If you have lots of experience with and are comfortable around newborns, then you are ahead of the game.  However, remember that caring for your own newborn will be a different experience than babysitting for others. 

For one thing, you will be exhausted from childbirth and operating with little sleep.  Your hormones will be raging and your maternal instincts will be at an all-time high as you begin to bond with baby.  Conversely, your hormones could cause you to have post-partum depression, which is a serious situation, and you might not even want to bond with your newborn.

Make sure that you have support from relatives, friends, neighbors and your partner.  Don’t try to be a super mom from the get-go.  If help is offered, take it!

Before you deliver, ask someone close to be your “emotional  barometer” for the first 90 days. This individual should be someone you trust and see frequently.  Having an outside person who can gauge your well-being is very important.  If you are reaching rock-bottom from emotional and physical exhaustion, this person can step in and get you the necessary help from family and friends – or from a healthcare professional.

Spend your pregnancy preparing for the things that are really important.  Yes, a charming nursery is a delight.  However, also take the time to plan what you will need for the first month, so that you are not running to the store for essentials. 

Stock up on basic household supplies so that you have a good supply of household cleansers, paper products and personal care items.  Buy at least a 30-day supply of diapers, wipes, baby bath items and formula (if you will be supplementing).  Wash all of the baby clothes, blankets, bedding and towels and make sure that you have baby laundry detergent.  You will be washing a lot of clothes!

Buy or borrow a baby bouncer.  It doesn’t have to be a sophisticated model with music and movement.  A basic model will do.  Other good purchases are baby slings, soothing music, baby monitor and nursing accessories.

Make trips to the market and have frozen foods on hand to make fast, simple meals.  If you are planning on take out, then get menus ahead of time from your favorite restaurants and find out which ones will deliver.  Order healthy options to help you get your strength back.  Drink plenty of fluids and eat at regular intervals.

Make it a point to get out of the house once a day for a walk or some sort of mild exercise.  This will help you both physically and mentally.

Read up online about the basics of bringing baby home to see what others suggest and have found helpful.  Talk to friends or relatives to see what worked for them.  You can benefit from their experiences.

Although some Moms find this really difficult, it is a good idea to sleep or rest when baby does.  Even if you can’t actually get some shut-eye, just resting quietly listening to some soothing music is a good way to honor yourself and your body.

Give up perfection.  If you operate best when your life is orderly and neat, then you may have a harder time making the transition from pregnancy to motherhood.  Having a baby is a messy experience on so many levels.  Remember what is important: the wellbeing of you and your newborn.  Everything else can take a back seat for a few months.