WHAT I WISH I HAD KNOWN BEFORE BECOMING A MOM

Today we're talking about what I wish I had known before becoming a mom and what nobody tells you about parenthood! There are so many things I wish i had known before having a baby and I'm happy I get to share them with all of you who are expecting! Don't forget to check out the other videos in this series below:
What I Wish I Had Known Before Unmedicated Labor: • WHAT I WISH I HAD KNOW...
What I Wish I Had Known About Postpartum: • WHAT I WISH I HAD KNOW...
What I Wish I Had Known About Breastfeeding: • WHAT I WISH I HAD KNOW...
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[@MeganAcuna]

Happy Thursday! How is your day going so far? Any fun plans?

[@rachelfolsom2352]

It going good. I am about to go through my son's drawers and organize his clothes.

[@mouseluva]

Got another video date with that lovely history boy tomorrow eeeeee

[@ashb2404]

Work.. Evening shift every Thursday... Blah

[@MeganAcuna]

@@rachelfolsom2352 I need to do that soon too!

[@mouseluva]

Unsolicited advice: You should give yourself some credit for doing an amazing job and being an amazing person, and also take a moment to appreciate how great your hair looks in this video.

[@MeganAcuna]

You are seriously so sweet.

[@austinmerrifield9836]

I would LOVE to hear what you wish you had known about PREGNANCY. I feel like our moms, aunts, grandmas, etc. painted the perfect picture of pregnancy as bliss, and as I've grown older and seen my friends have babies, I've learned just how sugarcoated the stories I've heard were! Would be interested in hearing all the nitty gritty of what surprised you about pregnancy. ♥

[@MeganAcuna]

I LOVE this idea! My mom always had such wonderful things to say about pregnancy so I thought mine would be a breeze… Boy was I wrong! I will definitely film this one soon!

[@carolinelapointe7144]

I think (which is a good thing) people tend to forget the negative and remember the good parts. I'm pregnant at the moment (first child, due in january) so 32 weeks, and... damn it's been way harder than I would have thought, but I enjoy every good little moments and try to forget how painful my body feels. I know I already forgot about how bad morning sickness was. I know i'll miss feeling her move in my belly, even though I wouldn't want to get her back inside 🤦. That's why I try to stay positive about labour too. Yes it's going to be hard, yes it's going to be painful, but in the end, it's the path that's going to lead my to my baby and i'll hopefully forget about all the hard bits. 🤞 I'm overall a very resilient person, so maybe that helps 😅

[@briarkiwi44]

I'm due in January and find your videos so helpful. I'm just praying that she is a good sleeper lol

[@MeganAcuna]

I’ll be praying for you too!!!

[@amberwilson5769]

How is everything?!!

[@zeferjaz00096]

So happy you mentioned postpartum anxiety!! I was just like you and was on the lookout for postpartum depression but as you mentioned I still didn’t feel right. It took a few weeks for me to realize what it was. Definitely not talked about enough.

[@MeganAcuna]

Totally agree! I had no idea!

[@atlasfielding]

This!!!

[@karynneb5412]

The “Mom” thing was totally how I felt too! I thought I’d be a new being and it’s just not true. I’m still me but now learning a crazy new skill at full speed.

[@MeganAcuna]

YES that’s a great way to put it!!!

[@jaileen4ever]

Yes ! I’m with you on the unsolicited advice. Drives me nuts 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@ashleyd1568]

Thank you for keeping it real! A week after my son was born I had a “friend” tell me over and over how her 7 week old sleeps 10 hours a night 😒 it’s those unrealistic mind sets that can drive you crazy! Must remember every baby is different and to try not to compare 🤍

[@MeganAcuna]

Yessss!!! Comparison is the thief of joy!

[@kellyfinley4419]

I would be deeply concerned if my baby slept that long! They would be STARVING!

[@morganalexisdakin]

Oh my gosh, I have a one month old and felt all of these in my soul! And I have also been suffering from Postpartum Anxiety so thank you for bringing awareness to that ❤️ Being a mom is such hard work, but it’s also 1000000% worth it!

