So, you’re having a baby. First of all—CONGRATULATIONS, MAMA! 🎉 If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been Googling things like “do I really need a wipe warmer” (spoiler: it's a nice to have) and “how much sleep will I lose” (spoiler: a lot). Before Mason arrived, I thought I had all my ducks in a row. Turns out, some of my ducks were more like squirrels on caffeine, and I learned a lot along the way. Here are some of the things I wish I had known before having my first baby.
1. Pick the Right Doctor & Hospital (It Actually Matters)
Listen, I was not one to overanalyze doctors. I figured, “Eh, they all went to med school, right?” Wrong. Well, not wrong, but let’s just say bedside manner and approach to care make a huge difference. If you don’t vibe with your doctor, find a new one. Also, check out hospital policies ahead of time—some have strict visitor rules, different labor philosophies, and (most importantly) varying snack options. For those of you who haven't scoured my entire blog word for word, I went through IVF so it was important to find a doctor that could handle high risk pregnancies.
2. Pack Smart for the Hospital
Oh, the hospital bag. I watched a million TikToks and somehow still overpacked. Here’s the deal:
- Bring the essentials, but don’t go wild. Think comfy clothes, toiletries, chargers, and a few snacks.
- The hospital will have diapers, wipes, and baby hats. No need to bring 15 tiny onesies. You just need one for going home.
- Keep everything organized—I spent way too much time digging through my bags just to find a pacifier.
3. Get Your Home in Baby Mode Before 35 Weeks
I thought I’d have plenty of time to set up the nursery. Reality check: by 35 weeks, getting up from the couch felt like an Olympic event. Do yourself a favor—get all the baby stuff sorted before then. That way, when you hit full waddle mode, you’re not scrambling to assemble a crib at midnight.
4. Swaddles Are the MVP of Newborn Life
Nobody told me how much swaddles matter. Mason went from rage screaming to peaceful little burrito in seconds with the right one. My top pick? The Halo Fleece Swaddle (this is not an ad, just pure love). Seriously, get a few—you’ll thank me later.
5. Have a Solid Support System
This is so important. Whether it’s your partner, family, or a postpartum doula, you need help. Someone to hold the baby while you shower, someone to feed you when you forget food exists. It’s not weak to accept help—it’s survival. Day 2 at home after the hospital, my mom came by to watch Mason. I literally woke up, handed her the child, and went right back to bed. No "hi", "good morning", or "here are his instructions". Nope. It was survival mode and having that person I could trust to take care of him without 20 million instructions...golden.
6. Frozen Meals Will Save You
Cooking? Lol. Nope. Those first few weeks are a blur of feedings, diaper changes, and wondering when you last washed your hair. Having easy meals ready to go is a game-changer. If you like to cook, meal prep ahead of time. If not, Trader Joe’s frozen meals will be your best friend.
7. The First 3-6 Months Are Pure Chaos (and That’s Normal)
I remember thinking, why is this so hard? Am I doing it wrong? Nope. It’s just hard. The sleep deprivation, the feeding struggles, the identity shift—it’s all part of the ride. It gets better. I promise.
8. Have a Couch-Ready Hobby
Newborn naps are unpredictable. One minute you think you have an hour, and then—BAM—baby is awake screaming like you just betrayed them. Having something easy to start and stop (like a light TV show, audiobook, or simple craft) will keep you sane. My go-to? Trashy reality TV. No shame.
9. Don’t Hold Yourself to an Unrealistic Standard
Instagram moms with their picture-perfect homes, glowing skin, and peacefully sleeping babies? Lies. Social media is a highlight reel, not real life. Your only job is keeping your baby (and yourself) alive. Everything else? Bonus points.
At the end of the day, you got this, mama. There will be moments of pure exhaustion and moments of overwhelming love. Both are normal. And if all else fails? Take a deep breath, grab a coffee, and remind yourself—you are doing an amazing job. 💕
