Mugglenet - Hi. I'm due with my 2nd on 7th March (hi everyone else too!). Hopefully some useful tips here for your first baby - so exciting!
-Don't feel the need to buy loads of expensive 'baby equipment' like Sleepyheads, or really expensive prams (unless you really want to), and you'll probably be given a few clothes. Babygrows are what you need a few of for the first 6 months though.
-Don't listen to negative birth stories; it just doesn't help...everyone's is totally, totally unique.
-Be prepared to 'have a voice' though in your labour, even if you cant speak cos of the pain, try and get your Birth Partner to know in advance what you do and dont want/ will tolerate (epidurals, water birth preferences, whatever...remember, you can say yes or no to things)
-Be prepared with things like the bleeding afterwards (even happens with a c-section), it's heavy and can be problematic/worrying if you're not expecting it. Buy lots of maternity pads.
-Also, the Hospital bag - make sure your Birth Partner knows what's in it, and how to access it. When you are in labour, trust me, you will need Birth Partner to fish out hairbands, water, whatever you snappily request, and fast! It's a good idea to have a Mum bag, and Baby bag separate actually.
-On that note, bring water spray (from Boots) in your Mum bag- or Evian spray if you wanna be fancy - that was so lovely in a hot hospital. It's hot in all of them I hear, even in Winter.
-And, not to be down on our health service, because the NHS staff of course do their best, but do not expect there to be anything in the labour ward - i.e, bring your own cups for drinking, own water, ice, food, vases for flowers, padlocks, maternity pads, nappies, etc. The staff are VERY overstretched, and they will not necessarily be able to help you if you ask for even the basics like water. I know that sounds improbable, and probably awful, but trust me, it is good advice.
-Lastly, if you are breastfeeding, expect it to be tough for 6 weeks - in many people's cases it's very painful. You will need support, and lots of creams. Not to say that it's not all worth it, and lovely in time, but it's a hard old slog at the beginning. Even if not painful, the baby will feed a lot more than you might imagine - google 'cluster feeding'
-Very lastly, try to enjoy and see the beauty in every moment, even the sleeplessness - it's totally magical, I promise. It was the best thing I've ever done and I adore being a mother. xx