[@MeganAcuna]

Absolutely! The hardest and best job ever 💛

[@madyer1029]

Thank you so much for your honesty and vulnerability! I think it really normalizes all these new changes and new emotions and helps us realize we’re not alone! I started watching your videos a few months ago when I was looking for positive birth experiences and your birth vlog was so encouraging. I was so overwhelmed with the thought of labor and delivery and your video calmed so many of my fears - it was so beautiful and emotional and moved me to tears. 🥰 When I realized you had named your son Rowan, I broke down in more happy tears because we had just chosen the name Rowan for our son! ❤️ I felt like it was “meant to be” that I found your channel! Our little Rowan is 6 weeks old and we are in the trenches of new parenting with lack of sleep, navigating working full-time from home, postpartum anxiety, and ALL the things you mentioned... Thank you for addressing these REAL things. These topics need to be talked about!! I’m so thankful I found your channel!

[@MeganAcuna]

You are so sweet! Our Rowan says hi to your Rowan! 💛

[@chelseaswaim423]

My baby is 4 months old and all of this is soo helpful ! Once you get through the first month you feel like you can do it ! At first I was thinking what did I do ? I can’t do this ! So much crying and lots of sleepless nights! The change from now until then is amazing ! I feel like I have a deeper connection with my baby and I know her wants and needs way better ! Trust me anybody feeling that right now it gets soo much better ! She sleeps through the night now and her smiles melt my heart 😍🥰 love your channel btw and you seem like an amazing mom !!!!!!!

[@MeganAcuna]

That’s so true!

[@EngailiaRants]

I'm 15 weeks and my mind just gets blown when I find out new things I never knew! I'm so so glad there are moms like you on KZbin just documenting this for other women. Thank you!

[@adriennetalor16]

Same here! I’m due May 9th :) I love these videos 🎉

[@MeganAcuna]

Thank you both SO much and congratulations on your pregnancies!

[@Christina-xc7on]

Seriously, I've learned SO MUCH from KZbin. Birth vlogs and videos like this where women share their experiences have taught me a ton

[@jaileen4ever]

What I do for pregnant brain is write everything down before I forget & then put what I wrote down somewhere that’s visible

[@ashleyd1568]

The frustration part.. YES. I felt guilty the first time I felt severely frustrated towards my newborn. He’s colic so it’s been really hard! Now I know it’s perfectly normal and PERFECTLY fine to set him somewhere safe.. and walk away for a few. He will be okay!

[@MeganAcuna]

Absolutely! One thing I heard was “if they’re crying, that means they’re breathing” and as funny as it was it’s actually true! Sometimes you just need a minute to take three deep breaths and then re-engage

[@arianamerchent8474]

My baby boy is four weeks old and basically everything you mentioned is spot on for me too. It’s so hard some days and easier the next. I appreciate your transparency because it makes me feel understood and validated that it’s not just me, I’m not a bad mom I’m just figuring it out as best I can.

[@MeganAcuna]

You are a GREAT mom!!! 💛

[@hannahmiller1340]

Thanks so much for this video!! I’m 15 weeks pregnant and your vulnerability is helping prepare me for motherhood! 💕

[@MeganAcuna]

Congratulations! Are you so excited to be past the first trimester?

[@hannahmiller1340]

@@MeganAcuna oh my gosh, yes! Such a relief in many ways. We lost our first baby far into the first trimester, so it’s a huge deal for our rainbow baby to have to made it to this point 🌈♥️

[@meganz44]

My baby is 3 weeks and has been held 24/7 by either my husband or myself ever since he was born, he cannot be put down without screaming. I’m glad to know it’s not uncommon and will eventually get better! Also- yes about the nipple confusion! My baby has had a paci, breastfed, and bottle fed since day one and no issues. :)

[@MeganAcuna]

That’s so hard! Rowan was like that for a long time too. I loved the snuggles but it was so hard to get anything done! Babywearing was a lifesaver for us

