What I Wish I Had Known About Motherhood

Thank you to Audible for sponsoring this video! Start listening with a 30-day Audible trial. Choose 1 audiobook and 2 Audible Originals absolutely free. Visit audible.com/emilyw OR text emilyw to 500-500!

[@emwilss]

MY TESTIMONY video is coming next week! Stay tuned!

[@Brianna-yh7iy]

Emily Wilson 😊 I can’t wait!!!!

[@theresahabsburg795]

YEEEESSS!!! Oh my gosh I’m soooo excited!!❤️❤️

[@MaryScarpati]

Emily Wilson can’t wait to hear it!

[@alyssapraiswater6422]

I'd love to see a "What I Wish I Had Known About Fatherhood" from your husband! I can totally relate to feeling like my life has gone through this massive change since having a baby (really since becoming pregnant, even...) and my husband's is just a shade different than it was before. God bless mamas and all the time and energy they give to His children!

[@ingridkay5082]

Yes, I'd love that!

[@danceninja21]

Yes please!

[@ClassicsandChristianity]

Before I came to Christ 2 years ago, I hated anything to do with pregnancy and babies, I was so pro-choice and to be honest I hated anything feminine. Now realising that God created women and motherhood so beautifully, the Lord has really changed my heart on this topic and videos like this have really helped. I used to have this enormous fear that it would be impossible for a husband to love their wife after their body being so crazy and gross, and fathers having so much responsibility. And seeing you and Daniel and your love for Zion is really soothing this fear ❤

[@tecumseha]

My husband & I experienced infertility for the first 12 years of marriage. That was the HARDEST thing to go through during that time of our lives. We love children & wanted them so badly. We & our families fasted & prayed that we might have children for over a decade. We tried everything: infertility treatments, private adoption, church adoption, & finally foster care. It was only the final attempt (foster care) that we got our long-awaited children. Three all at once! Then within 2 years, 2 biological children! So now THIS phase of my life is the hardest! 😂 I've been on both sides. They are both extremely difficult, & the only possible way to stay sane is constantly seeking the Lord's help & presence. 💙

[@emwilss]

WHAT A TESTIMONY!!! Wow!!! Thank you for your yes to all of it!

[@stephaniejames4209]

Amen😀This is a powerful testimony.

[@carolmk3114]

Praise be to God. Thank you for sharing your victory, it's very encouraging to see God move.

[@MaryScarpati]

Tecumseh A. Such a beautiful testimony! 💜💖

[@TheGeekApprentice]

Not a mom or married, but it astounds me that you have to give all of these disclaimers before sharing your experience. I mean, what does it say that women can be so quick to assume that another woman is tearing her down when actually she's simply sharing her own experience? That's 2019, I suppose. :) Thanks for sharing, by the way! I pray motherhood is in my future (okay if not though haha), so I'll have to file this away for then. :)

[@emwilss]

It's 2019 for sure! So many people will be SO quick to say, "Way to make other women who couldn't or didn't do X, Y, or Z feel bad." So I just had to say it!

[@MaryScarpati]

The Geek Apprentice I thought the same thing!

[@itreehorsenumber3]

Gentleman here. Not married yet, but one of my central fears with having kids, is losing emotional intimacy with my wife. I've been told by several men that having children was the catalyst that lead to their wife's emotional center and priorities shifting away from them. The husbands wanted to enjoy the same connection and intimacy they had before, but their wives had completely changed, and didn't value or desire the same kind of marital relationship any longer. Would you be willing to share your thoughts and/or experiences with this, if any?

[@extra_ice_girl]

I was always taught, God first, your marriage second and everything else third. Children are a gift but only an extension of your marriage. A lot of my married friends with kids say the same thing. They put their spouses' needs first and it helps them co-parent their children better.

[@Delkolovr2]

Women marry thinking they can change the man and men marry a woman thinking she WON'T change.

[@catherinemilner6134]

I would love to hear about this too, Emily. Those hormones are for real and a new mama's libido is all over the place, not to mention the pure exhaustion of a new baby. Would love to know your thoughts, although this is a very personal topic.

