THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE HAVING A BABY | advice for new & expecting moms 2024

[@michellereedg]

mostly made this video as a letter to my past self... I hope you enjoy, friends 💛

[@ivorybabydoll19]

Your confidence and reassurance makes me want to meet my baby boy sooner. I'm due in September and seeing a mom cherishing all moments of a baby is amazing for me to know that it's not always all bad and that I can do it. You are such an amazing mom.

[@reborka]

I’m 23 and get to meet my baby girl in September and I’m so excited but so nervous! I pray everyday that I’ll be the mother my baby needs. I pray that I do a good job, I know there’s only so much I can prepare for, and the rest I have to trust will come in time. And I know that I love this baby more than I could ever express ❤️

[@ElahnaHudson]

You have such a gift of making hard things look beautiful, finding the joy in the mundane & just meeting people where they are and making them feel understood. I want to be your friend❤️ We are on year two of trying … I have always desired to be a mother as well. These kind of videos make me even more excited and help me to not fear the scary parts but embrace them.

[@michellereedg]

what a sweet compliment ❤️ praying you get your baby so soon!

[@llarsonvjc]

“Never say you won’t do something as a mom until you become a mom” - just want to say this is true even the second time around! There were things we didn’t do with my daughter (first baby) that I said I would never do which we now do with my son (second baby). I thought I knew the ropes really well, and to some degree I do. I’m a much more confident parent this time around! But I feel like I really understand now how every single baby can be so different and they definitely like to keep you on your toes 😂

[@stretchopotomus2385]

I'm a 1st time mom 5mos pregnant, and this video (that or the crazy amount of hormones in my body rn lol) has me in TEARS!! Thank you for sharing ❤

[@CrystalmRoman]

This was so helpful to watch and listen to. I'm 22 weeks pregnant and trying my best to prepare for baby boys arrival and what that will look like. This was so encouraging to know how much the Lord is just wrapped up in the whole process. Thank you

[@alexatimmerman5554]

My baby girl just turned three months old and I really feel like I’m in the trenches right now, and your reflections on motherhood are so refreshing to me! Thank you Michelle 💗

[@bristevens.]

You will totally get through them 🥰🥰

[@iuliaturcas4348]

Motherhood suits you so well 🤍 thank you for sharing your perspective with us and giving us such precious advice 🤗 Love you a lot, Michelle 💛

[@michellereedg]

of course, one of my favorite things to talk about these days, haha 💛

[@kaylashorter5911]

Amazing video, so beautiful! I’m 35, married with no desire to have kids but I love you, your content & wanted to support. BIG SHOUT OUT to all the amazing parents out there :)

[@EmmaRossum]

Having Aiden acknowledge "I don't know how you do it" was perfect timing. You are the best, Michelle! You are killing it

[@EmilyAnneeeHinman]

My twin boys are over a year now, but in those early days when they were waking up multiple times a night we took it in shifts. We called it "couch shift". So one of us would crash on the couch for 4 hours, and the other would take care of the boys in our bedroom doing bum changes and doing bottle feedings. It was such a great arrangement for us because we made sure that we both got a decent chunk of sleep in the night. I think that was the only way we made it through those early days! Especially caring for two littles!

[@cj5021]

This video is so comforting. I cannot wait to meet my first born baby boy here in the next couple of months 🩵

[@michellereedg]

🤍🤍🤍 so happy for you!

[@xitzlaurenx4308]

Congratulations! 🎉❤

[@celticishwitch]

Children are such a blessing. Just welcomed our girl and she'll be 3 weeks tomorrow. I related to most of your points.

[@abbieamavi]

these videos are so important. I'm grateful and happy that the next generation can at least feel more prepared for adulthood/marriage/babies by the internet. Even for those of us who don't have mentors or adults in our life to help, youtube got our back haha

[@Safeshinefl]

Seeing the growth in your journey, from when you found out you were pregnant and now with a 7 month old, is truly inspiring to me! Your light-hearted way of presenting this video gives me such comfort and joy as I watch this! I am 8 1/2 months pregnant with my first baby, and this is exactly what I needed to watch today. Thank you so so much, Michelle, for always being so real and vulnerable and bringing us along with you on your incredible journey into motherhood. It has been the greatest pleasure to watch you grow into a beautiful butterfly as you overcome and have the victory. 🌼🦋🩷

[@MysticAtTheCrossroads]

This was beautiful congratulations. everything you said is everything I’ve been thinking about . I’m in my second trimester as a first time mom and trying to figure everything out . I love how mentioned you find joy in the little things with your son now . Like you , I always feel like I needed to be doing something and pregnancy has slowed me down and it’s an adjustment. So It’s great to know I’m not alone in these feelings . Great video thank you 💖

[@hannahwillams9602]

Due in 3 weeks with my second - soo ready!!!

