WHAT I WISH I KNEW | First-time mom advice *emotional & raw*

Well, this was harder to talk about than I thought...and now I see why people aren't talking about it. Motherhood is one of the greatest things that's ever happened to me, but woah, did I have some learning to do. I still do. THat's why I'm sharing this today. It's not to scare you or make you nervous. It's to give you an example of how I did it incorrectly. I wish I knew what to expect, I wish someone was honest with me...honest and encouraging. I hope I can be that for you today.
Don't forget to L I K E and S U B S C R I B E. Thank YOU for all your support. Means the world!
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[@0MmW0]

I was describing motherhood to someone who doesn’t have kids and to sum it up I told them it’s the highest highs and the lowest lows for me. Being tired, loss of independence, teaching my child about emotions an d regulating them while also teaching myself the same. But seeing both my childrens’ firsts (first time they said I love you or give me a hug) and how excited they are about exploring the new (to them) world that is mundane to me makes me appreciate it more.

[@margaretmatheny]

Yes, wow so well said. I'm teaching them and myself at the same time. Thanks for sharing these words.

[@franzih.2555]

Thank you so much.. I have two little ones. Ages 2 and 6 months and my husband ist sick.. I haven’t many support and I am always exhausted. But I feel the help from Jesus Christ and I see the cross so much bigger than before I became a mom. The forgiveness, his graces and love.. hugs from Germany. I love your videos! 🥰

[@margaretmatheny]

Amen, sister. Hang in there, we're all growing even in the dark. Sending love!

[@franzih.2555]

@@margaretmatheny 🙏🏻🤗

[@cristin8073]

I had a slightly different experience in some of the aspects: - natural instincts didn’t just kick in right when I gave birth; I’m still building up my confidence when mu baby is almost two already - I felt guilty that I don’t give my child enough attention for the whole first year, even though I was spending 100% of my time with her. Why? I don’t know. I prayed and God set me free from that. - I developed an eating disorder after trying to loose the baby weight. Still recovering. (I gained a healthy weight and don’t have objective issues) But oh that first hug! The first kiss! Her beautiful blue eyes! Love being a mom ❤️ Motherhood is such a journey!

[@nadhiraraffai5090]

Thank you so much for this!!!! I’m so happy I came across your channel ❤️

[@simply_abby]

This was so insightful and encouraging! I saved it to watch later if I have the opportunity to become a mom 💛

[@MessyTessie]

Relating to you so much, thank you for sharing, Margaret! ❤️❤️

[@soulsamlove]

I get a alarm when your videos post and I always get a sense of peace after it ! Thank you for sharing!!!!!!!!!!! God is using you for sure

[@zua240]

So glad I found you! So refreshing and your use of words are placed so beautifully💕

[@gretchenmills1838]

This is so sweet and empowering and all the sweet memories of having my babies flood back. Thank you for sharing!

[@CynthiaGoughArt]

Oh my goodness, tears!! You summed it up SO GOOD! And I'm a Mom of 7... I'm SOOOOO grateful for all of the lessons I've learned, as hard as they were. My life is so good right now, and it's BECAUSE of those hard experiences and the choices and new perspectives I've taken on that it is the way it is now. PS I've been trying to start a business helping people through intuitive art, but do it in a way that is SIMPLE and FULFILLING and doesn't take away from my family but ADDS to... and YOU have shown me how it IS possible. So thank you for that! ❤❤❤

[@Kristin_C]

Thank you for this! I'm almost 36 weeks pregnant with my first and I appreciate all the wisdom I can get.

