I would say that giving birth although very rewarding is a huge thing. Once you have had a baby I think the first 2-6 weeks you cannot lay down any rules and you hopefully will have partner/family around to concentrate on you, while you concentrate on baby. Your recovery after the birth is hugely important- as you get to grips with your bundle of joy. Do not underestimate how tired you will be and do not try and look after the house, just concentrate on your baby and yourself. After that it depends on what kind of person you are, but I do think you should not put your baby in the cot when they are asleep- always let them fall asleep in their cot.