggles to postpartum surprises, here are the things I wish I had done differently during my first pregnancy—so if you’re a first-time mom, you can feel even more prepared!
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First Pregnancy Lessons: What I Wish I Knew About Breastfeeding
Why It Matters: I spent so much time preparing for birth but didn’t realize how challenging breastfeeding could be. I assumed it would just work, but when I ran into issues, my supply dropped, and I had to scramble to figure things out.
What I’d Do Differently:
- Take a breastfeeding class before birth instead of waiting until I had problems.
- Hire a lactation consultant early instead of waiting until I was already stressed.
- Learn how to recognize supply issues and latch problems before they start.
Pro Tip: Even if breastfeeding comes naturally, having support lined up ahead of time makes a huge difference.
Helpful Resources:
- Find a local lactation consultant or a virtual one through La Leche League.
- Try an online breastfeeding course before birth.
First Pregnancy Lessons: Why Freezer Meals Would Have Saved Me
Why It Matters: I knew postpartum would be tiring, but I didn’t realize how hard cooking would feel! By the time I needed meals, I had no energy to prep them.
What I’d Do Differently:
- Make more freezer meals ahead of time instead of assuming I’d have the energy later.
- Stock up on one-handed snacks for those intense breastfeeding hunger pangs.
- Accept meal train offers and have a list of meal ideas ready for when people asked what I needed.
Pro Tip: Prepping just 7-10 freezer meals before birth can take a huge load off your postpartum plate.
Helpful Tools: meal prep containers, freezer meal guides, and postpartum nutrition resources.
Creating a “Help List” for Visitors
Why It Matters: I had family and friends ask “What can I do to help?”—and honestly, I didn’t always know what to say! Looking back, I wish I had a list of small, practical tasks to give people.
What I’d Do Differently:
- Write down daily cleaning tasks I normally did but wouldn’t be able to postpartum.
- Make a short list of chores (laundry, dishes, vacuuming) to hand to visitors.
- Accept help without feeling guilty! People want to help, and having a list makes it easier.
Pro Tip: Create a simple postpartum help checklist and post it on the fridge!
Helpful Tools: Postpartum planners, meal train sign-up tools, and home organization guides.
Choosing a Better Glider for Breastfeeding
Why It Matters: The rocking chair I chose was too firm and made it painful to sit during initial recovery and breastfeeding. I didn’t realize how important a comfortable glider would be for those long nursing sessions!
What I’d Do Differently:
- Invest in a cushioned, supportive glider instead of a firm rocking chair.
- Check seating positions before birth to find what feels best.
- Set up a cozy nursing station with pillows, water, and snacks.
Pro Tip: The first few weeks postpartum, you spend hours sitting to feed baby. Comfort makes all the difference!
Helpful Tools: highly-rated gliders, nursing pillows, and postpartum recovery cushions.
Calling My Midwives & Doula Earlier in Labor
Why It Matters: I mistook late-stage labor for early labor, didn’t communicate the intensity of my contractions, and almost had an unassisted birth!
I assumed I had hours left when, in reality, I was in transition. By the time I realized what was happening, my midwives barely made it in time!
What I’d Do Differently:
- Trust my instincts and call sooner instead of thinking I was just being dramatic.
- Time contractions more closely instead of assuming I had a long way to go.
- Recognize the signs of transition so I don’t confuse it for early labor again.
Pro Tip: First-time moms often assume labor will take forever—but listen to your body!
Helpful Resources: Check out Spinning Babies for labor progression tips.
What I’d Keep the Same
While there are things I’d change, I’m also grateful for the first pregnancy lessons that helped me approach labor and birth with confidence.
Here’s what I did that I would do again:
- Took the Pain Free Birth course, which gave me confidence in my labor decisions.
- Researched physiological birth & interventions so I could make informed choices.
- Chose to birth outside the hospital (even though it didn’t go exactly as planned!).
Every mom takes away different first pregnancy lessons—things she’d do differently, and things she wouldn’t change for the world.
The Ultimate Pregnancy & Postpartum Checklist
Pregnancy and postpartum can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone! This easy-to-follow checklist walks you through every step, from preconception to postpartum recovery, so you can feel prepared, confident, and stress-free. Plus, it’s packed with tips, must-haves, and resources to make mom life easier.
Want a complete guide to preparing for pregnancy? Download my Free Pregnancy & Postpartum Checklist to make sure you’re fully prepared!
And if you want more pregnancy & birth prep tips, make sure to follow me on @motherofajourney on Instagram and TikTok!
