Homesteading while pregnant is not for the faint of heart. It’s hard work, but it’s good work. However, homesteading—at least in my experience—looks very different while pregnant. Here are some things I have been learning about how to homestead while pregnant.
Lofty Goals for the Homestead
I started off the year with great plans for our little homestead. Over the winter, I developed a habit of cooking most of our meals from scratch, made elaborate garden plans, and had a good rhythm for content creation.
Then, in February, I was overjoyed and a bit surprised by two pink lines on a pregnancy test. My husband and I talked, and he encouraged me to think about what I could realistically prioritize this year. I have had pretty rough pregnancies in the past, but the nausea and fatigue hadn’t quite hit me and my motivation remained high.
Reality Setting In
Well, we gave it a few weeks, and shortly after that positive test, I was hit with extreme fatigue, nausea and sickness, and what I would describe as a complete personality change overnight. I went from feeling energetic and motivated to sluggish and disinterested in the plans that had once brought me so much joy.
In addition, I have high risk pregnancies that require weekly appointments, working with four specialists, and daily blood thinner injections. It is more than worth it for my babies, but it is mentally and physically exhausting.
5 Lessons Learned About Homesteading While Pregnant
If you are reading this post and are currently trying to homestead while pregnant or are wondering how you will homestead while pregnant, here are a few things I am learning that I hope may bring you some encouragement.
Everyone’s Situation is Different
If you’re like me, it’s easy to hop in social media and immediately start comparing. I’ll compare my abilities with those of someone else in a similar stage. Thoughts such as, “Well she is doing ______ more than me, and she is pregnant and already has four kids.” Or “How does she make it look so easy? I feel like I’m in survival mode right now.”
The thing is, social media really only shows you a small portion of someone else’s life. The person you are comparing yourself to may have more help, more resources, or a higher capacity. Perhaps they have spent years learning skills of discipline and organization to help them stay on task. Maybe they have strong boundaries in place. Maybe you are only seeing part of the story.
The maybe’s could go on and on and on. But from my experience, comparison doesn’t get you anywhere. Try to tune out the noise and focus on what your family needs and what you have the capacity for in this season.
Give Yourself Grace
This is a tough one. If you are normally a high-achiever or go-getter and pregnancy makes you feel sluggish and unmotivated, it can be really discouraging. Remember, you are doing hard work—even if you can’t see it.
Dr. Cara Goodwin, a mother and child psychologist, shared, “A 2019 study from researchers at Duke University found that pregnancy is the absolute limits of endurance that the human body can handle. In other words, it is energetically equivalent to running a marathon every day for 40 weeks.”
Our culture often doesn’t validate the work that it takes to grow a human. Try to give yourself grace and remember that your body is working really hard even if you can’t see it.
Set Realistic Goals and Then Prioritize
This has been a big one for me this year. We added baby chickens and bees, plus a big garden expansion this year on our homestead. My priorities this year do not include keeping up with weeds or having the cleanest house on the block.
One of my main priorities is caring for my children, providing educational and meaningful experiences, and helping them grow and learn. Because I have less energy and often go to bed exhausted, content creation has taken the back burner for this season as well.
I went from posting weekly on my blog and Youtube to only posting sporadically on my blog for several months. Sharing about homesteading on social media has been only when I feel like I can, and that’s okay. Yes, it may not be the best business move, but right now, I’m prioritizing my family, maintaining my garden as best as I can, and resting in preparation for adding to our family.
My business may not grow much in this season, my garden may look a little rough, but by setting realistic goals and priorities, I can make progress with the capacity that I currently have.
For Everything There Is a Season
I felt similarly during my other two pregnancies. Oh how easy it is to forget. My husband said I shared very similar feelings while pregnant with my daughter, but once she was born my energy and work ethic came right back.
I know that there is a season for everything. If you’re feeling discouraged by your current capacity, know that this is temporary and there is a season for everything.
It Will Be Worth It
Growing and raising babies is hard work, but goodness, is it worth it. There’s nothing like holding your sweet newborn close. Watching your little one smile for the first time. Seeing your baby go from crawling to walking to running.
From first words to full conversations, childhood is magical and oh so meaningful. And it goes by way too fast. I’m learning to slow down and savor and enjoy these moments.
Staying Encouraged About Homesteading While Pregnant
If you’re in a season like I currently am, I encourage you to do what you can with what you have, but to remember that homesteading takes time and it doesn’t have to happen overnight.
You may have a lifetime to pursue your homesteading goals and dreams, but pregnancy is temporary and babies don’t stay babies for long.
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