things I wish I knew before becoming a mom

[@franzi4913]

In Germany and Switzerland it is pretty common to do a course after giving birth to rebuild the pelvic floor and the body strength. I found that so helpful and would recommend that to anyone.

[@Lijo1988]

and it is covered by insurance :)

[@Jasminerainl]

The difference between typical care and midwife / doula care is unreal. I went to traditional route with my first and postpartum felt long, difficult, emotional and sometimes traumatic. The second time around, I cried a lot just because I couldn’t believe the support and care. I had someone coming to my house and comforting me in postpartum, and getting to really know me as a person during pregnancy so I could feel confident setting boundaries and talking about how I felt without worry of judgement. Everyone deserves that!

[@bunnybtv]

I’ve been watching you since I was teenager I’m 21 now, I’m proud to have you as a role model. It was nice to have such an amazing women to look up too ☀️✨ sending love peace and positivity your way 🫶🏻

[@Dedpancreas]

One thing I found that no one talks about (or at least I didn’t realize) is that, although it’s heartbreaking to see them grow up so fast and change so quickly, the silver lining is that any phases you are struggling with (colic, sleeping through the night, clingyness, etc) WILL pass. Any time I felt like I was at my breaking point, my son would move on from that phase. It’s true what they say, IT DOES GET EASIER. 🖤🖤🖤

[@erinnkennedy9446]

My heart is so full watching you and bebe 🫶🏻 I started watching your videos when you had purple lilac hair and wore brandy Melville and did makeup tutorials and bullet journal videos!! What a beautiful journey you’ve shared with us!!

[@alexfortin4984]

First thing I thought when I saw the baby monitor in your hands : I’m scared to watch my baby at night because I watched too many horror movies! I’m afraid I’ll see a demon or a ghost in his room 😂

[@sarahhawkinson]

it’s soooo creepy lmao

[@oliviasteely1210]

yes!!

[@krisb6001]

Omg same! 🫢

[@BrittenyRosee]

Omg my sister used to have a baby monitor in her daughters room and for like 2 or 3 months and she would check in on her and she would be having full on conversations with no one.. she asked her who she was talking too one time and shes like grama! And her boyfriends mom had passed away a year prior so she connected the dots. I thought it was wholesome but my sister couldn't handle it so she took out the monitor lol she was 4 at the time so it was too important to have in there but it makes me chuckle everytime i think about it.

[@Laura-cr3wb]

Yeeees, I baby sit and the girl’s little brother like to turn on the monitor while she naps and one day she just starts yelling “Mama, it screamed” over and over I was so scared to go check on her 😭 and ever since then I hide the baby monitor when it comes to nap time

[@ani8287]

the pelvic floor stuff is so true, i’m 18m pp (csection) and have pelvic prolapse and an insane time trying to get appointments with an obgyn/pelvic floor therapist! women are so disregarded when it comes to health. unbelievable really that we haven’t taken strides to do better yet.

[@DawnYarnDoll]

I applaud you for speaking up about the hard things. This is such valuable information and I'm glad you're sharing your experience. Sending you lots of love and support ❤

[@myaura2792]

Thank you for sharing about the hardships of recovery for the mom! You are right there is so much focus on the mom's health before delivering and then once the baby is out a lot of that gets forgotten. As a new nurse I hope I can advocate for new moms in getting them the help they need post pregnancy even if it's just giving them words of encouragement to speak up about what they need ❤

[@Ariane_Belisle]

Fern is so cute! Her and my Evelyn are only a month apart and I’m glad to know I’m not the only one thinking all those things you said. Keep up the good work mama!

[@morganbrinkley]

Omg I love the name Evelyn! I think it's so lovely I have a list of baby names and Evelyn has been on it for ages haha

[@Ariane_Belisle]

@@morganbrinkley Yay!! I think it’s a sweet name 😊

[@moon_mint]

SO EXCITED FOR MOMMY/MOVING CONTENT!!! I'm in my 2nd trimester and this just fuels my nesting urge 😈 so glad y'all are doing well. It feels like catching up with a friend when you upload.