[@sarahm.1713]

Thomas D been married for 11 years with two kids. Intimacy will vary during the early years of young children and this is natural. Be sure to make time for your relationship. Have a date and let people watch your child. Plan things ahead of time and communicate your needs.

[@itreehorsenumber3]

​@@sarahm.1713 Those are good ideas, but their success is dependent on both parties being tenacious and desirous of connection. My fear, is that I'll be the only one who cares. That I'll no longer be her favorite person to spend time with. That she won't desire me and our friendship. I think one dad used "paycheck and assistant diaper changer" to describe the "place" where he felt he had landed. I don't think his wife, or any of the other women this happens to, have malicious intent. But that doesn't make the reality of the situation any easier to deal with for the dads in question. In years past, I just resolved to never have kids, because I was scared to death of this. But I'm trying to work beyond it.

[@ferburgoa140]

I have 6 kids, from 14 to 2 and each and every one has been different. From the pregnancy, to breastfeeding and sleep... So, every path is different and beautiful and hard in various ways! I pray for them everyday so that each one finds God’s path and become close to Him. That’s the most important thing for me! Love and prayers for you and your family Emily!

[@maryawah2361]

Yes being a mom is not easy. That's the reality.. I'm not a mom but I participate in children's ministry services every Sunday in my church.. And its not easy😂😂😂😂😂😂..hearing them yelling, crying, demanding toffee and a lot of sweet... And I'm like... GOD BLESS RESPONSIBLE MOMS EVERY WHERE.

[@emwilss]

Hahahah oh man!

[@maryawah2361]

@@emwilss 😂😂😂 yeah... I love being around kids....but lately I've been having second thoughts and asking myself... Can I actually be a mom? Your video has inspired me... I know where I stand.. Thank you❤

[@maryfasho5608]

Baby due in December!! Thank you!!!!

[@emwilss]

Congratulations!!! You are welcome!!!!!

[@nicolejanecek3464]

Emily, I seriously love your videos. I am a young adult Catholic women who has really struggled with living my values outwardly because of family and friends not agreeing with my. I actually came back to the Church and became a practicing Catholic at 16. I am now 26 and you are a big piece of me owning being a daughter of Christ. You even inspired me to start a channel all about living joyously haha. Thank you for being real and authentically YOU :)

[@truegirl2anna]

Just want to say, thank you for being aware of those of us who suffer from the silent cross of infertility (going on 3 years of trying). So many friends of mine don’t even realize how hurtful and damaging their comments towards me or my husband and I have been. I didn’t choose this cross, and you didn’t choose yours either. So thank you again for this, what a beautiful video! God bless this woman and her family! Ps anyone know any female Catholics who have made a video talking about infertility and the spiritual struggle/cross of it?

[@emilykelly2815]

There are many things I wish someone would have shared with me before I had my babies, but now it's hard because I know things I wish I could share with new moms but they would totally brush it off. I know everyone has their own journey, but I wish I could help lighten the load in some way! BTW, it was so sweet watching you two become parents!! Love your videos for the singles even though I'm happily married! I'm high-fiving you through the screen!

[@LadyK007]

Emily, you are pure class. God bless you!

[@emwilss]

Wow, thank you! This made my day! Thanks for watching :)

[@yeehawtomahawk]

I think men SHOULD watch these videos. Men should be aware of what women go through post-birth...

[@quinoasongs2507]

maybe men can watch it after their wives watch it, to have a perspective on what they go through. I love how honest some men are in sharing here. There is hope for this generation of young men and new fathers

[@abbigailbaum6915]

I wish people would have told me be honest truth about having kids. People make it seem easy and breezy and simple. Thus mothering job is a full time job and it's not made to do alone. Every baby is different , every baby has a different way they like things done which is wonderful and watching my boys in his special they are is beautiful.

[@emwilss]

It is very, very hard, and definitely a full time job. Solidarity with you, you keep that heart up and keep on loving those babies!! I am cheering you on!

[@bostelmanfamily]

You are so right about the body changes women experience and their husbands don’t experience. Same thing for getting groceries or running errands. We are expecting our fourth and it gets easier each time to accept the changes I experience and he doesn’t, but it is a major difference.

