What I Wish Every Pregnant Mom Knew Before the New Year

The start of a new year often brings fresh hope, plans, and expectations—especially if you’re pregnant. Many moms enter this season focused on baby registries, nursery aesthetics, and birth plans. But there are deeper truths I wish every pregnant mom knew before stepping into the year ahead.

Not to scare you—but to prepare you with honesty, compassion, and empowerment.

1. Birth Isn’t About Control—It’s About Support

We’re often taught that if we plan hard enough, research enough, or “do everything right,” birth will go exactly as imagined. The truth? Birth is unpredictable. And that doesn’t mean you failed.

What matters most is not rigid control—but continuous, informed support. Support helps you navigate unexpected turns, ask questions, and feel safe even when things change. This is where partners, providers, and doulas play a vital role—helping you stay grounded and advocated for, no matter how your birth unfolds.

A supported birth is an empowered birth—even when it looks different than planned.

2. Postpartum Recovery Can Be More Challenging Than Labor

Many moms prepare extensively for labor but feel blindsided by recovery. The physical healing, hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, and emotional adjustment can be intense—especially in the first weeks.

Recovery isn’t just about “bouncing back.” It’s about rest, nourishment, patience, and support. It’s okay if healing takes time. It’s okay if you need help. Preparing for postpartum is just as important as preparing for birth—and it deserves more space in our conversations.

3. Mental Health Is Part of Postpartum Care

Mood swings, anxiety, irritability, intrusive thoughts, or even anger are more common than many moms realize. These experiences don’t make you weak or ungrateful—they make you human.

Postpartum mental health exists on a spectrum. Sometimes it’s baby blues. Sometimes it’s postpartum anxiety, depression, or unresolved birth trauma. The earlier we normalize these conversations, the sooner moms feel safe asking for help.

You deserve care for your mind and heart—not just your body.

A Gentle Reminder for the New Year

You do not need:

• A perfect birth

• A flawless recovery

• Or endless strength

You do need:

• Support

• Education

• Compassion—for yourself

If you’re pregnant or newly postpartum this new year, know this: you were never meant to do this alone. Seeking support isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a powerful act of care for you and your baby.

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Christina Lundy is a certified birth & postpartum doula, certified childbirth educator, doula trainer, and agency owner. She’s located in East Atlanta and serves all of Metro Atlanta. She has 5 kiddos, whom she loves dearly. When she isn’t busy with a client or newer doula, you can find her outside in her garden, painting, or reading. Check out her instagram

here.