On this episode of Baby Steps, sponsored by Oxford and Soho Baby, Kristina Owens, mother of two young boys, reflects on her experiences from discovering she was pregnant to navigating the challenges and joys of early motherhood. Kristina’s story is filled with relatable moments, lessons learned, and practical advice for moms-to-be and new parents.
Episode Notes
Key Takeaways:
1. Finding Out and Sharing the News:
• Kristina recalls the moment she discovered her first pregnancy while at a conference, describing a mix of surprise and excitement.
• She shares the thoughtful way she told her husband (with a gift bag!) and the reserved approach they took in sharing the news, waiting about six weeks to tell family.
2. Pregnancy Experiences:
• First Pregnancy: Kristina describes her first pregnancy as smooth, with no morning sickness, but notes she developed strong food aversions, like avoiding a broccoli and bacon casserole she had just made.
• Second Pregnancy: While still a positive experience, Kristina felt more fatigued and “meh” during the first trimester of her second pregnancy, which took place in the winter months.
3. Lessons Learned Between First and Second Pregnancy:
• Kristina shares how her approach to sleep training drastically changed. With her first, she followed strict schedules and regimens, but with her second, she focused on flexibility and listening to her baby’s needs.
4. Birthing Stories:
• First Baby: Labor began at 2:30 AM, and after arriving at the hospital at 4:30 AM, she delivered her son at 7:30 PM following a straightforward pushing phase.
• Second Baby: Labor began with mild cramping in the morning and progressed quickly by 2:00 PM, with her son born at 9:30 PM that evening.
5. Safety Precautions and Early Preparations:
• For both pregnancies, Kristina emphasized having a bassinet by the bed during the early months for safety and convenience.
• She shared the importance of feeding flexibility, noting the challenges of breastfeeding and the need to let go of rigid expectations.
6. Parenting Priorities Now:
• With two young boys, Kristina focuses on ensuring a healthy diet at home and fostering emotional regulation and self-confidence in her children.
• She emphasizes the importance of helping her boys develop resilience and self-love so they can navigate life’s challenges confidently.
7. Advice for Moms-to-Be:
• Flexibility is Key: Kristina advises new moms to remain open-minded and adaptable, as strict plans often change.
• Colic and Support: She encourages parents of colicky babies to seek additional support, explore holistic care options like chiropractic adjustments, and trust that help is available beyond conventional medical advice.
• Take a Breath: Above all, she reminds moms to take a deep breath, trust themselves, and focus on what works best for their unique situation.
Memorable Quotes:
• “Nothing has to be perfect. Listen to yourself and your baby, and do what works for you.”
• “Having a plan is great, but holding onto it too tightly can make things harder. Be flexible and open to change.”
Why Listen:
This episode is packed with personal anecdotes, heartfelt reflections, and practical advice for navigating the early stages of parenthood. Kristina’s candid approach offers comfort and encouragement for moms at any stage of their journey.