[@LeAnnaWithACapitalA]

Yes mom brain is real and never goes away 🤣🤣 I'm a work from home mom too (virtual assistant and I vlog for fun), so I 100% get the hard part about working and taking care of your son (or kids but we both just have a son). Simple tasks take much longer. Now that my son is 2, I've started setting timers. So I'll set one for 15 min and he knows I work until it stops. Then I hit restart and play with him for 15 min. I continue this unless it's nap or eating time because those obviously take longer than 15 min. It works ok but I also don't set that in stone because, well you know how rigid schedules work out lol The struggle is real and worth it 😊

[@lizzieiniguez9963]

You have been rocking motherhood with grace... keep it up

[@MeganAcuna]

Thank you so much!

[@tesseria946]

Definitely needed this today!! I have a 3 month old. Definitely understand the frustration when there’s an overtired baby.

[@MeganAcuna]

It’s such a struggle! Congrats on your little one 💛

[@misslucyfelix]

I just love you, you are literally my comfort food :) anytime i'm down or unsure of myself i just watch one of your videos and feel instantly comforted, thank you for your amazing content! xx

[@MeganAcuna]

I hope your day is beautiful and that you find a million reasons to smile! 🌼

[@misslucyfelix]

@@MeganAcuna I did, journaling has been working wonders 🥰

[@dashameerson5180]

If you had the time to make a video about how you personally coped with postpartum anxiety that would be so awesome!

[@MeganAcuna]

I’m definitely still learning and I’m not an expert but I think reaching out for help from a professional is the best thing you can do!

[@kristinyaekelnegley3978]

Being a parent is such a rollercoaster ride of emotion!!!

[@RM-ci7be]

Salute to all parents out there...i can only guess what you guys have to go through.

[@RaqMor13]

I totally hear you about unsolicited advice. I have been pregnant and working from home but I know that if I were in the office I would have gotten way more unsolicited advice than what I got. It’s so annoying to me because I’ve worked with children for 5 years and knew things more than some parents. I hate not asking questions but out of nowhere getting answers

[@MeganAcuna]

YES! Exactly! It’s so frustrating and I get so irritated sometimes hahah

[@donapettigrew8666]

I have an almost 4 month old and I don’t have any mommy friends to talk about these things with and I have to tell you your videos are so validating! I found your videos starting with your birth vlog and I really related and I’ve felt that with all your other videos as well. Feel like we could be friends and I’m grateful for your videos! Much love 💖

[@MeganAcuna]

I’m so so glad. That seriously makes my day. Thank you for being here! 💛

[@anaishuitelec4636]

I rarely comment youtube videos but I totally relate to what you said all along this video so thank you for sharing 😊 A French mom of a 6 weeks little boy

[@kellyfinley4419]

Laying here with my almost 2 month old baby. No it’s not always easy, but it’s so worth it! Just remember, they are a baby for such a short of amount of time!

[@MeganAcuna]

True! But that doesn’t mean EVERY moment is magical! It’s important to let yourself enjoy alllll the good moments but to also get frustrated and process negative emotions at times too!

[@KB-----]

Im 34 weeks. So ready for baby girl to come out into this world. And the unsolicited advice is so true. Especially from people who have never had kids. Or who just gave birth a month ago and are new parents as well. I just take it with a grain of salt.

[@MeganAcuna]

Totally! You can do this!

[@r.h.375]

I could not feel more identified. Thank you very much Megan!!

[@CarolineUytt]

Just an FYI about nipple confusion: the bigger reason for not introducing pacifiers too soon is that you can disrupt the process of demand and supply by offering the pacifier to prolong naps or keep the baby calm even though he's hungry. That will cause you to have less than 8-12 feeds in 24 hours which can cause your dip in supply at around 5 months to be much deeper and harder to get back up. :-)

[@MeganAcuna]

This is great to know! We didn’t have this issue but I’m sure this will be super helpful for someone else reading!