[@biancamadsen4888]

Hey! You’re videos are so encouraging to me! My husband and I are young but we are really wanting to start having kids, we’re in the right place to as well (house,money etc) but my parents are unsupportive of us having a baby so young. We keep hearing from people “you’re life will be ruined” “you need to grow more” “you’ll have no time to do anything you want anymore” but we feel READY. Any advice or encouragement would be much appreciated from anyone.💛

[@kathygray3342]

I’m a first-time mom, you shared exactly what I feel right now. I used to chasing after silly little thing that doesn’t matter and enjoy freedom. Now I learn to prioritize what is matter and what to let go and don’t waste time on it. I’m your new fan. I love about how honest your channel is about mom’s life

[@thisjazzylife]

This came at the perfect time

[@priscillamceachern6739]

Raw and honest!! Thank you for sharing and giving new Mum’s hope. We all go through it and rarely share it!

[@margaretmatheny]

So welcome

[@debbiejohnson3723]

I honestly loved this, I’m a first time mum and had my baby during the UK winter lockdown in 2020 with no support as we couldn’t visitors and suffered from PND badly, but fast forward 18 months and I feel so much better so you do get over depression too it just takes time to heal and for your mind to understand what’s happened to your life ❤️ xxx

[@angelajam7490]

Learning to grow is definitely the hardest, I like the way you said know your purpose. That right there is powerful, it allows you to sacrifice for your family but also allow yourself the gratification of having a purpose. Adding to the I have to breastfeeding part, I also never thought of how many times I asked him for water or a snack while I was breastfeeding, or neglected to make food and he would pick up dinner, etc. Not to say that's a women's job only but I used to beat myself up because I enjoyed doing those things and was just so tired. We have 5 kids now, giving yourself grace and time to heal is important. The first year feels like your schedule changes monthly if not weekly. Give yourself and others alot of grace, there is so much to learn and adapt to!

[@marrenja8773]

My mother is the living proof of the beauty of motherhood that I hope one day I'll be in. Thanks for the lessons, Margareth. God bless you and your family always ✨👏🙏💞

[@krisie1649]

This is lovely, and can feel your heart in it. ❤️

[@margaretmatheny]

[@GEMSparkles]

Thank you so much for sharing. I think us mothers need to talk about the struggles more often instead of just the positives. Yes, motherhood has so many positives, and is completely life changing. But at the same time, change doesn’t come without hardships. There are so many things I wish I knew before becoming a mother, like the stress, exhaustion, and judgment. I struggled so much being a single mom at 19, but looking at my life now I’m so proud of the women I have become. So many times I wanted to give up, but if I did I would’ve missed out on so many things. I’m almost 21 now, engaged to the best man I could ask for with another baby on the way. I wouldn’t trade my life for anything.

[@margaretmatheny]

Getting emotional reading this. Thanks for sharing

[@justinethomas3958]

Thank You for sharing this Margaret 🤗 I can honestly say since having my son, who has just turned 2, I have changed a lot as a person, and for the better in my opinion 😊 Something's that may have seemed important to me before, I realised were not worth my time. My family, and giving them my time and love is what matters the most ❤️ XXX

[@doughanddirthomestead]

GIRL. I can agree with ALL of your points. I became a mom at 24, and thankfully I was able to heal from adrenal fatigue, anxiety, and depression before getting pregnant. Pregnancy itself is a huge burden on the adrenals, and I could tell my body was needing rest and inward-focus during my pregnancy. Becoming a mother is like being reborn...my sister is due this summer, and I'm going to send her this video! I'm on a 2-week social media and consumption fast, but I just had to come back to see you! All the love to you. You are an amazing mom and so inspiring to me! I've decluttered so much and finally enjoy my home because of that. Keep doing what you are doing :)

[@theharvestpodcast]

Thank you for this video.. going through all of this right now!

[@margaretmatheny]

Sending so much love!

[@sarahwarren4253]

This was so good!! Motherhood is such a gift 🤍 We're expecting #2 in July, and we're incredibly excited, but also a little nervous. This was very encouraging :)

[@margaretmatheny]

Ah, congratulations!!! You're allowed to be nervous, that's so normal. Just trust your instincts and ability to rise up and overcome. That's where the beauty stems from. Sending love!!!

[@yanka1650]

Honestly, one of the best videos u ever made!!! 😭😭♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@margaretmatheny]

🥺🥺🥺🥺Thank you Yana....wow so kind of you to say!

