Things I Wish I Knew Before Having A Baby 

Someone once told me for a crying baby: "When in doubt (after you've done all you can to fulfill their needs) go outside and show them a tree." It was the best advice I ever got. Really weird but always effective. It doesn't work for toddlers though 😂

Jenn’s pregnancy journey is one of the most realistic ones. It’s always that I see only happy mothers, holding their child and I have no idea what they’re going through. But when I see videos like this, I have better view on pregnancy and motherhood. Thanks, Jenn. You’re inspiration 💕

1:47 Savor the last moments of your pregnancy 2:26 So this is love 3:08 Parenting is a learn-as-you-go situation 3:52 Breastfeeding is SO emotional 6:11 Take shifts with your partner 6:55 Check for these things when your baby cries 7:52 Your maternal instincts take a while to kick in 9:33 Don't rush your recovery

Not only do I love Jenn for realism and transparency, but she articulates herself EXTREMELY WELL. Let's be honest-- that's a skill; You're awesome, Jenn. Although, I'm only 24, when I'm ready ill be revisiting your videos.

The decision to have a child is knowing that your heart will forever walk outside of your chest. I’m not sure who said it, but it’s so true ❤️

loving your momma content!! i remember when you were pregnant and saying your content won't change because your channel is about you and not the baby. but it's awesome to see that being a parent is a BIG change and in life things can change and i'm glad you're being true to yourself and posting what you want :)

Jenn this is so realistic, it’s like seeing my best friend’s pregnancy journey, thank you for articulating everything so beautiful and realistically 🤗 Sometimes it pains me to see you go through low moments but as I see your journey, you always pick yourself up! That’s so inspiring 🥰🙌

Could you also let Ben talk about his perspective, how he feels as a new dad and what his struggles were?

“My heart was aching because it was stretching in size” what a beautiful way to describe the full body and full spirited transition into motherhood 🥺🥺🥺 Blessings and love 🥰

Hi Jenn! I’m also a Type A and experience a lot of anxiety. I’m just like you, a problem solver constantly trying to find ways to manage and fix my anxiety. As a practicing Buddhist what I’ve found works best for me aside for meditation is to not fix it. Allow it to arise and dissolve. You are the watcher, because you watch it occur, you are not it. “To have the courage to go home to yourself, to recognize and hold the suffering inside and look deeply into it, may be the most important thing for you to do as a meditator. The meditator breathes in and says, “Hello, my fear, my anger, my despair. I will take good care of you." The moment you recognize the feeling and smile to it with love and care, embracing the fear with mindfulness, it will begin to change. That is the miracle of mindfulness. It's like morning sunlight shining on a lotus flower. The bud has not opened yet, but as the sunlight pours down, the photons penetrate into the bud, and after one or two hours of being penetrated by the light, the flower opens itself. We have the energy of mindfulness generated by mindful walking, sitting or breathing. With that energy we embrace our fear gently as the light embracing the flower. When the two kinds of energy encounter each other, there will be a change, a transformation. The energy of tenderness penetrates the fear, anger or despair. You hold it as dearly as you might hold a wounded child."

I cannot tell you how comforting it is to hear someone else experiencing visual disturbances due to anxiety. This has been the case for me for 4 years now. Eyes and brain checked out and all pointed to anxiety. I too struggle with health anxiety. I’m a new mom as of Dec 2021 and recently experiencing a flare up of all these symptoms again. I can’t thank you enough for sharing this - it’s nice to know I’m not alone.

Can you please do a newborn things you did not use?!?! Everyone recommends so many things! It would be so helpful!

My oldest is now almost 5 and my youngest is 2 and I still deal with the anxiety you talk about. I think the state of the world right now amplifies it so I’ve cut out most social media and regular news watching. You’re very self-aware which is the first step in remedying and healing any mental health issues so I think you’ll do very well. Lennon couldn’t ask for a better Momma. 💕

I'm loving how your content has evolved with you through all your life stages. So relatable and helpful to your viewers, keep it up!

