Lets be honest: The real feelings of pregnancy and parenthood

Let’s be honest pregnancy and parenthood aren’t always the glowing, picture-perfect experiences we often see online.

Yes, there are magical moments: those first fluttery kicks, the excitement of seeing your baby’s face for the first time, the tiny fingers that curl around yours. But alongside the joy, there can also be exhaustion, worry, tears, and moments of wondering if you’re really cut out for this.

At HollyBlue Antenatal I believe in keeping it real. Because when we share the truth, the messy, emotional, beautiful truth we realise we’re not alone.

The Reality of Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings a whirlwind of emotions. One day you might feel elated and glowing; the next, overwhelmed and uncomfortable. Hormones can play tricks on your mood, your body changes in surprising ways, and a full nights sleep may become a distant memory.

It’s okay if you don’t love every moment. It's okay if you worry, or cry, or feel impatient for it to be over.

My antenatal courses aren’t just about the physical side of pregnancy, being with a group gives you the opportunity to talk about how you are feeling, the highs and the lows in a calm, safe and welcoming space.

Before Birth: Excitement Meets Uncertainty

As your due date approaches, excitement and fear can start to dance together. You might be counting down the days but also quietly wondering, What if I can’t do it? What if something goes wrong? What if I’m not ready?

I hear these worries on every single course. And the truth is, they’re completely normal. Preparing for birth is a huge life event, one that brings big feelings for both you and your partner.

That’s why my classes are designed to build confidence, provide knowledge, and offer a safe space to talk through the “what ifs.”

You’ll leave feeling more informed, calmer, and reassured that there’s no single “right way” to bring your baby into the world.

After Baby Arrives: The Emotional Rollercoaster

The first days with your baby can be magical and also, completely overwhelming. You might feel joy, awe, love… and then moments later, tears, frustration, or guilt. The lack of sleep, the physical recovery, and the tiny human taking up all your day can make even the most capable parent feel like they’re on shaky ground.

It’s okay to find it hard. It doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human and you’re adjusting to something completely new.

In my antenatal courses, we talk about the postnatal changes you can expect ( both physical and emotional) so you’re not blindsided when they arrive. And once your baby is here, we meet for a cuppa as a group. These sessions are full of honest chats, shared experiences, laughter, and friendship the kind of support that really makes a difference in those early weeks.

Finding Support and Connection

Parenthood isn’t meant to be done alone. The old saying “it takes a village” couldn’t be more true. One of the most beautiful parts of our courses is watching friendships form people who start the journey together and go on to share playdates, messages at 3 a.m., and milestones for years to come.

The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. There’s no judgement, no pressure, just real people, learning, laughing, and growing together. Partners are always encouraged to come too, because this is your journey as a team.

Honesty is Strength

Being honest about how you feel, the highs, the lows, and everything in between, it doesn’t make you weak. It makes you strong, self-aware, and real.

So let’s be honest, pregnancy and parenthood are emotional, unpredictable, life-changing journeys. But when you’re surrounded by knowledge, kindness, and community, you don’t have to go through them alone.