[@karelysguzman2329]

Thank you for sharing

[@ashhaley85]

I cannot thank you enough for this video! My husband and I are expecting at the end of May/beginning of June and everything you discussed spoke VOLUMES to me❤️ Thank you for sharing

[@margaretmatheny]

So so welcome! I'm so touched(emotional even) that my story can help YOU in your journey to motherhood too. Sending love!

[@MeridethBrown]

You're amazing! So well spoken and felt. You're the first youtuber who can so well summarize what I am expecting out of motherhood. Thank you! Your vids are beautiful.

[@margaretmatheny]

Wow, thanks, Merideth. These words are so kind and I'm so so touched that they can help and support you!

[@YennyCMorales]

This was just perfectly said! I'm a mom of 4 and each one made me feel like a first time mom in a different way. Agree with you 100 on all the points, but that feeling you get when you get to hold them and the mom instincts just come out of nowhere is soooo true. That helps you with everything else that comes as they get older.

[@margaretmatheny]

Yes, oh I love hearing the stories of mothers experiencing their instincts kicking in. It's so beautiful. Thanks for sharing these words!!

[@audramichie3129]

Thank you for the reminder of our purpose as mothers and the joy and fulfillment of it. My oldest is almost 19! It seems impossible but true. The last few years of parenting teens (5 of our 6 kids are teens) has been hard and amazing and terrifying and unbelievably fun. I fiercely LOVE being their mother and seeing them become who they were created to be! Your encouragement has helped me look at our home and life with fresh eyes and a joyful heart. Thank you so much! Have a wonderful day with your boys! ❤️

[@margaretmatheny]

Ah, getting emotional reading this, as I know that's my next chapter of life. Thank you for sharing! Squeezing them extra tight today!

[@haleyjo6662]

I’ve begun to just watch my kids. When they’re putting their shoes on, or inspecting a toy. I just observe the size of their hands and how soft their skin is and how oblivious they are to the world around them. It brings me solace that this is the best time of their lives where they have none of the stress we do, they’re just living and growing, and I cry because it brings a rush of love every time. Doing that has helped me appreciate what I’M doing and how blessed I am every day. The noise around fades and the to do list doesn’t seem so important anymore.

[@melindahochstetler1221]

OH so relatable!! Thats was sooooo my experience! Thanks for sharing! Five children later, its so worth everything!

[@margaretmatheny]

[@skyyeater9195]

New mom here and fairly new to the channel this is a beautiful insight to motherhood! Thank you for sharing!

[@margaretmatheny]

Absolutely

[@katemaher157]

Thank you so much for sharing this. My first baby is due 8/1 of this year and it's helpful to understand all of the pieces of becoming a mother. Thank you for your story!

[@margaretmatheny]

Absolutely and Congratulations

[@painfullyhonest6947]

I'm due eith my first baby at the end of July and this makes me alot less scared for what's ahead. Thank you so much for this video❤ I have some fears about how my marriage will change but this gives me confidence that we'll grow ❤

[@lynneahmed1327]

I follow you from France we talked on instagram (sorry for my english), tks for sharing your beautiful experience and being so honest, I hope I can live this motherhood adventure soon, I really feel it will complete me, I don’t know why… tks for precious advices and it was so moving when tears came, you’re strong 😘

[@margaretmatheny]

Hey Lynne, your English is so good! I'm so grateful and touched that my story can support you. Thanks for sharing those words, they are so uplifting and encouraging for me.

[@amandadavis5658]

Your whole video resonated with me, especially the difficulty in marriage that eventually improved and getting sick from trying to do it all. Hang in there, Mama! I truly believe that life gets easier and more "normal" when my youngest turned 5. Motherhood is wonderful and difficult. Thank you for another great, honest video!