[@SourKrautAsHell]

I think I am hearing digital feedback in this video. I have switched my headphones and played other youtube videos and this is the only video where I am hearing the buzzing in the background!

[@SourKrautAsHell]

It was only at the beginning before Fern came out so I think it may have been the baby monitor!

[@Kmarie77]

Sarah, thank you for doing this. Parenting is so hard and I think there is so much pressure on Mom’s to act like it’s all wonderful etc or we “got this.” It’s not and we don’t, but we have to trudge forward anyway. You’re doing great! Fern is ridiculously adorable. She has sweet cheeks like my Ethan (who’s now 19) did. 😊💜

[@psychick3]

Gosh she's cute! So fun to see her :-) There are new hardships at every stage and also new joys! And, do say yes to the mom bob, haha- it's so much simpler, and actually in style right now 👍

[@Meowlo]

As someone prepping to begin the pregnancy journey, I really appreciate your videos on your journey! I love how honest you are about the ups and the downs.

[@milarosha3186]

Congratulations on having a baby Sarah! She’s so precious 😍 As a mom of a 17 month old I completely agree with everything! The constant pain ohhh, but it’s getting better once they start walking And also I used to hear the phrase ‘just wait’ but honestly it’s so so much easier now! Newborn stage was also the hardest for me, and it’s getting better and better with each month

[@BRATTERSTEIN]

So wild how different everyone’s experiences are with having kids. My baby is 19 months now and watching this is bringing it all back.

[@peytonsturdivant8392]

Ahhh cute baby!!! And as a mom of 2 it is crazy how people scare mom to be's like 'you need everything by 8 months pregnant and you'll never sleep and you'll be miserable" it is so sad how people make it out to be! But at the same time, yes there's lots of stressful/scary things that I just never thought about lol

[@peytonsturdivant8392]

She is just so sweet omg! You're doing great, can't wait to see more content from you!

[@Tronderose]

13:40 Try a soft velvet scrunchie in a low, slightly loose ponytail! No pressure on the scalp, but still gets all the hair out of the way (Or even a low braid with no elastic)

[@ginaleenerts4430]

I wish someone told me that once you get a routine, your kid will change and it won’t work anymore lol. For the first year at least! But even that you kinda get used to and learn to adapt. Parenthood is allllllll about flexibility and patience. Congrats on the adorable lil one, looking forward to more baby content 💖

[@thebackpackingbookwyrm]

My best friends mother is a pelvic floor specialist and yes it's massively under stressed by doctors and used. There are exercises you can do at home and even tools you can get to help at home. Totally agree that taking a proactive approach would be best!

[@happyfrog777]

fern is adorable!!! you’re such a great mom already, sarah - i can tell you love her so fiercely. wishing your fam the best!! 💕

[@jeniphirtaylor-mcintire81]

The days are so long, but the years fly by. I had my last baby over 18 years ago and I still feel the let-down when I hear a baby cry. For some women, it never goes away (thankfully, no more leaking!). Keep talking; it will help you process the birth and early mothering experience. 4-6 months is my favourite age. I've parented and foster parented 25 kiddos from newborns to young adults, and 5 months? Still the perfect, perfect age. You are about to have the most delicious season!

[@laurencarr1267]

Not sure if it’s just me but there was a buzzing noise in the background for the whole of this video x

[@Redheadwithfreckles78]

Def a buzzing sound. Could be the baby moniter. But i cant watch or listen bcuz that noise is just to much

[@aurorasam05]

Same

[@feraletc]

Dude your hair is so shiny. Looking forward to this, I love your recent videos because my kid is about two weeks behind yours! Mine doesn't nap either lol.

[@thewinterland]

My son is 9 now, but I enjoyed this video like a trip memory lane. Parenting is so hard, but so amazing. It's difficult to prepare someone else for it. I really related to feeling powerful because you will show up for your baby no matter what. It's a journey for sure ❤

[@Yaserdisaster]

For your hair I want to recommend using a hair stick vs a hair tie. I have long hair and noticed my scalp isn’t sore with the Hair stick like is with a hair tie or clip. I recommend trying it with long hair.

