3 Things I Wish Every Expecting Mom Knew About Postpartum
If you're expecting in 2026, you're probably getting tons of advice about baby gear, nursery setups, and birth plans.
But here's what I've noticed after years of working with new moms: almost nobody talks about the fourth trimester in practical terms. We celebrate the baby's arrival, but skip right over what those first weeks actually look like for you.
So here are three things I wish every expecting mama knew:
1. Sleep deprivation is not a badge of honor
There's this unspoken expectation that new moms should just power through on 2-3 hours of broken sleep. But here's the reality: your body is recovering from a major physical event. You're healing. Your hormones are shifting dramatically. And sleep isn't optional—it's medical.
If you can arrange for even one night of uninterrupted sleep per week in those early days (whether that's a partner taking full night duty, a family member staying over, or hiring overnight help), you'll be amazed at the difference it makes in your physical recovery and mental health.
Don't wait until you're in crisis mode to figure this out. Think about it now while you have the energy to plan.
2. Your recovery matters as much as your baby's care
We're conditioned to put the baby's needs first—and of course they matter. But you just completed a marathon, whether you delivered vaginally or via C-section. Your body needs time, rest, and support to heal.
What helped the moms I've worked with most? Treating those first 2-4 weeks like a legitimate recovery period. That might mean meal trains, saying no to visitors, staying in pajamas, accepting help—whatever lets you prioritize rest without guilt.
This isn't about being pampered. It's about giving your body what it needs to heal so you can actually enjoy this time with your baby.
3. Feeding support shouldn't start when you're already struggling
Whether you're planning to breastfeed, pump, formula feed, or some combination—having someone knowledgeable to check in with in those first few days can prevent so much stress.
A lot of feeding challenges pop up in the first 48-72 hours (latch issues, supply concerns, pain), but many families wait until they're really struggling to reach out. If you can, connect with a lactation consultant or feeding specialist before delivery, so you already have someone to call when questions come up.
Even if you think you've got it figured out, having that safety net makes a huge difference.
I'm sharing this because after working with so many families, these are the things that consistently make the biggest impact—but almost nobody talks about them during pregnancy.
You don't have to have everything figured out, but knowing these pieces can help you advocate for yourself and plan for actual support (not just survival mode).