[@margaretmatheny]

Thanks, Amana

[@kendrahamlin2846]

Margaret! Thank you for being so faithful, bold, transparent, genuine and honest in your videos! I often feel like you're one of my dearest of friends with the truth & content you share...oh how I wish we could have a play date & coffee! 🥰 I appreciate how you shared the truth about early motherhood, its so challenging, stretching and indescribably fulfilling!

[@margaretmatheny]

🥺🥺🥺 These words, Kendra. I'm so humbled. Thank you. I too see you all as dear friends. It's wonderful to be connected to women with similar outlooks on this beautiful life we live.

[@grocerylovingmommy]

I'm crying my eyes out. I needed this. I needed a reminder that I am flourishing. I was aware of that when I became a mother but somehow it keeps slipping my head. Thank you also for opening my eyes to the fact that my husband amd I are meant to do this together. This is to make us stronger rather than wreck us. There is so much I want to express in this comment but ima keep it short. I appreciate this video. It's something I can rewatch when I'm feeling lost.

[@margaretmatheny]

🥺🥺🥺 Crying with you. Thanks for these words, I'm so touched that honesty is prevailing here. So many of us are silently processing the hard things because it's honestly not fun/kinda scary to share them. But I've experienced the flourishing part, just keep chugging friend-the good is coming. Sending so much love.

[@louiskauffman336]

I wish I wud hav been able to hav this kind of inspiration 31 years ago wen I had my first child! There's so many things I wud lov to do over again! So many things u talked about, that I learned by doing, and how selfish I was!! And she was a very fussy baby! But I hav a wonderful husband who was so caring during all those years! And my children r such a blessing, even tho we hav a prodigal daughter...(a lesbian.)....💔 but life moves on, and u can't live in a blame game,,,,so many tears,,,but thru those times, u realize that we tried our best, and children make choices...I don't know why I'm sharing this, but we also hav so many joys, and truly, God has been so good to us! Thank you for ur lovely video, and for just saying how it is! You r so spot on!! ❤❤

[@katiehamilton3915]

ohmysoul, the marriage point tho... i will always say, marriage was easy until we had kids! it didn't get "bad" after that, but it got sooooo much harder! we are learning to be way more intentional about so many aspects of it. also, i could watch this video 10 more times and not get tired of it. It resonates sooo much. Your videos are always so calming and encouraging. and it's the peace sign from the bed for me XD

[@margaretmatheny]

Thanks Katie, I'm so touched and grateful that my words resonate with you. Gosh so man of us silently struggling, when we're supposed to be supporting one another as we go. That's what this channel is all about. Thanks for saying this!!!

[@elexysrose7070]

I related so much to everything, especially to the marriage conflict and increased body confidence. I had to get a flip phone because of how over-stimulated i was. Having a baby has grown and matured me in countless ways. This was a very honest and positive perspective. Thank you for sharing Margaret, motherhood is truly so beautiful and such a gift.

[@margaretmatheny]

Gosh, I'm getting so emotional. I just love the real + genuine + positive stories of women being resilient...the way we were created. Thanks for these words, Elexys. I love hearing other women's stories of growing and stretching only to blossom even more. So beautiful.

[@rebekahmalcom2500]

I completely love this truth. I remember being so nervous about becoming a mom seven years ago, because I knew that it would forever change me. It would change everything to some degree, but the Lord gave me so much peace when my kids were born because, not only did my confidence increase (yes! Our bodies are amazing!) but so much came naturally to me that I didn’t think would. Yes, I definitely resonated with the truth that you have to go through the trials in order to grow. It’s not fun at the time but I look back on those trials with so much thankfulness because it made me a better mom and wife. They grow so fast, and it’s a job I wouldn’t trade for the world. Thank you for sharing this

[@margaretmatheny]

[@natalienorman8238]

It’s amazing how new moms have similar experiences because I really felt this. Especially the part about nursing the babe in the middle of the night and being sooo mad/annoyed that husband got to sleep. My husband and I had the mind set that we would be able to keep our old lifestyle and add a baby to it 😂 we know better now

[@Claudia_K.]