[@MKSpeakz]

Everyday of my pregnancy I feel different symptoms, some days I feel nauseous and others I feel amazing. I wasn’t expecting that at all, but I see it’s something I will need to get used to!

[@Anothernammee]

Can you give an update on how your cats have adjusted to having a baby around (:

[@KalaBader]

2:20 I got worried for you. I made the mistake of telling people I let me baby under 1 year old watch some TV and the internet moms freakkeeed out on me. Something I wish I knew is how damn judgy the internet moms are. I basically felt like I had to stop sharing anything after that because I was a bad mom.

[@downtownbristantrown6456]

The pelvic floor pt will help so much! I felt like I would never feel better again and it took some time but it was so worth it

[@LapostropheAura]

Love the honesty of this video!! I have a 9 month old, and I agree with you on so much of this. You're so right that you can try and try to prepare all you want, but it isn't until you go through it that you learn and adjust to your new life. I wish I had known that earlier, but again, you can't know til you're in it!

[@beanybee]

Me as a childfree person watching this video that doesn't relate to me personally. Watching bc I love you, and to get info for my friends who may become parents soon. Happy to see you all doing well!

[@marahchristian7594]

For some reason my baby 7 months loves other babies so when you showed your daughter he got so excited

[@Rae_Ritchie_Illustration]

You are doing such a great job! As a mom of a three year old, I can safely say the newborn stage was the hardest so far!

[@lauraigla6319]

I wish I had had this video to tell me I was powerful when I was post-partom. I felt like everywhere I turned I was expected to "bounce back" and I was practically incompetent because I needed help with daily tasks. I get emotional remembering how i was expected(by my husband) to take my son and dog to the park every day by myself when I was 3 weeks post c section. It's a miracle we aren't divorced.

[@c12486]

It is also okay to use headphones or earplugs to help with the sounds of crying! Once baby has alerted of a need then it’s totally okay to tune it out. There’s no reason to burst eardrums and cause unnecessary stress/anxiety that just makes it even harder to meet baby’s need. They didn’t know how powerful their voices are.

[@SweetChipmunktheFirst]

I seriously love the baby content! I think we all grew since we first started watching your videos and maybe more grown content like this is something we all would love to watch! :)

[@ashleecox9344]

She is so stinking cute ❤ I am expecting in June and I love your honesty about everything.

[@OBCDeeznutz]

Oh my goodness, when you picked her up her face was so bewildered 😂

[@ashleighmenser]

I think when mothers say the newborn stage is easy is because they’ve been through it and come out the other end. Or when you’re a parent of multiple it is ofcourse easier lol because you’re use to it. When I had my daughter at 19 and alone, I found the newborn stage to be so bad and overwhelming I had the worst post natal depression in my life. I wanted to give her up for adoption and my parents kept saying “oh but it’s the easy stage” well no. You’re in pain, you’ve mentally AND physically changed, you’re sleep deprived and you’re hormones are just raging whilst dealing with how DIFFERENT life now is. Took me a whole year and a half to feel better within myself and feel confident as a mum. Obviously everyone’s situation is different but I wish the mum community would normalise not giving advice without a disclaimer that everyone is different instead of preaching advice as gospel. You’re doing great Sarah!! As a side note: I worked through the post natal depression, I got help and now I have five kids 😏😏 so it’s definitely not all rainbows but it’s worth it. I will say though that listening to advice and feeling ashamed of myself when I didn’t feel the same way as “other mums” fuelled my depression. Be easy on yourself if you’re a new mum. You’re already a hero. Xx

[@inkasaraswati7625]

Also I might add that some babies are easier and some are harder. I thought my baby's newborn stage was really hard (breastfeeding drama, then colic, then overtiredness, then overfeeding, then sleep regression, etc), but then I hear stories about high needs babies and whoa they seem to be in a whole different ballgame. On the other end of the spectrum, there is my mom who had two perfectly calm babies (me and my brother), she took care my older brother by herself (my father did not help especially in the newborn stage) and she says she was not overwhelmed at all. I'm sure 30 years have softened her memory but my parents did say that I was a much easier baby than mine. That said, all mothers are troopers we should all be proud.