[@michellereedg]

Ahh the final countdown! I remember those last few weeks-- so challenging. So excited for you!

[@angelikapecak8445]

Michelle, thank you for sharing your life with us. You are such an inspiration! ❤ I always look forward to seeing a new video. My son - Teo - is two months younger than Connor and I feel so close to you. It’s awesome to see you being in the same stage as I am. We have so much in common, I wish I could get to know you in real life and spend some time together, walking with our sons and enjoying life 🥰

[@emily57644]

Lost my first pregnancy but so hopeful but nervous to be pregnant again. Hoping it happens soon and still obsessed with all the videos like this.

[@michellereedg]

I’m so sorry 🤍 sending prayers for you!

[@emily57644]

@@michellereedg thank you for the support I go through real periods of impatience and am just working letting go of my timing

[@FrankeeJ20]

I love the storybook feel of this video as locations changed etc, it is so beautifully edited!x Being a Mama has brought out a glow in you Michelle and I’m so glad you took the long break after you had him 🩵 xx

[@withthetrans]

this blessed me so much. thank you for sharing all this!!! -from a ftm, 20 weeks, excited yet also nervous (but mostly excited!!) for our baby girl coming later this year... ☺

[@erb611]

Learned that it’s ok and very very normal to not feel in love with your baby at first…bonding can take some time ❤

[@chi2om]

Adorable. I’m not called to have my own kids but love seeing how mothers grow and change with their babies. God willing, I will adopt or foster teens that are the most neglected. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences!

[@emileebeausoleil7937]

Not me tearing up at the intro with my almost 3 mo baby boy 🥹 I love your mom content!!!! So encouraging.

[@marlirichmond8192]

This video was so incredibly encouraging. I’m currently 34 weeks and will prob watch this 3 more times lol 😂 Thank you Michelle for taking the time to share your perspective and for being honest yet positive and uplifting. You are full of grace!

[@michellereedg]

so excited for you, seriously the most special journey ahead of you! 💛

[@schuttepartyof3]

Omg I absolutely needed to hear this and what perfect timing ❤️ I’m currently 6 weeks postpartum and absolutely in love with our precious baby boy, but it is definitely an adjustment and each day we learn something new with our little one. I want to soak up all these moments the good and the rough tunes chase I know it will go by fast

[@bristevens.]

I miss this postpartum days 🥹 I do wish I soaked them in so much more with my first born and I will do so much better with my second!!

[@MeghanCullen]

Due in September with my first, a little girl 💖 Thank you for making such a positive video!!! love to see content like this :)

[@VeronicaBozaBurton]

Going through a fertility journey right now and this video really uplifted, excited, and relaxed me into looking forward to motherhood, whenever that may be!! Thank you for pouring your time into making this.

[@sanzianaionita]

I really really loved this video. My baby boy is almost 7 months old and I just started to become used to this new life maybe a month or 2 ago. Until then I was so resentful of my husband, in my eyes he could to anything whenever he wanted. But now I understand that babies especially when they are so little they need their mom the most. They need us for comfort, for our love.. for everything. Now I love being a mom to my son. We are so connected and we love each other so much, I can see it in his eyes. The hardest part for me was the lack of freedom. I can’t get a bath whenever I want to. I can’t go somewhere whenever I want to. But now I can bring him along, and he enjoys every single second of it. Of course there are some very hard days, when you feel like nothing you are doing is just not enough. But every single night, after I put my son to bed, I feel so so proud of myself for being there for my baby, for feeding him, for playing with him. I just love being his mom.. it’s the best gift anyone could have ever given to me. ❤️

[@anastashasullivan3254]

30 weeks here and I didnt even get through your intro without balling!!!! ❤❤

[@HannahK780]

I am someone who likes to plan so many things and try and be prepared as much as I can! I can relate to you there Michelle!

[@kaylammcdaniel5341]

This video was so inspiring, positive, genuine and comforting! Thank you for sharing ❤

[@mansoor3159]

Michelle you deserve millions of Subscribers and I really really appreciate your hardwork so so much and I wish you have a fabulous weekend♥️🥹♥️

[@michellereedg]

thank you so so much!

[@knanserrano]

As a first time mama who is 30 weeks pregnant, I needed this. Thank you Michelle. Praying blessings over your sweet family.

