So, there you are, pregnant, in the third trimester, the home stretch, the last mile, the final ultrasound, and you’re feeling pretty good as you review you the mental pre-baby checklist.  Set up the nursery?  Check.  Pack bag for the hospital?  Check.  Choose a name for the baby?  Check (maybe).  Just in case you find yourself worrying that chaos lurks around the corner, here are a few things to get organized before you head off to the hospital.

Sometime after your baby is born, you will be transferred to a magical land called the maternity ward, where complete strangers will help take care of your baby.  They give the first bath, change diapers, watch your little bundle of joy while you sleep, bring you food and give you a foot massage (I wish).  The maternity ward can be a peaceful oasis before you head off to your home and the excitement of bringing home a new baby.  While you are there, consider two steps to make your time in the Maternity Ward as calm as possible and help you get off on the right foot with your baby.

As your delivery date edges closer and closer, you might notice your baby’s room or possibly your house slowly filling up with baby-related items.  Between the crib, changing table, dresser, stroller, portable crib, high chair, swing, bassinet, and the small mountain of clothes, it can get pretty cramped very quickly.  It’s all useful, but is it all “use-now”?  In most cases, there are simple, organizing techniques that will help you neaten up and gear down and turn your nursery from pig pen to baby zen.

Okay, so you just had your baby (or babies).  The hospital is in the rear view mirror.  The baby seat has been successfully installed.  Now what?  You are about to head out on the grand marathon that is parenthood, but how should you leave the starting line for that first mile?  Should you sprint out of the gates and shout, “look at me, I’m Super Mom!” or should you pretend that you are a Kenyan marathon expert and set a nice steady pace?  It’s all up to you, but here are a few thoughts on what to do with the first two weeks when you get home.