We have bought most things ourselves and keep getting in trouble from MIL because she tells us we will get gifts. I don't expect people to buy us anything and am also not having a baby shower as it's not something I am comfortable with - people feel expected to give gifts at these things. I am being pressured to have one at the moment but really don't want one at all.

If people were going to buy gifts they will more than likely get the baby something when he's here and if I'm sitting back expecting something and don't get it then in the early weeks of bubs life we have to go shopping to get more bits and pieces (I would like to avoid this as much as possible). We will certainly appreciate anything that might be bought for us/bub, but it's our responsibility to make sure we have everything we will need. MIL told us off for buying almost everything and she continues to buy us J&J baby powder, shampoo etc when I have clearly told her I wont be using it (like you BG, going with more organic/natural products). Her response is every baby should smell like J&J baby powder! I also think what you buy for your baby is a very personal choice and if something is bought for us I feel obligated to use it.