I started putting the majority of my pay onto the mortgage when I found out I was pg, this meant we got used to living off of DF wage (he was also paying our min mortgage repayments)

I stocked up on the ex shopping items and purchased bulk items things like laundry poder, shampoo and cond and other cleaning products. We also went in with family for a third of a butchered cow and a dozen chickens and dad gave us 10kg of fish he has caught so we didnt need to buy meet for over 6months. I also put xmas presents on layby and paid them off so we didnt have the financial stress or shopping with a newborn.

I have used microsoft money for our budget and its really useful. We also pay $20 a week in advance on the electricity via direct debit, this way our bills only have between $100-200 left to pay when we get them. DP changed mobile phone carriers and for the same usage he is saving $50

Im not sure if you are entitled to maternity pay but I was and with dd2 I could take it at 1/2pay so with my 6 weeks of anual leave and 28weeks of half pay (only 1.5 days of pay but it was still $300 a week) I was able to stay home until dd2 was 8months and part of the reason I returned was because I needed the stimulation. Im still bf dd and she has expressed breast milk when Im working.

Planning and budgeting are the key. When bubs arrive worrying about your finances is the lst thing you need to worry about

good luck