[@Breakfastepiphany]

Same! 😍 Congratulations, God is good 🤍

[@almagilbreath2765]

Thank you for sharing! Mom of 2 here, 4yr old and 6 month old, i look forward to your releases theyre so sweet and comforting, God bless you and your family

[@Sunshinebee8]

This video made me so emotional and so strong at the same time...we are actually planning for a baby but i was a bit scared at the thought of having my life change so much but this video was so comforting❤ Thank you so so much for sharing this...im gonaa save this for later as well❤ also you looked sooo gorgeous through out the video especially in the part where you were talking about sleep you just looked super super beautiful...your skin looks so good you are definetly glowing from within❤❤❤❤ lots of love ❤❤❤❤

[@katesullivan9135]

He is such a loved little baby:)

[@ALLISONBICKERSTAFF]

SUCH a beautiful video full of gentle wisdom 💛

[@michellereedg]

so excited for you, Allison! 🪺

[@saranovaa]

Holding my beautiful week old baby. Started crying immediately after starting this video. What a journey, who knew love could be this big. ❤

[@deniset5148]

At 60, we never had kids but I love watching you with Connor! I am so fine with my decision not to have kids, but I really enjoy seeing the totally different life that you have! It gives me a totally different perspective! Thanks Michelle ❤

[@franchat]

Thank you for bieng so bold about your faith and sharing how youve incoporated our goood Father into the process 😊

[@allibarnard9429]

LOVE that God is at the center of every aspect of your life!!!!

[@Sarahxxxxxxx]

I’m so excited to be a mom but some people make it seem so scary. This was nice to hear a more positive outlook ❤

[@TheExtrovertedHomebody]

As someone hoping to have kids in the next year or 2, this is such helpful insight and I know I will rewatch💛 Thank you for sharing. You are such a wonderful mom, and I love seeing all the joy Connor has brought!

[@michellereedg]

thank you so much 🥹

[@alyssacummings3908]

I needed this. It was like a good friend telling me “hey. you can do this.” And that’s so special to get from someone else in the world you have never met. I’m 35 weeks and hearing you talk about surrendering to birth was so so so empowering. And savoring the present 👏🏻👏🏻 yes. Thank you for this.

[@Justreadyourbible]

I am now 11 weeks and I praise God everyday 💜

[@konjevodruzica5270]

I also believe that baby industry is huge, nowdays there are experts in breastfeeding, experts in baby sleep, experts in intruducing solids,but baby only needs calm and happy parents. Love your videos❤ Greetings from Croatia 😊

[@michellereedg]

agreed ❤️

[@theasianjenn]

I’m not a mom yet (Lord willing), but this was soooooo good to watch. Thanks for sharing!

[@taylorthompson4670]

Snuggling my 10 week old while watching your videos makes my day 😊 thank you for sharing your journey with us!

[@Rachellauran]

34 weeks right now and just loving your peaceful and positive baby content

[@kyliestockard7589]

Currently 15 weeks and this video just made me bawl 💛

[@VictorSalendu]

You've got a natural presence! ��

[@michellereedg]

thank you 🥺

[@Erin_29]

I love this! I was actually the complete opposite of you. I didn't prepare myself that much....we had everything we needed for our daughter, but I never read about birth or anything lol. I cannot handle too much information at once because it tends to cause me anxiety and I become overwhelmed. I'm so glad and happy for you that you are excited to give birth again someday! I unfortunately am not due to a very very traumatic labor/delivery.😞My daughter's shoulder was stuck and I pushed for 6 HOURS unmedicated....so yeah I'm not wanting another baby right now or ever. But LOVE our daughter so so much!!💝She's a gift from God and is almost 15 months old already!!😭 Also- touching on the sometimes babies just cry. Oh my gosh yessss my daughter had bad colic from newborn to around 6 months old. It was ROUGH. I couldn't ever console her.😢

[@nsikamarietaylor314]

Aaaw baby Connor looks JUST LIKE YOU 🩵🩵🩵

[@michellereedg]

you think? 💛

[@nsikamarietaylor314]

Yep! He’s your twin 😎

[@mariamangion21]

So thankful for you ❤

[@michellereedg]

& you, Maria!

[@ervinsmoviecorner8748]

So beautiful as always, Michelle!❤❤

[@michellereedg]

thank you, Ervin! 💫

[@ervinsmoviecorner8748]

You’re welcome, Michelle!

[@melissa_ann_p]

Michelle I just loved this video ! I feel like you were reading my mind and emotions ! I agree I feel I started to really love every stage at three months old , but I think it’s because by then I had more confidence as a new mother. My little man will be three in two months and I can tell you, that you will never stop saying this is my favorite stage ! I also pray and hope to experience pregnancy and birth again because like you I embraced every moment and my birth was beautiful and such a gift from our Lord ! Thank you for sharing this video ! Sending you so much love ! .. always always keeping all of you in my prayers ! ❤

[@indigo_diary]

I'm not trying to get pregnant, but this all seems like great advice and is so interesting to watch as a young woman!