[@emwilss]

TOTALLY.

[@bostelmanfamily]

I wish I had known how much my kids would change my life in a good way. I’ve learned so much about myself and God has refined me and my character so much through them as well. ♥️

[@eliseskinner6312]

I appreciate your video. I just got married almost 4 months ago and now am expecting my first child. I am really excited, but a little nervous and I guess maybe a little scared. I'm still adjusting to life being married and now there's a baby coming😬 I really appreciate your down to earth description of things you wish you knew.

[@emwilss]

You will be wonderful. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. Praise God for the gift of this new life and your motherhood and your husband's fatherhood! Saying a prayer for you right now!

[@eliseskinner6312]

@@emwilss Thank you!!

[@fernandamendezcabrera3183]

I love people who talk about what nobody else is does. Thank you sooo much for sharing your own experience and thoughts. God bless you!

[@emwilss]

Thanks girl! I so appreciate you watching!

[@MaryScarpati]

It makes me sad that people with a big following have to do a million disclaimers before they can make a statement. Mostly because I can’t imagine how stressful that must be to worry that if you speak too freely you will get a backlash from people. Loved hearing your tips, Emily! Always enjoy learning from you!

[@LiztasticGames]

I am one of 10 children, no twins/triples, all naturally conceived. My mother was blessed with so many children, but I know it was very difficult raising us all (and she’s still raising us). I saw my mother go through so many things you have been through, if not all. God bless mothers, thanks for the video! ****She also had 4 C-sections and would tell me about the bleeding sometimes. I couldn’t imagine how hard it is

[@serenitymcbride2700]

@Liz oldest of soon to be 11 here! My mother has somehow never had a C-section though. Aren't mom's incredible?!

[@angelofmusic0219]

Such a great video. What I wish someone had told me and what I tell new moms now, "Get you some mom friends." It's so important to not just sit in your house by yourself with your new baby and never see anyone else.

[@kacyarnold159]

My almost 3 year old doesn’t sleep through the night...I agree. Some babies/toddlers just do not sleep well!

[@folklorelover13]

SO ACCURATE!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 my son is 6 weeks tomorrow and the one thing i struggle most with is other people’s unsolicited mom advice.. it’s the worst 🙃 I am glad you mentioned not to shame other moms.. we need to stick together bc the majority of moms do what they think is best for their children

[@emwilss]

It's kind of insane...and you don't realize the magnitude of it until you become a mom. Congrats on the new baby! I hope you are doing well!!

[@nataleerig]

May God continue to bless your journey as a Mommy! Thank you for being so honest 😀😀👍

[@emwilss]

Just trying to help a sister out 😉 thanks for watching!!!

[@aimeejackson598]

Love this 💕 My oldest son is now 6 and he didn’t sleep longer than 2 hours until he turned 4, my daughter is 2.5 years old and she barely sleeps.. ever. I’m due with #3 in November and praying this one sleeps! 😂

[@emwilss]

OH AIMEE! GOD BLESS YOU, MY SISTAH! That is so so tough!!

[@lilicasablanca1056]

I had a lil chuckle at the last sentence.

[@emily34871]

motherhood is incredible. I'm not a mom but just to think of HOW much time and energy is spent is amazing to me.

[@momimperfect9700]

I didn't struggle with breast feeding either. It was not painful, there were no cracked nipples. I read that if you do have issues to express milk to help with the dryness and cracking. I had leaking issues, so maybe that is why I didn't have the other issues. When you talk about the breast pads and the leaking, I totally relate. I had to wear them the whole time I was nursing. And I was shocked at the amount of leakage. It wasn't like I had a small coin sized spot on my shirt if I leaked. It was the whole front of the shirt would be wet. Anyway, this video made me laugh and cry at the same time. So true!

[@GreenPenguin82]

I hate that you even had to put that disclaimer at the begining of your video, that it's not just understood that every journey with a baby is different and that's ok. But anyway, I'm with you on the breastfeeding thing. I had to supplement sometimes but never had the bleeding and clogs some women experience. Also no advice but my daughter was not sleeping thru the night until over a year. I tried to "fix" this problem and finally just said it is what it is. She's 5 now and sleeps and that's all that I'll say ☺.