[@jasminekt5204]

glad u are healing and adapting well to motherhood your little babe is sooo cute hope u and ur family is well and thank you for sharing i’ve watched you for years and it makes me happy to see you doing ur thing!!

[@catrinag.9262]

What a good comment about exercises for the core and pelvic floor. I was never the same after having babies. Why is the system like that??? I hope they change it and you're right. No one cares about the mom after the baby is born really.

[@insaneartfreak]

I’ve been a sub for a long time, started with your fashion videos and then your vlogs. It’s so cool to see that you are a mom now! I’m around your age and I’m excited to be a mom. You are so genuine I feel like I can trust what you say so thanks for all the advice.

[@mildredpierce7728]

You are such a loving mom. Fern is a lucky child & a beautiful one!

[@Emxo333]

I’m having my first baby in July. I’ve watched your pregnancy videos so many times and they have helped me so much. I love the mom content from you cuz I feel like we are similar people. I hope you keep making mom videos cuz I need all of the advice!! Good luck with the move ❤

[@alexfortin4984]

I swear after giving birth, you’re gonna feel unstoppable. A month ago, I never thought I would be able to do everything I am doing for my baby on a daily basis.

[@Emxo333]

@@alexfortin4984 🥰

[@LauraNanoVargas]

When my nurses wanted me to use the bathroom myself, walk 10 feet to the toilet I was like- hey I can barely freaking get up. They don't care. I feel like I pushed myself harder than I should have because that hospital wanted me out so they had a bed. They give mixed instructions- don't do too much, but also be walking by xyz, don't lift more than baby weight, but also you gotta carry a baby, diaper bag, and a carseat for checkups. What??

[@vamprissJess1989]

Gosh I thought newborn was rough till 13 month then it a whole different beast. Waking up with a toddler at 2 am and they won’t go back to sleep is way more brutal with a toddler. Recovery was nuts my feet were so swollen and going to those appointments were a form a torture. With sleep I can now only sleep 6 hours and I’m good it’s so crazy. Every thing u said was so damn true. I had so much anxiety and still do when they cry or throw tantrums. I didn’t get a haircut till she was 3 years old lol being a mom is rough. We also don’t have a lot of help so there’s that. Which is way more common than I thought thanks to Reddit for all the toddler and baby chats.

[@tenacious_she]

I just have to say that your hair looks so healthy and gorgeous!!

[@lynnehampton1777]

Hi Sarah. Fern is so precious. It was so nice to see her. Thanks for sharing this video. Take care.

[@bex.jackalope]

omg .. her lil smile! she’s so adorable! congrats! ☺️

[@mikadocious]

Me watching this even though I have no intentions of becoming a parent: 👁️👄👁️

[@teethforhair]

Fern is so precious!! she looks just like you. it’s so wild to think i’ve been watching you since my sophomore year of high school and now i’m almost two years out of college and you have a sweet little baby!

[@inspiringsimple]

When people find out how many kids I have they seem to just freak out and say crazy stuff like “you must be so patient…you’re a supermum…”. I just try to reassure people that I started with one baby and just worked my way up. However I also say REST is so so undervalued and man I wish I could convince every single woman to just rest after having their baby.

[@jomr4249]

She's so cute! I love her big eyes, she looks so observant and curious.

[@Sssighh]

I saw a pelvic floor therapist a few times before the birth. Highly recommend it, and afterwards you have an appointment lined up when you need it!

[@jazminjoyce4253]

In those times when you can only hold them while they're fever pitch crying, headphones or wireless earbuds. It makes the crying less intense and gives something else to focus on.

