by Kelly Wilbanks posted in Parenting

I sat in the backseat of our Geo Metro next to my mewing newborn as we drove out of the hospital parking lot. As I left the safety of nurses who'd attended my every postpartum need, I felt the same awe I'd felt as a freshly minted teenage driver.
How could they let me leave" How could I be ready for this" Are there people out there who know as little as me" That last one was especially sobering as I pictured the roadways filled with spacey teenage drivers.
But as I stared at my newborn, I allowed the feelings of insufficiency to pass. I wasn't 16 anymore. I had prepared for this, longed for this, and I was ready to welcome home my baby.

My needs have changed a little with each of my three babies, but one thing remains the same: There is never enough time. So it's best to prep as much as you can in advance. Here's my list of 8 things to do and items to buy BEFORE the baby is born:
1. You're going to need to eat. Knowing this, my husband and I spent a few prepartum evenings preparing freezer meals for our third baby. If you don't have the time or energy to do the same, organize a meal train for yourself or ask a friend or family member to do so.
2. Consider prepping by making padsicles. I was sore for weeks with my first baby, and having these ready to go would have been such a relief. They're easy to make and both times I've made them, I've had extra to share with other mamas.

3. Putting your hospital bag to...