Agee Leinberry

The Co-Founder of Couper and first-time mom talks to us about how her perspective on motherhood has evolved since becoming pregnant, memorable moments and challenges she has faced, advice for those navigating this journey for the first time, and advice for those who are experiencing difficulties on their journey to conceive.

How has your perspective on motherhood evolved since becoming pregnant, and what are some of the most surprising or rewarding aspects you've experienced so far?

Since finding out I was pregnant, I immediately understood how all consuming it was going to feel to become a mom. It's as if a whole new world has opened up to me, filled with so much love and excitement and it became a core part of who I am in an instant. The most rewarding part of the journey has been watching my body give life to this baby boy and tackle all of the tasks it was given during the process. It's just so mesmerizing how women's bodies know exactly what to do when it comes to supporting and nurturing a new life.

It's also been amazing how pregnancy can bring out such a strong sense of care and support from friends, family, and even acquaintances. It really shows who your true support group is during this special time. I think the most surprising aspect has been the eb and flow of emotions and connectivity to your baby. I feel waves of immense joy and every ultrasound throughout the process got me more and more excited to become a mom. On the other hand I learned that it's completely normal to have moments where you forget you're even pregnant!

What are some of the most memorable moments or challenges you've experienced on your pregnancy journey?

I felt my first flutters on my birthday this year. It made me feel so connected to him, as if he decided to do his first little dance because he knew it was my birthday. That was the greatest gift I could have ever been given. I feel incredibly lucky that my pregnancy has gone smoothly, but that's not to say that it isn't incredibly physically and mentally demanding. Between adjusting to the physical changes in your body, managing pregnancy symptoms and navigating an emotional rollercoaster, every woman is exposed to challenges, but I think most would agree that every step is part of the learning curve to becoming a new mom. 

What advice would you like to share with women who are navigating pregnancy for the first time and with those who are experiencing difficulties on their journey to conceive?

For women experiencing their first pregnancy - trust in your body's ability to foster a safe environment for your baby. I experienced a lot of anxiety in the first trimester because of self doubt, and quickly learned that a clear headspace and confidence in yourself was crucial to navigating each week of pregnancy. For those experiencing difficulties conceiving, I think it's incredibly important to not compare your journey to anyone else's. Again - trust your instincts, stay resilient, listen to your body and get support from fertility specialists as soon as you want to!

I'm always perplexed when I hear that our healthcare system wants women to "be trying for a year" prior to seeking any type of intervention. As someone who likes to get ahead of any issues or concerns and have all of the information to make an informed decision, if asked for advice I always encourage my friends to confirm they're actually ovulating, to learn more about their hormone levels, and to capture any useful data about their partner. It's okay to ask for help and take the time you need to care for yourself.

As you celebrate your first Mother's Day, what are some of the traditions or rituals you're excited to start with your family, and how do you plan to make this day special for yourself?

I'm so excited that my baby boy will be here just in time for Mother's Day this year. My favorite days with my husband involve casual morning strolls for coffees and croissants, and I can't wait to include our son in that tradition.

In what ways has social media played a role in your journey as an expecting mother, and how do you navigate sharing your experiences while maintaining boundaries and privacy?

It's no secret there is also a lot of unsolicited medical advice from unqualified users on social media, so I always take pregnancy content with a grain of salt. That being said, social media has also been such an incredible resource in so many ways. From pregnancy safe workout routines, to healthy meal inspo based on baby's weekly needs, to registry picks - it's been a valuable tool on my journey! Not to mention utilizing it as a "community board" of sorts has been really fun to connect with other expecting mothers! I've tried to maintain a sense of privacy along the way, only sharing moments I'm comfortable with. I've chosen to be selective about what I share so that I can strike a balance between staying connected with others and safeguarding my personal life!