The most notable thing about newborns is the sleep deprivation they cause. To prepare, get off of caffeine right now and if you don't already, take up regular e

The most notable thing about newborns is the sleep deprivation they cause. To prepare, get off of caffeine right now and if you don't already, take up regular exercise. These will help you be more normal when sleep deprived. Not drinking alcohol would also help. I would read about how to calm a crying baby. There is a formula that works really well: wrapping, rocking, shh-ing, etc. I found squats worked well with my first. The second didn't like it so much. Finally, you might underestimate how absurd giving birth is mechanically. It just doesn't make sense. A friend remarked that giving birth was "like getting butt fucked by a rhino". No rhino's were on hand to tell their side of the story. The point is to expect incapacitation.