I wouldn't have put off that bump shot. I wanted to wait until I looked very pregnant, not just podgy. As a result no pictures of my bump exist. That makes me sad.
I would have spent less time thinking about prams and sleeping arrangements and newborn clothes, and more time putting a plan in place. It was so stressful when he was in NICU wondering when I was going buy stuff, and having to leave him to go looking at shops.
I would have enjoyed my pregnancy more. I hated it so much, and then by the time I started relaxing and enjoying it, it was over.
I would have researched breast pumps, supplementary nursing systems and how to feed a premature baby. I would have been better informed for the struggle ahead.
I would not have bought a single pregnancy magazine. They made me feel worthless and a failure.
I would have looked more into the realities of maternity and paternity leave and been better prepared financially for what was ahead.
I would have thought harder about going home. At around 14 weeks I seriously considered going back to Tasmania to have the baby, and sometimes I wish I had done that.
However, had I known, I would have been scared. I never thought I would be tough enough to get through having a baby in hospital 10 weeks. And I am glad I know that I am not strong enough to do it again.
I am so happy I did not know, and so happy to have my lovely boy.