[@emwilss]

Yes. In 2019 you have to make a disclaimer about everything - esp for people who may stumble across this video and not know me or my heart for women at all. Thanks so much for the solidarity!!!

[@shannonmcrae1364]

Omg #6 I feel you. I felt like a failure when my baby wouldn’t sleep through the night and then finally at 6 months she figured it out. Good luck!

[@emwilss]

We are getting closer and closer! Thanks for the solidarity :)

[@HaleyMary]

I had no idea that women could bleed for eight weeks after pregnancy. I'm not anywhere near close to having a baby in my life, but I'm glad to hear all this information now. Thanks for this video!

[@emhollen3748]

I so appreciate all of the real talk and honesty on your channel! Thank you for sharing your experience! Zion is such a beautiful baby😊

[@emwilss]

Well I'm so glad :) Thank you so much.

[@laurac4576]

Each baby is different. My first and second are different in almost every way as far as sleep, eating, etc is concerned. You’re doing great.

[@emwilss]

Thank you Laura!! :)

[@patrickjauch6167]

This is awesome. I'm a father of 7 kids...I wish I had known all this before I became a father!!! So important! I'm going to share this with my wife---she will definitely be in solidarity with you from afar. I'm also going to share this with expecting parents that I know. Great job.

[@bethmarguerite1130]

I got married last November, our baby is due in January, so excited to meet him/her! Thanks for this video, was so great to hear about your experience!

[@WordsPictures997]

I really appreciate you for being honest and sensitive in how you've shared your experience Emily. I think it's important to be aware of life's good and it's possible challenges to help us better prepare where we can, change what we can change, make peace and find ways to manage what we can't change; potentially lowering the risk of trauma, depression, resentment etc. Thank you so much for this.

[@ingridkay5082]

Omg about the whole thing about different seasons... "Highschool is the best! I loved it! THAT IS SO NOT TRUE FOR EVERYONE. I was diagnosed with severe depression in highschool and now I'm still struggling to get through sophomore year after two full calendar years... By the way, congrats Emily, I just had to get that out.

[@jennakrathwohl7059]

high school senior here. the whole “Highschool is the BEST time of your life” thing is bull crap. Highschool is a season, and everybody experiences it differently. Don’t let those people tell you what sort of experiences you are “supposed” to have in highschool. It’s not a fun time for everybody, and that’s okay!! It doesn’t mean there won’t be wonderful seasons in the future. also, i promise, it WILL be over soon. it feels like it will last forever, but it won’t. you’ll be walking across that stage in no time. ❤️❤️

[@linlin-yx7cy]

Emily! I just now realise that I met you at the Weltjugendtag in Fribourg! I didn‘t know you or your youtube channel back then. But the talk you gave about the woman not losing faith in God for years who then got healed really really stuck with me. The energy of your presence is a amazing! Thank you very much for what you do:)

[@harmonygordon6901]

Really glad that you could breastfeed your son. The positive health benefits are well documented that breastfeeding is REALLY GOOD FOR BABIES. Glad it went well for you. For moms that are having a hard time with breastfeeding, please don't give up too easily. Please consider getting a lactation consultant to come help you. They really can make a difference and help you and the baby. There is no shame in needing help. Just a FUN side note. The breastfeeding leak pads are really wonderful to Repurpose as makeup removal pads. Especially the bamboo ones. You can use them instead of a washcloth and just wash them in the laundry ! Cool tip, huh?

[@erina1142]

Mom of a 6 month old and 2 year old here! Yuuuuus on the change in freedom! I'm not into parties, I don't travel tons, I don't stay out late... I didn't think the lack of freedom would be difficult, but it's probably the biggest challenge for me still! I also didn't expect how my heart would nearly burst with love for them. Of course I knew I'd love them, but the feeling is pretty all encompassing!