[@emilywelsh5359]

Thank you so much, Michelle!! So much grace and wisdom in this ❤️

[@iamraluna]

Thanks Michelle! I am an aspiring mom-to-be and these are great advices 💕 Hope you have a wonderful rest of your weekend! God bless! 🙏❤

[@aprilwestover3793]

I breastfeed my 3 month old, and it took a lot of strength to get to where we are today. Luckily, baby and I did it pretty seamlessly, but it is definitely a mental battle. I am trying to stay motivated and greatful for our breastfeeding journey❤

[@reent4932]

Hi Michelle, I always feel happy when I see a new upload and I enjoy all your videos. God willing I will be gifted with the experience of motherhood. I was wondering if you had any recommendations or would be willing to do a video on how you prepared for pregnancy health wise, lifestyle and in other ways. It isn't something that happened straight away all the time and it's easy to obsess on what you should and shouldn't do... so much trusting in God. x

[@michellereedg]

I think this is a great idea! the biggest thing I focused on was minimizing stress (ie. less intense workouts, working on managing stress levels, not putting too much on my plate) 🦋

[@reent4932]

@michellereedg Thank you for replying 💕 I've heard stress management is so important and its good to get that feedback. Did you find any supplements particularly helpful in general for baby prep?

[@rebecahawley9026]

Totally agree with the part about sleep! I made it my obsession! Also agree about the baby crying - it doesn’t always mean you’re doing something wrong! Babies just cry sometimes. My advice would be to know that the tough nights won’t last forever. Try to enjoy to newborn days because they go by so quickly.

[@jeannewhitney3471]

My 35 (!) yo son was visiting recently. He left today. It's such precious time when we are able to be together. "I'm so thankful to be a mom." Me, too. Still.

[@jordanlouie6603]

This is so beautiful. My heart is full watching this. From what I’ve seen (from what you choose to share) - you are a wonderful mother and so Christ centred. It’s an honor to watch your journey!

[@kittylover4974]

I so wish I found a mom like you before I gave birth. I had the same journey as you did, and it’s so nice to watch you grow as a mother. You have done an amazing job embracing this new added identity 🥹❤

[@rindhyau]

ur the best Michelle... really needed this today😊

[@isabellalacy9901]

Ahh Michelle!! I love this so much and you are such an inspiration to me! Thank you for always uploading content and I love your videos so much!! They are so fun to watch and they are so aesthetically pleasing. It’s so fun to watch your day to day life and I love watching you in your season of motherhood. Ilysm and I hope you’re having an amazing day 💕

[@michellereedg]

appreciate your kind encouragement, Isabella! ❤️

[@MissMassacre911]

Such a great video Michelle. I just want to say I’m so grateful for you. It feels like I have a friend that is also walking alongside me in my journey of motherhood! I am also a first time mom (25 as well) and my baby is just 1 month younger than yours, so I love that we are both in similar stages. You’re doing such a great job raising your sweet baby boy, and he is so lucky to have you as his mom. Thank you for being so open and real with your joys and your struggles. It truly makes me feel like I’m not alone! ❤ love you so much!!!

[@bristevens.]

No one will ever know your baby as well as you ❤ I loved this 🥹

[@prettylittleshayshay]

I’m 32 weeks pregnant and really needed this❤

[@michellereedg]

I hope you’re feeling well! 🪺

[@melissalippolis9234]

I agree with everything you said in this video! I’m a mom to a 3 year old and 9 month old 🩵💙 I hope this video reaches all the pregnant moms and newly postpartum moms out there (and dads too!)

[@Daisylilly_]

Hi Michelle!✨on your other video you said you had a problem with buying a lot of clothes and not wearing them😊I used to have that problem until I read a book on the 33 piece capsule wardrobe that is you choose 33 pieces of clothes that you love and wear all the time and wear 3 months straight nothing else this forced forced me to do less shopping for clothing and only buy the pieces that I really really love because they had to be only 33 ! I can explain this concept but you can watch the channel called “Malama Life” she explains it so well the video is called “I wore 33 items for 3 months, the results are shocking”

[@juliamartinez620]

First time mom and am due any day now! This video is exactly what I needed! Thank you 💕

[@aprilwestover3793]

Pro tip for active babies! Get a balloon and clip it to the leg of their clothes and lay them down in a safe area. They will kick for HOURS lol my 3 month old loves it

[@kmlb81]

It's kinda sad but I wished I would have been prepared for how unsupportive my extended family would be. They were butthurt whenever we made different choices than they did on all the big things (breast/formula, cloth/disposable, circumcision/no, etc). It caused me bad pre and post anxiety and relationships suffered. At least I know better if I am ever a grandma! My twin "babies" will be 11 tomorrow :D

[@author.gabrielavrivera]

My husband and I are pregnant with our first currently and we are so excited. I've been watching your videos for almost a year now and I'm loving the mother content!

