While there is no way to prepare for the overwhelming adjustments of becoming a new mother, there is a way to ensure that you are better able to cope with them.  Anticipate that the first few weeks will be challenging, and arrange a support system for yourself.  Rest is essential to your recovery.

You will need your meals cooked, your (increasing) laundry done, your groceries picked up, your children cared for, your house straightened up, and perhaps some advice on how to care for your baby, breastfeed, and recover from the birth.  This can be arranged by visiting family, friends who take turns bringing meals, or by hiring a postpartum doula. 

Rest, recovery, getting to know and taking care of a new baby are ideally the sole responsibilities of the new mother.  In cultures around the world, this vulnerable state of postpartum is honored, and the mother's care is assured.  In Holland, mothers receive live-in help for 8-10 days.  In India, the mother is pampered for 21 days and her role as an exalted one is honored.  Swedish mothers are given a year of maternity leave at full pay.  Up until the 1960's women in our culture had 10 days of recovery in the hospital.  While most women now wouldn't want to stay in the hospital that long, we have ignored the fact that the new mother needs to be cared for.  Just because she is not in the hospital for 10 days, doesn't mean she can or should jump right back into her usual responsibilities. Being home in bed is just the place to be with your new baby.  During your third trimester, arrange the support you need with household responsibilities so that you can enjoy this magical time!