[@kellychilders4822]

You speak the truth my friend! Motherhood is different for everyone! Every baby is different as well! I've been blessed with 3 daughters and they were/are all so extremely different. These 7 things are very important for new Moms to know! Knowing the good, the bad, and the ugly always helps. I too had a child that wasn't a good sleeper. She literally woke up 3-4 times a night until she went to school! It was so tiring and extremely frustrating but that's just how it goes sometimes. Like you said, it has absolutely no reflection on you as a Mom it's just the way your child is. I've enjoyed watching you on your Motherhood journey! You are such a blessing and I'm so grateful you share your life with us. You're so encouraging and a true inspiration tthis Mom of 3 daughters!

[@lizm9863]

Wonderful video and I am sure very welcome to many ladies who are awaiting the birth of their first baby, are in their babies first year or mum's further on who are so grateful for another kind and beautiful mum sharing so honestly xx

[@emwilss]

Thanks Liz :)

[@megalopolis2015]

The newborn stage was always the easiest for me. The first few days there was the struggle involving feeding and sleeping, but for the most part a routine was established after that. Some complications were physical and psychological recovery, colic, and early teething, but even with those obstacles, the first few months were far easier, especially with the second kid.

[@ck337]

This made me cry because I totally know how you feel with all these things. Particularly the part when you said you changed so much and your hubby didn’t. It is really hard to deal with the temptation to feel resentful when you feel like you can’t just get up and leave without bringing the baby, your purse, diaper bag, extra diapers, extra clothes for both you and baby, etc lol Just lots to think about ! I also had a hard time not being the main person in my hubby’s life. I usually am very good at sharing but for some reason that was really hard for me to have to share my husband with this baby. lol Mainly our first because I was just so used to it just being me and my hubby. We now have 5 children and God has helped me so much...just being older now and learning a lot in our 10 years of marriage and 5 children I feel like I’m in a much better place then I was after we had our first. I just didn’t know or expect so many things to change or be so hard and I of course would not change getting married or having children but being more prepared is certainly extremely helpful. 😊👏There are a ton of women coming out and explaining more about motherhood and marriage now on social media and I think it’s SO SO needed and SO SO helpful and something I really wish I had had back when I was a newlywed/new mom. Thanks so much for all your doing !!! ❤️❤️❤️ Also! You’re a great mom! And the baby sleeping thing is totally ok. It’s exhausting but so many people have these strange expectations of baby’s sleeping through the night when that’s a really new and modern thought. In the old days, co sleeping was what everyone did and their babies slept well. We still have a 3 & 5 year old in our room in their own bed and our 1 year old still in our bed. Lol Our 3 year old gets up once or twice a night but hoping he grows out of that soon. Lol But yeah babies really aren’t supposed to sleep through the night ! Not for a long time. Have you heard of the 4th trimester ? Might want to look into that because if helps makes sense of a lot! ❤️❤️

[@buterflylover121]

Thank you Emily for sharing this video. As a new mommy I can relate to a lot of this video. I don’t have many mom friends so it feels good to hear I am not alone in some of these feelings and experiences!

[@merelvis1454]

Thanks so much! My child is almost four and a half years old. You just put into words some of the feelings that I'd have about my experience as a new mother compared to the experience of my then husband. I'm crying!

[@Delkolovr2]

My younger brother was a colicky baby until he was a year 😬 He turned out to be the best little boy, he's not so little now! He's 16!

[@simonevictor9070]

This is so terrifying. But i appreciate the honesty. Not many women share the juicy details about being a mother. I mean you MADE a human that alone deserves an award.

[@irenecruz8728]

Great Video!!! Love you Emily!!!

[@emwilss]

Thanks Irene!! :)

[@mikeally9699]

Girl, YES! My son is 8 months, and all these tips are on point!

[@emwilss]

I am so glad you agree!!!

[@annarose5498]

Thank you so much for this! I relate a lot to the difference in my freedom versus my husband’s. Just the mental workload I have versus him when it comes to the children. I have to really work not to be resentful about it.

[@ojiverdeconfleco]

What a champ!! Thank you for sharing, it is freeing to learn that everyone's experience is different. God bless you three. Husband and I will be TTC in December, please pray for us!

