Been a bit awol, just back from holidays :)
Re nursing chairs, we had one and I did enjoy it (in front of the computer watching box-sets!), I liked the rocking/gliding motion. I didn't use it much, though, and it wasn't in the 'nursery' (he was in our bedroom so there wasn't really a 'nursery'). I'm hoping to get one again this time although I didn't find the last one fantastically comfy so might get a old-fashioned rocking chair. Whatever it is will probably buy second hand again as I don't think we'll have more than about 4 months use out of it.
Rustler a Poang might be a good idea actually, they have a bit of bounce in them... hmmm...
We're not moving but are planning on fairly major renovations. We bought this house while I was pregnant the first time, and the only thing we've done that needed doing was decorate one room! Now time for all the other delayed items to happen. I'm hoping it can be done before baby arrives but am not sure, the way building works always seem to overrun.
lucie you'll need breast pads (Lansinoh ones were best disposables for me, but I'll be trying Little Lambs reusable ones from the start this time - I did last time too but they leaked and I panicked and went disposable, although I think i had the thing on inside out :) ). I also had a breast pump, but it's not necessary unless you want to express and bottle feed some of the time. I had a Medela Swing which was great, but would probably buy a closed system instead as those are re-saleable. You will probably also need Lansinoh nipple cream BUT I never needed to. You'll also need bras that you can feed in and I found having bf-specific tops a must, although I know others swear by stretchy vests that you can just pull down.
For those planning on introducing a bottle of expressed milk, personally I didn't bother with a sterilizer, I just made sure the bottles were properly cleaned with very hot water and soap, breast milk is (IMO) less likely to grow nasties than formula, I'd be more cautious with a premature or ill baby, obviously. I did sterilise the relevant parts of the pump when required using microwave sterlising bags from Medela.
peas our NCT bf session was awful, it was by a different person to the rest of the session and had no practical help at all. (It was just one session in the usual antenatal course though, not sure if a specialised course on bf would be better) The NCT in our area does, however, have specialist bf advisors you can call after birth for any help, and it's worth finding out if you have a local La Leche League that could help out with any issues. I'm on a fb group for our local LLL - they'll take any questions etc there and will also provide more help if needed.
Re the having a name in mind and then changing your mind when you see the baby - our boy looks nothing like his early baby photos... so while I get the concept I'm not sure it matters :)
missmoomoo I used naturacare last time and can recommend. But this time I'm going reusable... Tampons (imo) are now more uncomfortable than before birth, but I've been using a mooncup for ages and can really recommend them.
bright I'd recommend a stretchy wrap for a newborn, but ideally go along to a sling library before baby arrives so they can show you how to tie it. It's not hard but looks like it so having someone show you is much easier. The close caboo is another winner for newborns, I've not used it though.
red I worked up to the Friday before my due date (which was the Monday). I'm glad I did as baby was over 2 weeks 'late'. (Office based, so no physical demands, and I didn't have any issues like SPD etc)
acorn we're probably going to UP his nursery as he's starting school in September. At present he's there 1.5 days as week, but I think it'd be better for him to be there every morning.