Being Pregnant
Readers Respond: If You Could Go Back to Before Your First Baby, What Would You Tell Yourself?
The saying “hindsight is 20/20” is one I hear often. Turns out it’s common for a reason — things seem so much clearer when we are looking back from the other side.
Pregnancy and early motherhood are one of those times in life that — while we can read all we want — nothing can truly prepare yourself for all that is going to happen. There are huge benefits to listening to other’s advice though (but don’t go giving advice unless you’ve been asked) and it’s often the insight from Moms who wish they could have done things a bit different that you will find the most wisdom.
Click through to read advice 15 Moms would give to themselves if they could go back in time:
Image: Ambro
Your turn: What advice would you give ‘pre-baby’ you?
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More on Being Pregnant:
Readers Respond: What’s the Craziest Thing “Pregnancy Brain” Made You Do?
What Your Pregnancy Cravings Say About You
25 Hysterically Funny and Sarcastic Pregnancy eCards
Go Back To Being Pregnant
4 Comments
Roslynn commented on Jan 19 12 at 12:23 pmI would tell myself to wait 5 years. Having alone time with my husband is worth it. Build a better foundation with my husband before we add another person to the mix. Then, when I do get pregnant, I would say that it’s not worth it to eat all the junk. Even if the only thing that sounds good is frozen pizza, to eat it in moderation. Gaining 50 pounds is REALLY not worth it, especially when you only lose 12 giving birth. That’s another 38 pounds to lose, and it’s not easy.
Taz commented on Jan 20 12 at 6:40 amthanks for this- i just had my first 2 weeks ago. i am getting sick of hearing all that about sleep when the baby sleeps though! things still need to get done around here after all!
Hyman commented on Jan 22 12 at 10:51 pmAs a new mommy of a 5 month old son:
Don’t be shy to insist on someone taking pictures of your baby being born.
** I WISH I could see pictures of his magnificent amazing thing I’ve done! I regret not having even one picture of me delivering. A video would be even better. Even if nobody sees it but me and I erase it right away, I just really regret not being able to witness that miracle. :(
Its ok to eat those snickers! Do not feel bad about it.
It’s ok that you’re gaining TONS of weight and that you do not have that pregnancy glowing smooth skin! You WILL in fact lose it all.
Make sure you’re in your best shape possible before you get pregnant.
That expensive crib will NOT be used!!!
** our son cosleeps with us in our family bed. I would have put that crib money towards everything I did to follow safe cosleeping :)
Follow everything you believe in. Don’t be persueded. Research everything from all angles to make an informed decision and trust your own instincts.
You’re very powerful and can accomplish whatever kind of birth you have your heart set on.
Candilnm commented on Jan 23 12 at 1:56 pmI would of dealt with my anxiety, that I knew I had but pretended I didn’t have, while I was pregnant or before. Perhaps if I acknowledged it before hand I would of had a therapist lined up and tools to deal with the change and some unexpected health issues. Also I would tell myself that its okay to give your baby to someone you trust for an hour, put on some head phones, laid in bed, and told myself that I’m doing a good job.
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