[@Dedpancreas]

Fern 🌿 is so adorable! You’re such a great mama 🖤🖤🖤

[@bogglqueen]

I love these videos you're doing . Btw my youngest son just turned 18 yesterday. All my babies are grown up now and it's a horrible empty feeling ! I miss the days when they were little 😭😭😭😭 it really does go by SO FAST

[@xsk12]

I’d like to know more about the positives. Every parent i talk to says they bring joy but idk what that means 😭

[@Kanekonagase]

I have two small children (one is 3 and the other is almost a year old), and from my perspective - it's first of all the love, and the incredible experience of watching them come into their own as people. Parenting is DIFFICULT, but so rewarding at the same time. My toddler is becoming her own independent little person, and watching her personality unfold is amazing. And my little boy is just the sweetest, cuddliest little thing. They have tons of needs that I take care off, which is exhausting, but I wouldn't trade the love and the experience of having my kids around for anything.

[@greyskiesartify]

I agree new born are quite a learning curve then 4month they get so fun!

[@emmaberger3748]

I have issues with my pelvic floor and I have not been pregnant and don’t plan on it any time soon if ever - content on this would be iconic

[@marianabookz]

im on my way to the gym but as soon as i get back home im gonna watch the video! im loving this new mom content sarah

[@emmaberger3748]

Never heard of “nap trapped” as a term but I love it 😂❤

[@TheLadyGemini]

Omg your little girl is your TWIN 😍😭 she is so incredibly beautiful!! I loved the emphasis on becoming superhuman after becoming a parent.. because I can honestly say I've never realized the strength and love I could hold for someone after having my son! The newborn days you are straight up in survival mode.. but it's honestly such a short period in the grand scheme of their life! 🤍 Enjoy every moment, the good and the hard!

[@Wintercirce]

When I’m home and breastfeeding I have a set up in bed I use my body pillow and put a pillow on top of the body pillow on the wall and then one on my lower back and then use a boppy pillow to put under the baby. That helps me be more comfortable while feeding at home. But when out and about definitely can be more difficult to be comfortable.

[@laurenmacfarlane3382]

Omg she is precious! That smile! Thanks for sharing, Sarah.

[@Horrormoviefan9]

I'm excited for the move, but I'll definitely miss this place. 🧡🥰 She's so cute, she looks just like you. 🥰🧡

[@sarahhawkinson]

well the new place is in the same complex so similar vibe just 2 bed and more sun!!

[@Horrormoviefan9]

@@sarahhawkinson that's awesome, glad you'll have sun now. 🧡🥰

[@Admar.94]

So excited for the new moving vlogs ❤

[@LittleRedTeaCake]

I joke (because coping mechanisms) with my husband that I don’t remember a lot between 2016-2019/early 2020, because of sleep deprivation. From pregnancy, to newborn/breastfeeding and then another pregnancy and newborn/breastfeeding. The memory loss is real. I am so glad that I am done, but I wouldn’t change how it all happened, well maybe being being kinder to myself. I refused to rest especially after my second kiddo and just kept bleeding. It would get better, I’d overdo it and start bleeding heavily again. It was rough, but those babies were worth it.

[@pattycannon1804]

Congradulations Sarah you're daughter is gorgeous.

[@katiewidlake7217]

Shes such a beautiful Baby! And you’re doing the best job! You go mamma!

[@daniellegillett4801]

I have an 8 year old and an 18 month old and I love my big age gap, the newborn phase is the worst haha. It only gets better imo. I agree with everything you say and feel too, thank you for sharing and making me feel validated. ❤ your baby is GORGEOUS so beautiful. The cheeks! They eyes! 😍

[@Chloe-ix6we]

this video made me smile so much, its so cool seeing a new mom become so happy with their creations, super cool to see,

[@aiwxo]

She is so grown already, she looks so like Ryan 😂 I feel like this was much needed advice ❤ thanks for sharing

[@piixeltune]

I’m childfree by choice but i’ve been watching you forever and love your videos! I’m happy that people like you talk about the good and the not so good.

[@Emmiee114]

Omg I have not watched you in a while and it’s so weird seeing you with a baby!! But congrats 🎊❤️❤️

[@xkristixx]

I'd love to hear your perspective about how you balance baby and your first born (pets). I have a super needy cat and dog, which is something that worries me if/when we decide to have a kid. I've seen past friends and family get rid of their pets or neglect them after having kids, and while I know I won't turn into them (that's not an option period), I am worried about providing for them and taking care of a baby.