[@shandisfancher8766]

If I could go back I would have prepared more for my own recovery postpartum. It would have been so nice to have something fresh and cute to wear rather than the hospital gown and the three sizes too large undies 🫣

[@michellereedg]

100% agree! So easy to overlook yourself when preparing for baby ❤️

[@emilysas20]

Thank you Michelle! 🫶🏽 expecting my son Sept 2024 🐥

[@eleonorar6216]

One minute in and I'm crying ❤

[@alyssawillett9264]

Such wonderful and much needed advice as I wait for my first baby to arrive any day now 🤍 your pre-baby self reminds me a lot of myself-over preparing and thriving off of routine and productivity. I can only hope to transform into an amazing mother like you have ❤

[@PaolaSanchez-hc5my]

Thank you for this advice

[@SimplySami13]

i’ve always related to you so much but now more than ever! my baby is 5 months and i can relate to all of this and i’m just so emotional 😭 hardest time of my life yet the absolute best and most fulfilling. i’m having a hard morning and this video was needed more than you know. it’s the perspective shift i needed ♥️

[@londonathena]

I love this video so much. I'm also a first time mom of a boy who's right around the same age as your little one; and everything you said rings so true. Wish I knew all of this when he was born, but grateful for all I've learned along the way. I'm looking forward to seeing more motherhood content in the future!

[@annieknott1977]

This was beautiful. My baby boy is 10 weeks old today. It has been special watching you go through pregnancy/motherhood as I was starting my journey. Conor is lucky to have you! 🤍🤍

[@kaitsantos5050]

Needed this video 🤍 I’m 3 weeks until I’m due and all of this advice made me feel less scared and less alone. Thank you.

[@FatemehNaghipour]

I'm a new mom just for 4 weeks. I didn't imagine how hard it could be.

[@bristevens.]

The first 3 months are the hardest and then it truly gets so blissful! You’re doing great ❤

[@rachaelblacksmith]

Perfect timing for this ❤ I'm due with my first the first week of August so I'm in a weird in-between of being so excited but also so nervous. This helps

[@daniellemiller5959]

I love your videos! Being a few years younger than you I always look up to you as an older sister. Very fitting the first video I watched was your freshman advice video and I have been watching you ever since. I’m so happy to see you in your mom era and look forward to might as well. ❤❤

[@Mbaumgartner227]

❤ Love this!! Such a beautiful video full of good advice and things we experienced, too 💕 Definitely recommend to give yourself grace and that it’s okay if things don’t go how you had planned for or expected

[@HannahFeyen]

yes yes yes 🥹🫶🏻 every point is so beautifully and wonderfully stated. couldn’t agree more

[@rachellenale]

You’re doing amazing, Michelle❤ also, have you been watching the new episodes of the chosen?

[@evangeliakoutsounidi7823]

All I wanted to hear and more! Currently 4 weeks pp! Thanks for sharing Michelle I couldn’t agree more ❤

[@sashaluinstra4090]

My body don’t know what it needed to do. I had preeclampsia with HELLP syndrome 😢 incredibly rare, no one knows what causes it, no way to prevent it. We both could have died.

[@michellereedg]

I’m so sorry and glad you’re both here ❤️ thank goodness for modern medicine

[@karenkerr1430]

Hi Michelle, how are the weather treating you guys.

[@gaylefontaine4833]

Nice Job!!

[@jonathanbrown6751]

Expexting momma question. With allergy season upon us have you experienced the sneezing fits as a pregnancy symptom? And the time of year does not help lol

[@scarrier4535]

I didn’t anticipate taking longer to bond with my second baby than with my first. I figured the newborn phase would be easy because I was experienced but I didn’t account for the time it would take to get to know her! I felt so guilty for not having that uninterrupted bonding time that I had with my first, but we found our way with each other regardless. Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the technicalities of caring for a baby and miss the biggest part - the totally unique relationship between every mother and child! The best parenting advice I’ve gotten is to do your best and trust God to catch the things you miss. Thank you for your beautiful content as always, Michelle. So grateful for your presence in this space.

[@nehaspacegurlvlogs4098]

Due in August with my first!

[@michellereedg]

congratulations! ❤️