[@LM-pe5bx]

#7 I didn't enjoy a season of motherhood until my oldest turned 4. She's 5 now. I can have a conversation with her. The newborn stage was just not my thing. No shame in that.

[@emwilss]

No shame in that at all.

[@lilicasablanca1056]

Lol. I feel u.

[@QAshenFox]

This is the first video I’m watching for you and I needed it thank you. I struggle with infertility and I’m glad for this open and honest video :)

[@amy10smith]

Beautiful silver vase in the back!! :) btw

[@emwilss]

Hey thanks! I got it for $3!!!

[@amberlangford8471]

Your baby is just a couple of weeks older than mine, and I have to say, I agree with pretty much everything you just listed. My experience hasn't been exactly the same, but I agree that those were all areas I didn't come into it with a lot of information. Also, my baby rarely sleeps through the night, so I so feel your suffering from lack of sleep! I've watched a bunch of your videos, and come away with a lot of stuff to think about, but I've never commented. This one felt too close to home not to :)

[@Casey73955]

I love honesty and getting all the details, thank you thank you thank you!!

[@MRD92]

I always appreciate your candidness!

[@mommaA505]

It’s a shame you have to put a disclaimer out but I understand why you do it. I wish someone had told me me my husband and I would experience parenthood differently and that breastfeeding could be easy. Breastfeeding was not hard for me. I breast feed my son until he was 1 and I got pregnant again and i wasn’t producing much milk anymore because it was twins. And I did well with my twins as well. I was given horror stories about how bad breast feeding was. I wish they didn’t do that. I know breast feeding can be hard but it can be easier for some people. Don’t scare people!

[@Nikki-ks6wi]

I needed this almost 11 weeks now 🤗

[@mkay05]

Only 14... But I wanted to watch this... I love your videos!!! Thank you for posting this!!!

[@jeanneesta2997]

hi, What is your view on men who say they want women who make the first move, or what would you say about making the first move when trying to know a guy better. Could you do a video on that...(if there is none already)

[@dawnforlife]

Oh dear..I feel a little sad that you have to make a disclaimer for sharing your heart. I think people who wants to be insulted will always be insulted. You do you Emily and let them do them otherwise, I can't say learning a new language past 30 is hard, I can't say leaving my family/friends to be here with my husband is hard. Wow. if something being hard equals ungratefulness then, we can say everything is easy, then we'll also be called a show off and being insensitive to people having a hard time. We'll never win. ahah!

[@vickyt5050]

Loved this!

[@raisingforhim3186]

Ohh my gosh I relate to this so much. I mean when I had a baby everything changed, my sex drive my body my ability to go out and to be alone (my baby didn’t sleep) it was mind blowing. My husband life and body and sex drive... stayed the same.

[@Nicole-et2rb]

Thank you Emily!

[@bestill365]

After I had my first baby i bent over to pick some things up and I literally leaked out all of my milk. Yeah, that was shocking!

[@mariposarn8038]

You posted on my birthday. Yay! 😎

[@RobynRiley]

Excellent video! New subscriber here ❤️🙏🏻

[@MegaTelenovela]

Have you tried Elle Lindquist sleep training videos?

[@OfficialCrystalSings]

Thank you for this video and for sharing your experiences as a mom!

[@angelina_jolie]

Did you try tuina for baby? God bless you.

[@niilochonwu545]

It’s sad that this world has become such an offended place that you have to give ALL those disclaimers but I understand and do foresee all the negative & attacking comments overly sensitive ppl would post if you didn’t state all that to begin with! 😢

[@amandakate1247]

You may be reading too many negative comments because this came across super defensive.

[@emwilss]

"Mom culture" in 2019 can be terrible. What you take as defensive, I share as explanatory. In mom culture, the amount of people who will be SO quick to say, "Way to make other women who couldn't or didn't do X, Y, or Z feel bad.." is unbelievable. That's not what I'm about at all. I hate it about our current culture but I have to do it for the people who may stumble across my video who don't know me and my heart!

[@amandakate1247]

Just be you and own it sister!💯