10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Mom
Hey friend, So, can we just agree — motherhood is beautifully messy? Before I had kids, I thought I had a pretty solid idea of what being a mom would be like. Spoiler alert: I didn’t. Now, with years of experience (and a few gray hairs 😄), I often catch myself thinking, “If only I had known this before!” So today, I want to share 10 things I wish someone had told me before I became a mom — from one mama to another.
- You’ll Doubt Yourself — And That’s Okay
No matter how prepared you feel, there will be moments when you question everything. Am I doing this right? Should I have done it differently? Turns out, self-doubt is part of the package — but it doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. - Perfect Moms Don’t Exist (Seriously)
I wasted too much energy trying to be the “perfect” mom. Picture-perfect Instagram feeds are not real life. Real motherhood is sticky fingers, mismatched socks, and lots of love in between.
- Sleep Is a Luxury, Not a Guarantee
Sleep deprivation hits hard. No one prepared me for how deeply tired I’d be — but also how I’d somehow survive on coffee and cuddles. - Your Identity Will Shift — and That’s Powerful
Motherhood changes you. It stretches you in ways you didn’t expect — and while you may feel like you’ve lost parts of yourself, you’ll also discover strengths you never knew you had. - Babies Don’t Need Much — But They Need You
You don’t need all the fancy baby gear or Pinterest-perfect nurseries. What they really need is your love, your presence, and your patience (even when you’re running on fumes).
- Trust Your Instincts More Than Google
Yes, information is great, but so is your gut. If something feels off or right, listen to that inner voice. It’s smarter than you think. - Asking for Help Is a Superpower
You don’t have to do this alone. It’s okay to ask for help, to take a nap while someone else holds the baby, or to call a friend and say, “I’m overwhelmed.” That doesn’t make you weak — it makes you human.
- Your Relationship Will Be Tested — Communicate
Becoming parents shifts everything. Make time to talk to your partner (even if it’s while folding laundry) and check in with each other often. - You’ll Miss the Old You… Sometimes
And that’s normal. You might miss your freedom, your sleep, or your quiet mornings. It doesn’t mean you’re not grateful — it just means you’re adjusting. Give yourself grace. - It Really Does Go Fast
The baby cries feel endless in the moment, but one day, you’ll blink and they’ll be walking, talking, and telling you what to do. Soak in the small moments — the snuggles, the giggles, the messy memories.
If you’re a new mom, or about to become one, take a deep breath. You’ve got this. Motherhood isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about showing up, loving fiercely, and learning as you go. And just remember: you’re not alone. I’m cheering for you every step of the way.
— Anitha
