What would you tell your pre-birth self?

A pregnant woman gently touches her bump and smiles.

“Don’t worry about anyone else. You will feel it and you will know. You are the very best for your baby.” – Olivia, new mum

When that long-awaited moment arrives and your tiny baby is on the way, we all carry a picture in our heads of what lies ahead. Some of us learn from other people’s stories, others from books or YouTube videos before the big day. However lovely it all sounds, this season is full of surprises and the unexpected, and let’s be honest… plenty of nerves and excitement too.

We recently asked you on Instagram what you would say in answer to our question above. Here are a few of your replies to show that every story is different and we’re all in the same boat.

“Stop reading so much, don’t take every bit of advice to heart.” You can’t prepare for absolutely everything. Once your baby arrives you won’t have time to bury yourself in books, and once you find your rhythm, you won’t need all that advice either. Trust your instincts instead.

“Ask for a caesarean.” The natural route is not for everyone. If you have a choice, listen to your body and go with the option that feels safest for you both. That is what matters most.

“Sleep while you can. You won’t later.” And it’s true. Even if the baby doesn’t wake you, at first you will likely wake yourself to check they are alright. Later your alarm will be your baby’s cry. Don’t worry though. If your little one is an early bird, you’ll be kept on your toes for years.

“Labour won’t be the hardest part. It ends.” To a mum-to-be this might sound odd. Most of us fear labour more than what follows, rather than thinking about the years after. Labour is over and done with, but the constant tidying, washing and sorting never really is.

As you can see, it won’t be a straightforward ride, and it doesn’t have to be. If you listen to what feels right for you, you will be fine.

Mum holds her baby in her arms as they gaze gently into each other’s eyes.