How to Take Control of Advice Overload in Pregnancy and Postpartum

The second you announce you’re pregnant, the advice starts rolling in. Some of it is actually helpful… and some of it is outdated, unsolicited, or just plain overwhelming.

Suddenly, everyone—from your great-aunt to the random cashier at Target—has an opinion on how you should give birth, feed your baby, and raise your child.

So how do you filter the helpful from the overwhelming? How do you take in the advice you need while confidently tuning out the rest?

In this episode, we will cover:

• The best strategies for filtering through the overwhelming advice you’ll hear during pregnancy and postpartum.

• Why setting boundaries around advice can help you feel more confident in your choices.

• How to trust your instincts while navigating the well-meaning opinions of others.

• … and a whole lot more!

Here’s how to take control of advice overload and stay grounded in what works for you and your family.

1. Set Clear Boundaries

Not all advice is created equal, and not everyone’s input deserves space in your decision-making process. Before the opinions start flying, take a moment to decide:

👉 Who gives advice that you actually value?

👉 Who tends to overwhelm or stress you out?

👉 What topics do you want input on, and what do you want to figure out on your own?

Once you know where you stand, let people know what types of advice you’re open to and what you’d prefer to handle on your own.

How to Set Boundaries:

✅ When someone’s advice isn’t helpful, redirect the conversation:

• “Thanks for sharing! We’re figuring out what works best for us.”

• ✅ If someone keeps pushing, be firm but polite:

• “I appreciate your thoughts, but we’ve got this covered.”

• ✅ If you’re overwhelmed, take a step back from unsolicited advice-givers.

💡 Action Step: Think of one boundary you’d like to set and practice a simple response ahead of time.

2. Prioritize Reliable Advice

Not all advice is good advice. Some of it is outdated, opinion-based, or just not relevant to your situation. Instead of listening to every suggestion, focus on advice from trusted sources.

Who to Trust?

✅ Experienced parents you admire—people who respect your parenting choices.

✅ Healthcare professionals—your OB, midwife, pediatrician, or lactation consultant.

✅ Evidence-based resources—books, courses, and experts with up-to-date research.

If someone suggests something that doesn’t sit well with you, ask for more details or look it up yourself before accepting it as fact.

💡 Action Step: Identify 2–3 trusted sources of advice and stick to them when you have questions.

3. Create an Advice Filter

Not all advice will align with your parenting style, and that’s okay. The key is to create a simple “advice filter” to help you determine what’s worth considering and what you can let go of.

Use These Questions to Filter Advice:

❓ Does this align with my values and parenting style?

❓ Does this meet my baby’s needs and my own well-being?

❓ Is this backed by current research or just personal opinion?

❓ Does this make me feel empowered or stressed?

If an answer doesn’t sit right with you, it’s okay to ignore it and move on.

💡 Mantra to Remember: "Not every piece of advice is meant for me."

4. Join a Supportive Community

Let’s be real—some of the best advice comes from moms who get it. Finding a supportive, judgment-free community can help you sort through the noise and get advice that actually makes sense for your journey.

Where to Find Support:

✅ Local mom groups – Whether in-person or virtual, connecting with moms in your area can be a game-changer.

✅ Online communities – Join Facebook groups, forums, or memberships that align with your values.

✅ Postpartum support groups – These can provide both practical advice and emotional support.

💡 Action Step: Find a group where you feel comfortable sharing and asking questions.

5. Trust Your Instincts

At the end of the day, you are the expert on your baby. No one else is living in your body, your home, or your unique circumstances.

While advice can be helpful, your gut feeling matters just as much as any expert opinion.

How to Strengthen Your Confidence:

✅ Practice tuning in to what feels right for you.

✅ Remind yourself that parenting is not one-size-fits-all.

✅ When in doubt, choose what brings you the most peace—not what pleases others.

💡 Mantra to Remember: "I know my baby better than anyone else."

Final Takeaways

Advice overload is real, but you don’t have to let it overwhelm you.

✅ Set clear boundaries about what advice you want (and don’t want).

✅ Prioritize reliable sources and filter out the rest.

✅ Use an advice filter to determine what’s helpful for your family.

✅ Find a supportive community that respects your choices.

✅ Trust your instincts—you are the best person to make decisions for your baby.

Motherhood is your journey, and you have full permission to take what helps and leave the rest. 💛

Want to make postpartum even easier?

Download The New Mom Reset: Simple Steps to Feel Like Yourself Again for practical tips, emotional support, and everything you need to prioritize yourself!

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