10 Things I wish I knew when I was pregnant

People suck. 

• People have absolutely, no filter. When you announce you are pregnant be prepared for the immediate negative connotations. The "just wait”. experts. There is several among us! 

• As a mom to be you are already anxious for the big day, people tend to make that stress worse. I was getting texts and calls 1-2 months prior to my due date asking, "are they here yet?" To the point where you must disconnect from technology, to keep your sanity. 

• Another completely wild assumption is for complete strangers to touch you. Countless times, I had a stranger rub my belly and/or attempt to touch, hug & kiss at my child. There are so many reasons this is not acceptable. I don't care, if you are being nice or have someone this age in your family., this child is not related to you. PLEASE DON'T TOUCH.

Relationship with your spouse changes. 

This is not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes it can feel heavy but with communication you can work through the tough times. We are a team, and we are in the season of our life that we get to be parents! It is our job to be educators, role models and share our time with our little one. We don’t go out on dates often, or couple vacations without our kid. BUT we still spoil each other. We take care of each other. We support each other, We love each other. We grow together. We know one day we will be empty nesters and have plenty of time for ourselves again. I have never been more in love with Jon. As he became a father, I could see the traits he already possessed, shine brighter. Protector, Provider, Neutered. 

Breastfeeding is not effortless. 

Flexibility is just as important as making plans. 

Trust your team. 

Your identity will change multiple times. 

Keep Moving. 

Something as simple as a walk outside, will help replenish some of the anxiety and pain your body is enduring. 

Labor and delivery stories are all different. 

Try to not fixate yourself on the what ifs of birth stories. It is important to educate yourself, but your story will happen in its own way. 

The hospital has it. 

You will overpack your hospital bag. BUT you need to know... most birth centers have it. The diapers for you and baby, pads, underwear, breast pumps and more. 

Eat plain food prior to delivery!

I was told I could eat whatever, so I had Five Guys… I haven’t touched it since.