Love this Jenn. My son is almost 9 months old and I feel so confident in my motherhood instinct now. I didn't feel confident until about 4-5 months, honestly. Now it's so normal and natural. It's a willllddddd ride, tiring and scary at times but so worth it ❤️

I heard that almost 45% of mothers experience trauma during and after birth. The 4th trimester is the least talked about, the period where mothers are least educated on and yet need the most support and help. Thank you Jenn for being so brave and sharing your most vulnerable experiences and lessons. Lennon has a resilient momma he is already so proud of.

Thank you thank you for sharing your journey and being so open/transparent. It is refreshing and SO important. You are absolutely beaming and coming into motherhood so beautifully. So much yourself. Sending love!

I really really appreciate the videos you're making about pregnancy and recovering afterwards. I really want to have kids in the near future and hearing such a candid and honest account of your experiences has been so moving. So happy for you and your sweet lil family Jenn

Not planning on having a baby soon but clicked on this soooo fast!!! Hahahah

You being a mom is just another addition to your amazing personality! Love yaa 💓

This is extremely helpful. Thank you Jenn! 🥰 Your pregnancy and motherhood journey is so inspiring!

Thank you Jenn!! So honest and humble - you are inspiring💖

thank you for sharing this, and all your tips and experiences so far being a mama ❤️ not a mama yet, but when that time comes for my hubby and i, i’m so glad i can rewatch your videos for a little peace of mind (and support) 😘 blessings to you, ben and baby L!

Seeing visual disturbance is a sign of stress. I had it too during a stressful period of my life. I thought I was going blind too and I went to the ER. But the doctors didn't take me seriously and just sent me home. It was years later through my acupuncturist that I learned it was due to stress and anxiety. Mental health is so important and I love how you are so raw and open. I started going back to therapy because of you.

I admire your honest growth! You’re a great mama Jenn! Thank you for sharing ❤️❤️

I haven’t watched in a while but I just was going through some of your videos and by some miracle this was posted just a minute ago! Congrats on your new home and family Jenn :)

Jenn, I've been watching for so long (started watching you when I was 16, I am now 21) and its been crazy to follow your journey. I just love how real you are and I think it takes courage to say these things online and to open up like this. So excited to see where future takes you and to see your little one grow up ♥️ Thank you for being an inspiration for me all these years!

This is soo beneficial and you always do such a great job explaining your emotions. Love this.

Hi Jenn! This might be an odd compliment but I had a complicated upbringing and seeing your videos makes my heart so warm. This is the kind of love and warmth that I wish I had and watching yours and Ben's videos make me so so happy .Your baby is going to be raised with so much unconditional love and it makes my heart ache knowing what I missed but it also makes my heart swell knowing that there are parents out there who offer love and this baby is going to be receiving so much love and care. What I'm trying to say is, you give me hope and thank you for sharing this part of your life and journey with all of us. Your baby is surely going to be blessed.

Thank you for sharing this. You are not alone with these issues, it’s nice to see someone talk about them online. I have no doubt that this will help other mothers who are struggling.

So proud of you Jenn , I’ve been watching since the beginning and you’ve grown into such an amazing fearless woman -you’re my role model

You’re doing a tremendous job! Love you Jenn! 💗

Thank you for your honesty Jenn! My daughter is 3 weeks old and watching your video made me so emotional! Motherhood is a wild ride ❤️

I have so much love and appreciation for you, Jenn! ❤️❤️❤️ Thank you for being so transparent about your experiences. Take good care 🙏

love the list you provided about what to check when your baby is crying! it reminded me of one of your previous vids when you were talking about relationship tips / mental health, and you shared a similar list when you’re upset or stressed. the list included checking if you’re hungry, if you’re tired, etc thanks for this vid jenn! I don’t have a baby nor am I pregnant, but it’s still so fun learning all of this from you!

Amazing video Jen. I too experienced the emotional shift while breastfeeding. It felt like intense moments of depression and anxiety/panic. Thankfully, the social worker at my hospital explained why I was feeling this was and it was so helpful to know it’s normal! I’m thankful for you sharing your experience and to have you as a fellow new mom!

Lol I love how transparent and blunt you are about your experience. Congratulations!

Jenn! This video was spot on! It feels so good having someone that is going through the same thing. My son was born 2 weeks after Lennon, so that adds to the relevance to my story as well. The eye thing? I mean wow! My husband was the only one I confided in that my eye sight was going blurry. Thank you so much for sharing!

