Recently a good friend of mine asked me about what things she can do as well self-care things she could look into for right before the baby comes. And since I had a baby once, this makes me an expert. What’s that all about? Just kidding. I’m no expert, but I do have some advice. Here are some dos and don’ts about getting ready for baby.

Do: Pack your bag by week 34. 

God forbid your baby comes early. But if they do, you want to make sure you’ll somewhat be comforted by your things.

Do: PACK YOUR BREASTFEEDING PILLOW! 

I can’t stress that enough. I think not having my pillow there added to the stress of not being able to feed Leila at first. And even if you end up bottle feeding, it’s still really comfy to rest baby on!

Do: Have a friend, husband/partner check your bag.

I packed so much stuff I could barely zip up my bag. I also packed multiple things I didn’t use and forgot things that I would. Remember, your packing your bag during peak pregnancy brain. Get someone less foggy than you to look that shiz over.

Don’t: Forget diapers.

Not just for baby, but for you, sister. They are a billion times more comfy than the giant maxi-pads.

Do: Get your hair done. 

As much as you think you’re going to have time after the baby comes, you won’t have any. Zero time. Leila was 7 months by the time I made it to the hair salon. Ten months of roots equals ombre right?

Don’t: Get your bikini waked or shaved.

Come on girlfriend, give your lady a break. She’s about to get roughed up in ways you can’t even comprehend, the last thing she needs is some ingrown hairs. Seriously, be nice to her, she doesn’t need to be pulled at or stabbed by a razor (because you can’t even see what you’re doing) when she’s about to face a pounding of a lifetime. Besides, when you give birth you’ll most likely poop yourself, so if your relationship can make it past dumping in front of them, then they can handle a peak at your temporary 70’s porn bush. And don’t worry about the doctor, they’ve seen worse. Lastly, you can’t have sex for at least 6 weeks after birth, so other than trying to impress your OB or midwife, why bother?

Do: Go for a facial.

A glorious glorious facial. But make sure it’s a relaxation one, not an extraction one. Like you’re bikini line, your black heads can wait. Nothing is more relaxing that a nice facial. From your hair being played with, warm face wraps and hand/foot massages, it’s like you’ve found a little bit of heaven on earth.

Don’t: Put pressure on yourself to have your house perfect.

It’s just not worth it. Enlist some family members to help with the stuff you can’t manage and give yourself a break.

Do: Read a book.

It’s hard to read a book while you’re feeding the baby 24/7. Every rare attempt you make will end in you falling asleep 3 paragraphs in.

Do: Go shopping for comfy things.

Like nursing bras, nursing nightgowns, light robes, slippers etc. You’ll either be recovering from natural birth, a cesarean, induction, or possibly all of the above, you deserve some comfort.

Do: Keep your feet up and sleep as much as you can.

Sleep is the thing you’ll miss the most about your pre-baby life, so take full advantage while you can.

I’m sure that there are many other ways to take care of yourself before the baby comes, but this is all I can think of right now. What did you do, or are plan on doing?