17 Things to Do Before Your Maternity Leave Is Through

Snuggle with your baby. Cuddle with your baby. Smell your baby. Kiss her sweet little baby feet. Stroke that baby-fine hair. Repeat.

Source: Flickr user David J Laporte

Walking is good for the brain, good for the bod, and might not be something that you'll get to do as much on weekdays once you head back to work.

Source: Flickr user Lars Plougmann

The fact is that the postpartum is a different body — and your work clothes might need an assessment and/or update given the new changes.

Source: Flickr user m01229

Stock up the freezer with meals for the upcoming weeks that you're back at work — instead of cooking, you'll be maximizing your time at home with your babe.

Source: Flickr user Kathleen Franklin

If you're office bound, be sure to spend some precious time with your baby in the great outdoors. Baby might not be old enough to appreciate it, but you will.

Source: Flickr user Deni Williams

I know, new moms do not have the leisure of doing absolutely nothing — but savor those down, quiet moments.

Source: Flickr user Pawel Loj

If you are breastfeeding, now is the time to stock up that breast milk stash. Make sure your breast pump is in good working order and plan out what your pumping situation will be at work.

Source: Flickr user Daniel Lobo

Now is a great time to get your home organized. The transition is likely to go much smoother if everything is neat and tidy — and will really come in handy when your nanny calls to ask where something is.

Source: Flickr user peapod labs

Baby playgroups are just as much for the mama as they are the babe. Joining one, specifically a working-mom playgroup, will help connect you with women who are going through the same issues — and could even provide lifelong friendships for both you and your baby.

Source: Flickr user tingsteph

Sleeping when the baby sleeps is much easier said than done, but since napping is generally frowned upon at work, take advantage of the "day nap" while you are still on leave.

Source: Flickr user Dave Herholz

They are not for everyone, but mommy-and-me classes are a bit of a rite of passage. Generally speaking they are during the week, so take the opportunity while you're on maternity leave to see what they are all about. Heck, you might even enjoy it.

Source: Flickr user Nick Koch Weiler

If you're planning on doing a birth announcement, or if you've got any thank you notes left to pen, now is the time. The last thing you're going to want to do when you get home from work, at least in the beginning, is address envelopes.

Source: Flickr user oabe

If you're not already emotional, you will be. It's perfectly normal — and downright healthy. Expecting emotions and having a support system in place can help you through it.

Source: Flickr user Chris Costes

Take it from someone who has two kids and no baby books — get it done. If you wait, it may never get done because the task just gets more and more daunting as time passes. Trust me.

Source: Flickr user Sean Freese

Once you are back on the clock, outings like the zoo or botanical garden are still an option, but the weekends tend to get a little more crowded. So take as many crowd-free outings with your babe as you can and enjoy these special days together.

Source: Flickr user Dean Wissing

Arranging childcare for your tot is a no-brainer. I'm sure you did that ages ago. So do yourself a favor and make sure you've got all your ducks in a row there. Many mamas even do a dry run either with their nanny or daycare provider just to make sure everything is ready for the big day.

Source: Flickr user ramsey beyer

Your first family trip with an infant will not, I repeat, will not be the most relaxing trip of your life — but it's also one that you'll always remember and cherish. And not having to take off work is a great way to squeeze in a little vacation with your new bundle of joy. And heck, a few days in a hotel with your baby might just be the push you need to say, "Yup, I'm ready to go back to work."

Source: Flickr user Johnathan D. Anderson