[@CarolineUytt]

@@MeganAcuna You’re welcome! I’m glad that this wasn’t a problem for you ☺️ Just wanted to make sure other moms watching wouldn’t think “heck if her pediatrician said so then I’m gonna introduce them too” without having all of the info!

[@kristinyaekelnegley3978]

Oh my goodness, it is soooo much. We as moms are so hard on ourselves.

[@jacquelineboswell2290]

This is the best one I’ve seen yet. I couldn’t of said that last category better myself! Love your content 💕

[@carolineforest535]

Love your videos. We are expecting our first child for May 2021 and watching your videos help me a lot to look up things you say for my own research 🧐 keep them coming!😊

[@MeganAcuna]

Aw congratulations! Thank you so much for watching!

[@marlajenkins8303]

Hey Megan! Thank you for this video! I have a 3 month old baby girl, it’s refreshing to know that I’m not alone in postpartum anxiety, I didn’t know it was a thing either only had heard about postpartum depression. It’s not nice getting those intrusive thoughts I thought I was actually going crazy at first :( but I’m starting to realise that it’s actually way more common than I thought. Just taking one day at a time ❤️

[@MeganAcuna]

Good for you for taking care of yourself! PPA is so hard and intrusive thiughts are awful but it doesn’t make you a bad mom! It takes so much bravery and selflessness to get help when you need it 💛

[@emilyelisabeth9236]

I also have a 3 month old girl!! Just wanted to pop on this comment and say you are an amazing mom and you aren’t alone in feeling that way ❤️

[@emilybunny_beauty1291]

I am due in March with baby #1 and I feel like no matter how many books I read or how I think things are going to go I’m just gonna have to wing it and see what works cause I stress myself out otherwise which isn’t good

[@MeganAcuna]

Just listen to your intuition! You are the best mama for your baby 💛

[@mael2039]

how painful the first breastfeeding sessions are, definitely is on top of the list for me. I feel like people told me, but I still didn't know-know... like, do you know what I mean? I did unmedicated birth and then I cried for painkillers during the first breastfeeding sesh lmao

[@rooobie2387]

I’m due in 2 weeks and these videos have been so informative! I keep watching “natural” birth vlogs and I see how different everyone reacts through transition, crowning, ring of fire etc. Could you make a video discussing how each of these felt? If you remember lol thank you again for all your videos! 😊

[@MeganAcuna]

Honestly I was so focused on the contractions and pushing that I didn’t even really feel the crowning or ring of fire!

[@amberwilson5769]

How is everything?!??!!

[@madisonboeh8310]

Hi Megan! First of all, your videos are so helpful and have helped me to gain confidence that I can do this as a mom. I am almost 14 weeks pregnant, and I am struggling with constant worry about the baby. Is the baby healthy? Is the baby developing normally? Is there anything wrong with the baby? This all started when I found out that I was pregnant. I have had a few ultrasounds now, and nothing appears abnormal with the baby. (in fact, Baby is a wiggle monster); however, I still cannot shake the anxiety. My therapist and I have discussed it quite a bit, yet he is a male so it feels validating but the anxiety is still there. My husband has been very attentive and constantly reassures me that all is fine, but I still worry. I feel like a female/new mom perspective would help me most. Did you ever struggle with anxiety and worry about Rowan before having him? If so, what helped or provided you with some peace that all would be fine? When you finally feel the baby move and the pregnancy feels real, does some of that anxiety disappear? I pray every night that baby is safe and healthy, that should be enough, right???

[@MeganAcuna]

I’m so sorry you’re going through that. I have anxiety too and I definitely understand what you mean. I personally never really stopped worrying, but it did get a lot easier after our 20 week anatomy scan when I knew everything looked normal. I’m so glad that you’re talking to a therapist! It really is the best thing you can do for yourself. Hang in there mama! 💛

[@masoodaakbaralli1025]

Would definitely recommend your channel to new moms...great tips👌wish I knew all this 18 years ago...lol

[@MeganAcuna]

Aw, thank you so much!