Love you Jenn. I am so grateful to watch your videos. My baby is almost 3 months. And I’ve been learning so much from your journey. Been following you years and I feel like you are my little sister but smarter than me ❤️🥰😭

I loved the amount of honesty and knowledge you conveyed in this video. I am not yet a parent. But this was reassuring and comforting. Thanks Jenn 💛

Thank you so much , prayers to you and a happy and healthy pregnancy.

Sending you lots of Love 💛💛💛💛 You are doing wonderfully Jenn! Thank you for having the courage and vulnerability to share your story and experiences, it helps to raise awareness and create crucial conversations as well as give comfort to others that they are not alone 🤱🏻🔥💖👑 Stay safe and well xxx

I just love the music and the edit.... as well as the content obviously of Jenn's videos!

I always appreciate your honesty and willingness to be vulnerable and open

You totally hit all the spots i experienced when i had my 1st child!! Grateful that you use this platform to share!

I went through exactly the same thing, every detail... now I know I'm not the only one

So happy for you to hear that everything you’ve put in place is finally diminishing your anxiety 🙏🏼

this is so sweet Jen!!! You're such a great mom and Lennon is so blessed to have you! ❤️

thank you Jenn for this realistic, open, vulnerable and inspiring video of yours. it means a lot, that you share those things with us🧡

Love your videos Jenn, they are just a breath of fresh air in that they are so honest and real. Glad to hear things are improving and you are able to value the experience (even such hardships) as it has made you more resilient. Sending love xx

Wow this is amazing! Thank you Jenn for sharing with us this lovely journey! This video helped me out with some school work!

I love how Jen said "if you have a partner". I'm crying!!! I'm currently considering being an SMBC so it was so nice to hear someone acknowledge some mothers don't have a co-parent.

I am tearing up watching this! So beautiful Jenn 💕 also.. you’re totally glowing and I’d love to know what’s on your lips

Found you randomly and the first video of you I watched was the one where u gave speech and I 've been your viewer for 2 years if I'm not mistaken. It's just so nice to see you bloom and able to witness the chapters of ur life.

i loveeeee you Jenn thank you for being so transparent and amazing!!!!

Omgggg my comfort channel just posted . Love you and your cute little family Jenn 🥺🥰💘

Rewatching your pregnancy journey videos again as I'm now expecting. Thanks again for making these honest videos Jen, it addressed alot of my fears and I'm feeling a bit more ready and confident for the things to come.

proud of u jenn! i’m so happy you have find ways to better manage ur anxiety and depression! sending you love always 💗

I think your voice is perfect for a podcast, never thought of starting one ?

I love this so much, thank you Jenn. I just became a mom 1 month ago, and I relate to your experience so much. This is super reassuring!

I'm so glad you talked about D-MER and seeing flashes, I experienced both!! And listening to you talk I now realize my PP anxiety was probably more severe than I thought, glad to hear someone else going through the same stuff

OMG I NEEDED THIS THANK YOU SO MUCH

Thank you so much for being so open about your whole journey. I was always really scared of maybe having a child some day, but your videos really took some of that anxiety away. I am now feeling more confident that I too can take care of a child in the future.

hey jenn, thanks for being so vulnerable and honest! postpartum was difficult for me too. you are not alone!!

Hi Jenn, I'm due in February with my first baby and I've been freaking out. I've been feeling very unprepared and very scared lately. Thank you for sharing all your experiences with becoming a mom. It helps me and a lot of others (I'm sure) to feel less alone.

Yes to everything. Thank you for the great video Jenn!

Love your videos Jenn!! ❤️

Your honesty during your transition into mommy-hood is so so enlightening and helpful. Thanks for sharing everything! ❤️ I’m not naturally maternal and these videos give me hope that one day should I ever maybe decide to accidentally or by choice become a mom, that I can figure it out too and that not knowing how to is absolutely normal!

such an important conversation. learned so much from your sharing. thank you, Jenn :)

i’ve been watching you since clothes encounters, and wow jenn! you are such a beautiful human! i don’t have kids, and don’t think i want to? but watching you makes me want one lmao thank you for being so raw and vulnerable with us! i love your outlook on absolutely everything and relate to you so much (maybe it’s bc we’re both virgos 😎) thank you for making these videos, because i truly believe you help so many people out 💖

This is so informative & helpful, thank you for sharing your journey! Lennon is so adorable ♡

Finally someone talking honestly about what realy dominates the postpartum stage emotionally. Thank you for beenig so opened and honest. I felt understood and I wish I had seen such a video when I was going through it. The subject of postpartum Anxiety is still not comunicated enough so that there are still mamas that feel as if they are alone, but they are not.

