First name: Emily
Age: 31
Number of kids and ages: 2 kids, ages 3 and 9 months
The most surprising thing about being a first-time mom is how much you can handle. At first it seems like you won't be able to take on one more thing and then you do out of necessity and you realize you are stronger than you ever thought.
My expectation vs. experience breastfeeding was I had the expectation that my babies would naturally be able to breastfeed on their own. I didn't realize that it is a learning experience for both the mom and the baby.
The best piece of advice about motherhood is nothing lasts forever. Every sleep regression, tantrum, and struggle is temporary. They will grow and learn faster than you ever realize.