What I Wish I Knew Before Giving Birth

Before giving birth, I read the books, took the classes, and binge-watched every labor vlog I could find. I thought I was ready. But if motherhood has taught me anything, it’s this: you don’t know what you don’t know—especially when it comes to birth. So here’s my real-talk list of things I wish I knew before I gave birth. Grab a snack, mama. You deserve it.

Don't forget your matching name blanket and stuffy to announce your new baby to the world!

Labor Isn't a Movie Scene

Let’s just clear this up: most of us won’t have a dramatic water-breaking moment in the grocery store followed by screaming in a taxi on the way to the hospital. For some, labor starts slowly—like “Hmm…was that a cramp or did I eat too many tacos?”

I labored at home for hours wondering if it was the real deal. Pro tip: if you can walk, talk, eat, and text your group chat memes...you’re probably not in active labor yet. Call your doctor if you are wondering if you need to go in!

Sleepless nights? Yes. Overflowing love? Definitely. A keepsake to remember it all? Absolutely.

Birth Plans Are Great - But Babies Don't Always Follow Them

Have a plan. Yes. But also, be ready to pivot. If you have your heart set on a calm, dimly lit, music-playing, intervention-free birth be prepared that you could get bright lights, an epidural, and nurses cheering like a football team.

And guess what? It will still be beautiful.

Give yourself grace. Birth isn't about control—it's about bringing your baby into the world, however that happens.

Those exciting moments of telling your loved ones about the soon to be bundle of joy!

The Hospital Gown Is Not Cute. Bring Your Own.

That paper-thin gown with the mysterious snaps? Not the vibe. I brought my own soft, cozy labor gown and it made me feel a little more human. Bonus: I didn’t flash anyone while trying to shuffle to the bathroom post-birth.

Your Body Is a Dang Superhero (Even If It Doesn’t Feel

Like It)

You might feel like a train hit you after birth. Walking to the bathroom might be the biggest workout of your week. You may swell, leak, bleed, cry, and wonder if you’ll ever feel “normal” again.

The love for your little one will grow fast - soak up every moment!

But trust me: your body just did something amazing. And it’s healing, slowly but surely. Rest, hydrate, and stock up on those giant mesh underwear. They’re not cute, but they’re kind of iconic.

Ask for Help. Take the Help. Repeat.

Whether it's your partner, your mom, your best friend, or a sweet nurse who brings you juice—let people help you. You don’t need to be Superwoman. You just had a baby. Take the nap. Eat the snack. Say yes when someone offers to fold laundry.

Pack Snacks. Lots of Snacks.

I was not prepared for the post-birth hunger. Like, “I could eat an entire pizza and still want fries” hunger. Hospital food is...hospital food. So bring your faves. I a turkey sandwich and coffee in hand every day I was at the hospital. All the things I wasn't allowed to have during pregnancy became must haves after giving birth!!

Snuggles like these don’t last forever — but this moment will. Creating the perfect baby keepsake to remember these tiny hands, sleepy smiles, and all the love in between.

There’s No One “Right” Way to Give Birth

C-section, epidural, natural, home birth, water birth—they all count. You’re not less of a mom because your birth didn’t go “according to plan.” You’re a mom because you showed up, did the work, and brought your baby into the world. That’s powerful.

Final Thoughts

Birth is wild, magical, intense, and unpredictable. And while no blog post can fully prepare you, I hope this gave you a little inside scoop—because no one talks enough about mesh underwear, emotional rollercoasters, or just how good that first shower feels afterward.

So, new mama-to-be: you’ve got this. You’re stronger than you think. And when in doubt, snacks, stretchy pants, and grace go a long way.