WM, :hugs: I bought a second hand freezer that sits on my deck (still) before DS was born so I could have meals ready to go. It was a life saver in the early days.

It is perfectly acceptable to ask visitors to bring food when they visit. I don't remember all the presents that I got, but I certainly remember who brought food. I try to remember that when friends have babies and take a meal or some bikkies.

I also found the middle of the pregnancy a bit weird, cos there wasn't as much urgency or kerfuffle as when going through the hospital. It was way more natural, but it did require a mindshift to be comfortable with it. The realisation that you don't have to stress about when to leave for hospital and other changes can be both scary and liberating.