Such a beautiful and insightful video !!🥺Go Jenn💕

Expecting my first little boy this June. You’re videos have helped me so much.

Thank you for sharing these tips so openly and clearly! You inspire me!! So amazing to see you get through PP. I love how you used the word "resilient" because I can see from your face that you're just more confident and resilient now. Can't wait to see you, Len, and Ben grow this year!!

I feel so inspired and hopeful after listening to your reflections and experiences. Thank you for sharing, always! ♥️

Jenn, you are so wise. Thank you for sharing what you have learned. I absolutely love your videos for this reason 💞

Thank you for this. Soon to be new mom and this really helped me and some of my fears/ worries.

New subie and loving all the content ♥️👌 I always say, alot of times the hard chapters we go through have a way of helping others going through similar experiences. Love how the world is made smaller by technology to experience this. Showing love all the way from S.A🇿🇦

Wow! I'm new to the channel and I must say it's the best English pronunciation I've ever heard, the articulation and the choice of vocabulary, everything just sounds so good!

thank u jenn i rlly needed this. you are truly an inspiration and lovely.

Hey Jenn, I’m not pregnant or with postpartum but I always had the flashes and floating stuff in the eyes, I notice that they appear when I lack sleep or I’m ‘high’ on coffee! Which is linked to anxiety for sure, I did not even think about getting blind but I think we are fine! 😄It’s good to see any type of videos from you even if I’m not on the same journey yet, brings me comfort and good vibes ☁️🌞🤍

One thing I learned as a mom is that no matter how hard you try to prepare for the baby’s arrival, you will never be fully prepared. There will always be things you will just have to learn along the way. And you have to accept that thats ok☺️ But If I were to give a tip to all new moms, its that you should still put yourself first no matter what because your baby will need you A LOT. Never stop taking care of yourself too. Don’t ever feel guilty for taking care of yourself because you’re still doing it for your child. Happy and healthy momma = happy baby. ☺️❤️

thank you for sharing your experience with us. what i can take away from this is to just be patient & that things will eventually get better with time. thank you again for sharing ♡ i hope you, ben, & lennon are all doing well 🥰

Jennnn, I found myself soo proud of you while listening to you speak, I love to see the self-assurance kick in and the confidence come through as time goes on, I’m just so happy that you’re adjusting so well and I know you’re putting lots of work and effort into doing so for the sake of your baby and yourself, and that is so so admirable! As long as you have the mental tools and resources you can continue to face anything! Great video 😊 I’m not a mommy yet so it’s good to hear also

Thank you for sharing your honest experience ❤️

Thank you Jenn ❤ seeing you become a mom and being so honest about your journey and how you and Ben are able to parent baby Lennon has made so less scared and anxious about starting a family and becoming a mom myself soon.

This was so so helpful, it made me emotional. Thank you for sharing ❤️.

Always, thank you so much for sharing ❤️

Thank you, Jenn! For sharing ☺️

2:12 LOL 🥲🤯 the editing omg

8:55 "Confidence only happens when you do something over and over and over again. That can only come with time and repetition." Love this!

Thank you for this amazing video content. This will help so many new moms out there including myself, I am so glad I came across your channel.

I was waiting for the next Jenn video! Like chatting with a wise friend. ❤️

Please do Lennon’s daily morning and night routine!🙏🏼💕

Thank you for being so brave Jenn.

Oh! I think Jenn can continue her "what would Jenn wear" series, but for motherhood :D?

wow, I started watching you when you had your makeup channel. So happy to see you've grown your platform so much!!

i would seriously watch an hour of you talking about feelings & baby & well anything lol

I'm amazed by your honesty and the realness of this video. Thank you for sharing. Even for someone who doesnt have kids, like me, I've learned some usefull things and could connect with your experiences. (Like the eye thing! When my anxiety is at it's worst I also see little thingies everywhere)