Nothing could prepare me for motherhood. Nothing. It’s only somewhat graspable when in it. I love my son dearly, yet since he’s arrived I experienced the highest highs and the lowest lows. Thanks for being honest! We need more honestly regarding motherhood. x

[@margaretmatheny]

so well said. Nothing can prepare us for what we have to experience ourselves! Thanks for these kind words.

[@mrsth733]

This was my story, I relate to all you say. I wish I knew being broken raw was what was going to make me this woman and mother I am today. Thank you for this. You word it so well. 🙏❤️

[@margaretmatheny]

*tearing up

[@margaretmatheny]

absolutely. I just feel like honesty is needed on this platform and the Lord gives me the words to share. Thank you for sharing this.

[@HerCupOfCOZY]

Hi Margaret! I'm watching this as I passed my due date yesterday with my rainbow baby! 🥰

[@margaretmatheny]

awwwwwww gosh so so wonderful! Wishing you the best. Sending so much love!!!

[@sunflower1918]

Thank you very much for the beautiful content. I followed your positive affirmations when I was pregnant. Now my baby is 8 months old. I’m so sleep deprived as my baby wakes up almost every hour of the night. This video helps me to look on the positive and not be discouraged. Please keep up the good work you do!

[@margaretmatheny]

Absolutely. Thank YOU for sharing these kind words and lifting me up too. Have a lovely remainder of your week!

[@cristin8073]

It’ll get better very soon 🙌🏻❤️

[@sarahpipes3930]

I needed this, holding my 4 month old after feeding. I dealt with feeling stressed I couldn't keep up with it all and my husband wasn't helping enough. I had to realize I will get it done when i can and the man doesn't have the same desires in the home. It's not how God made him and that's ok.

[@margaretmatheny]

Yes. Gosh I feel that to my core. I was so confused and frustrated. But the Lord knew. He knew what I needed to continue to grow and blossom. Sending so much love. You've got this.

[@evalindell2757]

How beautiful 💕

[@savannahbrazzell1653]

Thank you for this! I'm 37 weeks with our first and am having so many confusing emotions that I feel so guilty about. I love my son and CANNOT wait to meet him, but I'm also kinda morning the "loss" of the life my husband and I have had for the last 6 years of marriage. We are excited for this new chapter and I know our lives are going to get better but I guess I don't take the unknown change very well. Plus hormones are everywhere right now too lol. Anyway, thank you for your honesty!

[@margaretmatheny]

Absolutely. It's different, but absolutely another level of fulfillment and joy comes with it. You will experience it, as all of us mothers have had to do. Sending so much love as you begin this incredible journey.

[@whitney3585]

How are you doing these days? ❤

[@savannahbrazzell1653]

@@whitney3585 amazing! I can't believe I ever even had these feelings listed above. My life feels so much more fulfilled with my boy in it! He's a dream come true and I wouldn't change anything. Thanks for asking!

[@whitney3585]

@@savannahbrazzell1653 that makes me so happy!! I have been thinking a lot about mourning the loss of the life my husband have as well being 30 weeks pregnant. So great to hear how great things are for you ☺️

[@savannahbrazzell1653]

@@whitney3585 congratulations!! The feelings are very real and valid. I think also (at least for me) the feelings of mourning that life came with the unknown. I like to know what's going to happen in just about every situation and to not know something so monumental comes with many fears. I don't know if that makes any sense but it does in my head lol But having my boy has been beautiful and amazing (and freaking hard, ngl.. Colic, man 🥴 lol). Anyway, I hope it's the same for you and that this new chapter is the best yet! 🤍 Side note on colic.. I would try to find someone you know that had a baby that had colic, just in case your baby has it. Nobody knows what the parents of colic babies go through unless they also have gone through that. At least in my circle.

[@isabelafuentes2376]

♥️

[@asifmuniruniverse7732]

I'm not doing that they try to attack on me through different ways

[@asifmuniruniverse7732]

About what are you asking ?