Teni- i suggest for a week everytime you and DH spend any money even if its a couple of $$ to write it down.. keep a spending journal. You will be surprised how often you forget the tiny purchases here and there and how quickly they add up. Maybe shop online where it adds up your trolley for you, yes you have to pay delivery but you might save more in impulse buys, or take a calculator around with you when you shop and stick to your list.
Be open and honest with your potential midwife though about funds because I don't think it would be fair not to be. This is their income and they need it to be reliable and waiting on the BB is unfort unrealistic atm because it can take up to 3 months to process!!! Even the dad and partner pay which your partner/DH must take unpaid leave for can take up to 6 weeks to come through, so you need to be prepared also to not have any income for two weeks after birth if you plan on taking advantage of that.


AFM- well its now been two weeks since my homebirth and it still puts a smile on my face. I think its amazing the bond we all have because of it and even though it was quick and full on, minus the midwife to me it was perfect. LOL could have done with DH seeing slightly less of my bum, (he loves to stir me about it) but still absolutely amazing experience!! I love telling the story and people love to hear it. (unfort some people seem to think Im exaggerating and it couldn't have possibly happened the way I tell it but that's their issue not mine)
Am so glad that our hospital program enabled me to have the experience and it was a perfect way to complete my family. Zoe is doing so well, feeds like a champ and is pretty settled and content (mind you when she wants booby she wants it yesterday LOL). We are currently tryiing to get her to settle for DH as she does have a preference for mummy but that completely normal and understandable at 2 weeks. Frustrates for DH though cause he just wants to help and have his cuddles.

Midwife is coming to weigh missy tomorrow so interested to know how much she has gained!! Hoping my presents I have ordered arrive before the visit so I can give them to the midwives. I got them each a personalised pen with their names on it, the message 'thank you for all your care and dedication' and its got a picture of little girls clothes hung along a clothes line and a card each, which reminds me I need to write in.