Motherhood is a journey unlike any other—beautiful, messy, overwhelming, and heartwarming all at once. Yet, no matter how many books you read or how much advice you gather, nothing quite prepares you for the reality of becoming a mother.
Did you know that over 80% of new mothers experience self-doubt in the first year? And that 70% of moms say they didn’t anticipate just how much their identity would shift? The emotional rollercoaster of motherhood is something most of us only truly understand once we’re in it. But if we had the chance to sit down with our pre-mom selves—to whisper words of wisdom, reassurance, and love—what would we say?
Perhaps you’d tell yourself to accept the chaos and let go of perfection. Maybe you’d remind yourself that it’s okay to ask for help, that self-care isn’t selfish, or that the sleepless nights won’t last forever. Or maybe you’d simply say, “You’re going to be okay.”
So, let’s open this conversation. If you could go back and tell your pre-mom self one thing, what would it be? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—your words might just be what another mom needs to hear today.
Let’s build a space where we uplift, encourage, and remind each other: we are not alone in this journey!
Jyotsna
Buy whatever you need before hand for postpartum – get maternity pads, maternity bra, maternity panty especially because you WILL NEED IT. Buy these more than what you think you will use. Baby will be fine you will feel so anxious but surround yourself with mothers who know more than you! Get healthy snacks because you will feel hungry and if you dont eat healthy you will put on weight that will reduce your confidence. Be in mother groups that push you to be better. There is no shame is saying you cant do it. Say it sooner instead of your usual habit of tolerating others. Your baby will take over all your life but please try hard to not forget who you are – you love to read, you love flowers and you love to have coffee with your best friend. Dont stop doing this!
Meenakshi Khandare
1 thing to say to my pre mom self – You dont know how much freedom & sleep you are getting now! Dont crib and cry for small things! Before welcoming your baby make sure you have prepared for postpartum! You will have no idea what to do. I found mom communities like Zactive moms very late, you find it in pregnancy itself. You will forget who you are what you like and its like you will be living outside your body. Get help and support from the right people. And yes your hair will fall out!
Swetha
Take it one day at a time. There will be days when you feel you have figured out things and the next day it won’t be the same! Tears are going to be pouring it out of nowhere. At the end of it all there is a tiny human attached to you. It may all seem too much . There is absolutely no manual for being a perfect mom. Take it all in. Slowly. One day at a time.
I wish someone had told me these instead of saying “You are going to have a good time with the baby”.
Your personal lessons are way more valuable than someone else’s. Enjoy the journey.
Rucha Khale
I would say this to myself – Rucha you wont believe how different postpartum will be. its nothing you can imagine – you feel feel joy, anger, frustration and tears in 15 mins. You are stronger than you think & you will function on 3 hrs of sleep. It will be very hard and when I look at you as a woman before I became a mother. I feel so proud! Your baby will bring out the best and worst in you and your relationship with everyone. Be prepared & make your heart strong because you will experience a love that will go beyond any you have experienced till now!