[@lorifamily5282]

Love watching these tip videos! Thanks for taking the time to share❤️ Take care

[@MeganAcuna]

You too! 💛

[@paperedcreations8]

Not sure if you’re supplementing any of the body’s nutrients, but I am reading a book about ones that are helpful postpartum. Might help with the brain fog or anxiety you’ve shared about? Disregard if you’re already doing this. Lol...and make a video for us about them 😄

[@MeganAcuna]

I’m taking postnatal vitamins, iron, collagen, and D3! Am I missing any important ones that you read about?

[@paperedcreations8]

@@MeganAcuna I have fish oil capsules and magnesium along with B2, to help with migraines. But I think the fish oil and magnesium really help my mood! But I’d still love to hear what brands of post natal supplements you’re taking. I feel like I’m always researching and it gets kind of overwhelming to always be downing so many things lol.

[@corinaavelar5752]

I'm due February ☺️

[@emilyelisabeth9236]

I feel this video! Very spot on 🙌🏻

[@rachelfolsom2352]

Thank you for this video ❤

[@MeganAcuna]

Absolutely! Thank YOU for watching! 💛

[@floral-smoke]

Can you be honest, and this is one of my biggest concerns before jumping into motherhood, does Matt honestly help out as much as he should? My partner and I have talked about this a lot and he knows it's my concern that the default caregiver is ALWAYS the mother. And I get it for feedings, but other than that it should be equal. Is it, with your level of communication?

[@MeganAcuna]

He is AMAZING with taking care of Rowan but it did take a bit of communicating for us to get it right since I’m breastfeeding and that was a massive part of taking care of him that Matt couldn’t do. He ALWAYS jumps in wherever he can and I try to be good at communicating what I need even when it’s hard

[@kristinyaekelnegley3978]

My babies both hated being swaddled. Yay.

[@kristinyaekelnegley3978]

Oh my goodness, seriously with the sleep thing!! The sore back! Uuuuugh

[@tayrnwoolley1139]

Ugh 4month sleep regression kicked my butt

[@veerledw9051]

Hi Megan! In this video you talk about the taking Cara babies program. What is your experience? Would you say it’s worth the money?

[@MeganAcuna]

It was really helpful for us but I know it is really expensive. I would say if sleep is going fairly well for you already you could probably get a lot from just looking at what she has on her blog and her Instagram, but if you’re really struggling like we were it’s a game changer!

[@veerledw9051]

@@MeganAcuna thank you so much for your answer! Sleep is going fairly well around here so i’ll probably just check out her blog!

[@michelleslaughter2582]

If you get them through to university without their baby pacifier and diapers, you’ve done your job! Both my kids had a pacifier and they are 7 and almost 11 and they don’t have it now. People act like it’s permanent for life if you give it!!

[@kalpagasravishta4820]

Hello. I have a baby boy who is 9 days old and I'm facing the same problem with his sleep. He would sleep in my arms and chest for a while and when I put him in the crib or bassinet he would start screaming. Please tell me how you worked around this problem. Love and light to all three of you.

[@MeganAcuna]

Check out my newborn sleep tips video!

[@haleyhorstman8396]

Love your videos!❤️❤️❤️

[@MeganAcuna]

Thank you so much!

[@victoriagibbs9812]

how long did it take Rowan to transition out of his swaddle & into the sack? we’re about to do the same thing!

[@MeganAcuna]

About two weeks! Hang in there 💛

[@lolacreative]

the days i spend 45 minutes putting my boy down for a nap that lasts 20 :'(

[@MeganAcuna]

I’m sooo sorry! I definitely know what that’s like and it’s so tough! Hang in there! It won’t last forever 💛

[@gracelavon]

I loved this video! I'm due with my first in February! I'm beyond excited but also nervous about what it'll really be like. I love following your experiences! I'm documenting my pregnancy and journey into motherhood over on my channel, it would mean so much to me if you checked it out!💕

[@MeganAcuna]

Congratulations on your pregnancy!