I am currently 36 weeks pregnant with my firstborn. What are some things I should know about my newborn and the first few weeks of motherhood? Pls share your real life wisdom with me.

Newborns don’t look like magazine babies. Sometimes the books are just wrong. Listen to your baby. Respect him and his intuition. He will tell you what he needs. Respond to nosy questions with “Why do you ask?” Hold off buying things until you know whether you’re ever going to use them—like a crib or changing table. The ideal adult-to-baby ratio is about three to one the first week. When people offer help, say yes. Join a playgroup. It’s not for the child, it’s for the mother. Don’t be surprised at how totally bizarre you feel the first week. It’s normal to feel really weird.