Becoming a mom is one of the most rewarding experiences in life, but it’s also full of surprises. No matter how much you read or prepare, nothing can quite prepare you for the realities of motherhood. It’s a whirlwind of emotions, challenges, and growth that’s unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before.

Looking back, there are definitely a few things I wish I had known before becoming a mom. From the physical changes to the emotional rollercoaster, here are 10 things I wish someone had told me before I took the plunge into motherhood.

1. Your Body Will Never Be the Same (And That’s Okay)

Why It’s Important:

Before becoming a mom, I thought I would simply bounce back to my pre-pregnancy body. I was wrong. Pregnancy and childbirth bring significant changes to your body, some of which may never go away. Whether it’s stretch marks, extra pounds, or a change in shape, your body will change, and that’s completely normal.

What to Do:

• Embrace the changes and appreciate the incredible strength your body showed during pregnancy and childbirth.

• Focus on feeling strong and healthy rather than comparing yourself to your pre-baby body.

Why It Matters: Understanding that it’s okay not to “bounce back” helps you accept your body’s transformation with grace. It also frees you from unrealistic expectations, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of motherhood in all its forms.

2. You’ll Never Sleep the Same Again

Why It’s Important:

Sleep deprivation is one of the hardest parts of new motherhood. I was prepared for sleepless nights, but nothing could truly prepare me for the toll it would take on my mental and physical well-being. From late-night feedings to sleep regressions, you’ll find yourself navigating sleep challenges for much longer than you anticipate.

What to Do:

• Take naps when you can, even if it’s just a quick 20 minutes.

• Ask for help and delegate nighttime duties when possible, especially if you have a partner or family members who can assist.

Why It Matters: Understanding that sleepless nights are temporary can help ease the frustration. And prioritizing rest when possible is crucial for your health and well-being as a new mom.

3. Mom Guilt Is Real (But You Don’t Have to Let It Control You)

Why It’s Important:

From the moment you become a mom, you’re constantly questioning whether you’re doing enough. Whether it’s about feeding, sleep routines, or developmental milestones, mom guilt can sneak up on you and leave you feeling like you’re falling short.

What to Do:

• Remind yourself that you’re doing the best you can.

• Accept that perfection doesn’t exist in parenting, and let go of unrealistic expectations.

• Seek support from other moms who understand the struggles and can offer reassurance.

Why It Matters: Embracing imperfection and learning to forgive yourself helps to reduce the overwhelming feelings of guilt. It also reminds you that being a good mom is about love, care, and effort, not perfection.

4. The Love You Feel for Your Child Is Beyond Anything You’ve Experienced

Why It’s Important:

I knew I would love my baby, but I didn’t understand just how deep that love would go. The bond between a mother and child is unlike any other. The overwhelming emotions you feel when you first hold your baby, or even just look at them, are indescribable.

What to Do:

• Let the love flow freely and enjoy the magical moments with your baby.

• Recognize that this deep love will be a constant source of strength throughout your motherhood journey.

Why It Matters: This powerful bond makes the challenges of motherhood worth it. Embracing that unconditional love creates a sense of fulfillment and connection that only grows over time.

5. Your Social Life Will Change (But You’ll Adapt)

Why It’s Important:

Before becoming a mom, I didn’t realize how much my social life would change. Gone are the spontaneous nights out, and instead, you find yourself planning outings around naps and bedtime schedules. At first, it can feel isolating, but over time, you learn how to adapt.

What to Do:

• Schedule playdates with other moms to maintain social connections.

• Enjoy smaller, more intimate gatherings that revolve around your new life as a mom.

Why It Matters: Adjusting to a new social life doesn’t mean giving up on friendships—it’s just about reconfiguring them around your new priorities.

6. Your Relationship with Your Partner Will Change (And That’s Normal)

Why It’s Important:

Becoming parents changes the dynamic of your relationship. There’s less time for each other, more stress, and new responsibilities. You may find yourselves arguing more or feeling disconnected, but this doesn’t mean your relationship is doomed. It’s a natural transition.

What to Do:

• Make time for each other, even if it’s just a few minutes of quiet conversation.

• Communicate openly about how you’re both feeling and support each other.

• Plan date nights or even stay-at-home evenings to reconnect.

Why It Matters: Understanding that these changes are temporary and that you both need support helps maintain a healthy relationship. Parenthood will strengthen your bond when you work together as a team.

7. You’ll Learn to Let Go of Perfection

Why It’s Important:

Before becoming a mom, I had a very structured routine and high standards. Parenthood has a way of challenging that. You’ll soon learn that not everything will go as planned, and sometimes that’s okay. Messes, delays, and chaos become part of the beauty of motherhood.

What to Do:

• Embrace imperfection and let go of the idea of a perfectly organized home or perfectly timed routines.

• Focus on moments of connection rather than on minor imperfections.

Why It Matters: Letting go of perfection helps you enjoy the moments more and reduces the stress of trying to do it all. It’s about the experience, not the outcome.

8. You’ll Find Strength You Didn’t Know You Had

Why It’s Important:

Motherhood will push you to your limits in ways you never imagined. Whether it’s handling sleepless nights or tackling a difficult situation, you’ll discover a level of resilience and strength within yourself that you never knew existed.

What to Do:

• Trust in your ability to handle challenges.

• Celebrate the small victories, like getting through a tough day or learning something new about your baby.

Why It Matters: Recognizing your inner strength will help you navigate the challenges of motherhood with confidence and patience.

9. Your Priorities Will Shift (And That’s Okay)

Why It’s Important:

Becoming a mom changes your priorities in ways you can’t fully anticipate. Your time, energy, and focus will be directed toward your child, and that’s perfectly natural. The things that once seemed important may fall to the wayside, and that’s part of the journey.

What to Do:

• Embrace your new priorities and be okay with the fact that things will shift.

• Accept that your identity as a mother is a vital part of who you are now.

Why It Matters: Shifting priorities is a natural part of motherhood. Embrace it and recognize that it’s okay to let go of what no longer serves you.

10. The Joys of Motherhood Are Greater Than You Can Imagine

Why It’s Important:

No one can truly prepare you for the joy of motherhood. Sure, there will be sleepless nights, challenges, and stress, but the joy of seeing your child grow, learn, and develop into their own person makes it all worth it.

What to Do:

• Celebrate the little moments—first words, first steps, or even just a shared smile.

• Take time to reflect on how far you’ve come and the beautiful bond you share with your child.

Why It Matters: Embracing the joy of motherhood helps you navigate the difficult times with a heart full of love and appreciation for the incredible journey you’re on.

Conclusion:

Becoming a mom is an adventure full of surprises, challenges, and moments of pure bliss. While you can never truly be prepared for everything that comes with parenthood, understanding these truths can help you navigate the ups and downs of motherhood with greater ease. Embrace the journey, let go of the pressures, and know that you’re doing an amazing job. Motherhood is a beautiful, ever-evolving experience, and there’s no one right way to do it—just your way.

At Tales From The Mom Side, we’re here to support you, celebrate your milestones, and share in the wild ride of motherhood together!