We are excited to partner with Julie, a local writer, and new mom, for this week’s post! Julie writes a lifestyle blog, A Hopeful Hood, and has learned firsthand that maternity clothes are cuter than some of the regular clothes out there and there’s nothing like a good donut at 3 am. She loves hiking, all the things from Target’s $1-$5 section, and movies that make you laugh.
Thanks for writing for us, Julie!
I was the first of all my friends to get pregnant, which means that the only advice I got came from the generation that was pregnant 25+ years ago (my mom) and Google. While those two sources can be full of wise gems, I would have loved to hear from someone I knew and who very recently remembered what it was like to have 2 little lines show up on a pee-soaked stick.
So, from one girlfriend to another, here’s what I needed to hear:
1. It’s ok when you go from “OMG THIS IS TERRIFYING” to “I CAN DO THIS!”.
When I found out I was pregnant, I was in a dazed state of “is this REAL???” for like a week.
2. Keep snacks by your bedside for when you wake up at 2 am STARVING.
Whether a quick snack like granola bars or a full on peanut butter & jelly sandwich, have it ready. Don’t make your pregnant self walk all the way to the kitchen for sustenance. (This is also true if you nurse! I woke up famished all the time when nursing a new baby.)
3. Plan the fastest route to……..Dunkin Donuts.
Not the hospital, Dunks. The one near us is open 4 am to midnight, which means WHEN YOU WANT THE DONUTS YOU CAN GET THE DONUTS. 🙂
4. Life will change, but change isn’t always bad.
5. Pregnancy yoga is super difficult.
It looks easy when that fit lady with a perfect bump bends and stretches and balances in that youtube video. BUT IT IS NOT THAT EASY. I did it twice. And then I consoled my not-flexible self with snacks. 🙂
6. Rely on people around you.
This takes some vulnerability. When I was teaching while pregnant, it meant that I let people help me carry textbooks or my teacher bag. I hate looking weak, so accepting help really took effort. This also applies to emotional stuff. When you feel overwhelmed, have a friend or family member to reach out to. Or, head to the grocery store and talk things over with the super-chatty old ladies in the cereal aisle.
