Bidding Farewell to My First Pregnancy: Final Nesting Rituals & Becoming a Mother

There’s something incredibly tender about living inside the final pages of a chapter you know you’ll never reread in quite the same way again. I’m currently over 38 weeks in my first pregnancy journey, and have been informed that I will be induced in the next few days—a conflicting feeling as I feel prepared and ready to meet our son, but also going to mourn the loss of my life as I once knew it (heavy, I know). Perhaps mourning is a strong word, but the thought of my life changing entirely is exciting, daunting, and thrilling at the same time. While I have a vague idea of what to expect in the first few days of motherhood from all the TikToks and books I’ve been reading, I really won’t know for myself until I get to live it.

As I write this, I’m somewhere between contractions (real or imaginary), restlessly going over mental checklists, trying every home remedy to induce labour naturally, and soaking in the quiet hum of anticipation. Thankfully, I had the privilege of going on my maternity leave nearly a month before my baby’s arrival, a luxury that I’m fully aware not many mothers get. I’ve used this time to focus on self-care, completing nesting activities, and truly resting my mind, body, and soul before I enter the biggest new chapter in my life. This liminal space of late pregnancy is equal parts surrender and preparation. These final nesting rituals feel less like a checklist and more like a sacred ceremony of becoming.

My Final Nesting Rituals

The house smells faintly of sandalwood and laundry detergent. I’ve washed baby’s clothes in the gentlest soap I could find, every tiny sock and onesie folded like a love letter and arranged neatly into his new dresser. The bassinet is ready beside the bed, diapers and wipes neatly stacked in the changing caddy, and all my postpartum necessities arranged neatly in a utility cart in my bathroom.

I’ve decluttered our space, added fresh sheets to our bed, and tucked away little postpartum comforts in every corner—nipple balm, herbal teas, cozy loungewear. Not because I’m trying to control the chaos, but because it helps me feel rooted. I like to think of it as mothering my future self when I know I’ll be at my most vulnerable.

These rituals, while practical, are deeply emotional. They’re my way of whispering to myself: You’re safe. You’re ready.

Because let’s be real, it’s not just the baby that needs to hear those words, but also me taking on the most important responsibility of my life: motherhood.

Emotionally Preparing for Motherhood

The most surprising thing about pregnancy hasn’t been the physical changes (though there were many), but the emotional expansion. It’s been a slow blooming of identity—of softening, releasing, and becoming. I’ve surprised myself when I reflect on my thoughts and feelings over the last 9 months as I began my pregnancy journey. Pregnancy is not only the birth of a new life, but also the birth of a mother.

I’m giving myself permission to enter motherhood imperfectly. To feel joy and fear at the same time. I’ve been journaling a lot—writing letters to our baby, voicing my hopes and worries, and affirming that I will mother with intuition and compassion, not comparison.

There’s a quiet strength in preparing emotionally. In choosing presence over productivity. In holding space for both the birth of a child and the rebirth of self.

Saying Goodbye to My First Pregnancy

This season has been the most intimate I’ve ever experienced with my body and soul. I’ll miss the quiet morning kicks, the curve of my belly under linen, and the comforting thought that I’m never truly alone, as there is a little life growing inside me.

From the moment of finding out I’m pregnant, counting the weeks and comparing baby to the size of fruits and vegetables, to watching my body transform and grow has been nothing short of a miracle.

I know this isn’t something I’ll live through again in exactly the same way…if I’m lucky enough to mother more children.

Pregnancy has held both shadow and sunlight—but mostly, it’s been a sacred reminder that life unfolds in seasons. And this one, as wildly transformative as it’s been, is ready to make way for the next.

So I’m saying goodbye in gratitude.

Thank you, body, for showing me my strength.

Thank you, baby, for choosing me to be your mother.

Thank you, self, for carrying me through this rollercoaster ride.

As I prepare for birth and envision returning home from the hospital as a family of three, I’m flooded with thoughts of excitement and some anxiety, I’ll admit. I try not to allow the intrusive thoughts to take over my mind, for I know I will have all the support I will need to heal and recover.

If You’re Preparing for Motherhood Too…

Know that it’s okay to not feel fully ready. None of us do—not really. But your love will be enough. Your instincts will show up when you need them. And your version of motherhood will be exactly what your baby needs.

Take the time to slow down. Light the candle. Make the tea. Talk to your baby. You’ll never regret holding space for the becoming.