[@theunicornrainbow363]

I have a super needy cat and dog too and I'm 7 months pregnant. But I think the way my pets got used to share their space and time with each other they are capable of doing this again. We try to help this process by training them. They are no longer allowed in our bed, we will soon start to go on dogwalks with a stroller, we put the baby seat in the car, they are not allowed in the nursery (and have not been for months), we introduce them to baby stuff, we stopped feeding them first thing in the morning, we send them off our lap when we are sitting or lying on the couch (they can be next to us), they are not allowed to play wild inside the house (we have a garden) and we created a safe-space for every animal where we teach them that they 'can't be reached' and they should go there if they wanna be left alone. Maybe some of these things help you. 😊

[@torienceseymour]

Thank you! You said everything I’m thinking and going through right now as well. We can do this!

[@___vlc___5730]

Now your videos cut are so fun, maybe the baby is back on your arm, or on your lab or you holding a toy, sooo cute. Also hearing her babble is just so cute.

[@dreadreaundrea]

Oh my gosh she’s soooooo cute!! She looks like you!!!

[@torienceseymour]

Side laying to breastfeed is amazing! Try using a haakaa on the other side when breastfeeding to help build up a supply.

[@bby.kaylamarie]

She’s so cute!! Looks just like you, and she’s so alert with those big bright eyes❤️🥰

[@LecheVitrineUK]

AHH love this, her giggles! I remember going on a 10 mile bike ride when my daughter was 8 weeks old!!!! What the hell was I thinking!? She was born at 37 weeks and it was a 'traumatic' birth. I was a bit of a mess after this bike ride, my judgements were off!

[@sambee7]

She is sooo cute! 🥹 You’re doing a wonderful job! Good luck moving!

[@baleek4367]

I had a hairdress come to my place because I could never find the time to make an appointment and actually go. She cut my hair and even did highlights during my daughter’s nap and when she was up and it was so good !

[@AngryKittenCat]

I can’t even express completely how much hearing all of this comforts and helps me. Your experience is so similar to mine and relatable. On that note, I have a 1st year memory book and there’s a page dedicated to each week for the first four weeks of their life and I’m like who the hell has time to fill out, in depth, everything going on in those first four weeks… not me. It will remain blank 🥲

[@SHEIFFY]

What is your opinion on showing your baby on the internet and/or exposing your baby to the internet? I mean obviously you do show her some in your videos, I just wanted to hear your opinion on where you stand with protecting your child's privacy and digital footprint since it is a very hot topic right now because of some older children/teenagers/adults from "family vloggers" are coming out and talking about their experience with it.

[@katemcpeake6463]

Happy Belated Birthday!! ❤

[@julianaa7665]

She's sooo gorgeous, she looks exactly like you!!!❤

[@jenneacubero1036]

I'm not a mom but I do have a lot of hair that I just keep in a simple ponytail 24-7. I love my hair but with it being so much it can have draw backs (let's face it; it's daunting brushing/combing hair thoroughly. Thank you, carpal tunnel...). So, if you ever decide on getting your hair cut, I understand. But...for the love of all that's holy PLEASE don't get The Karen. That hairstyle should've stayed in the early 2000's with Kate Gosselin.

[@caldalf69]

lovely as ever 😘 thank you for sharing ur experience - i value this information immensely

[@poundcake681]

Oh my goodness!!! Congratulations Sarah❤️

[@AngryKittenCat]

I was just thinking yesterday about your last mom video and I was wanting another. Thanks! (:

[@stahlesofia]

you are amazing!!! and fern is so cute😍she looks so much like ryan, it's crazy!!!

[@ldontcaree]

Your hair looks so good and healthy:)

[@Anothernammee]

Yay! Loving the content lately! Always have 😊

[@lovedivasong]

She’s so cute! So glad you are back

[@hconf]

She is absolutely adorable!!!!