Things I have found usefull to know or think of but only know cos i've had a baby B4.

[little_mrs]

I put a bit of water in condoms, froze it and when I needed them I put them inside a pad in my undies to help with hurty undercarriage, worked a treat for me!

Keep a water bottle with you as much as you can too, breastfeeding dehydrates you more than normal, and that leads to fatigue and constipation, both of which are NOT what you want in those early days at home!

[Mrs P]

We put baby seat in the middle and I just sat on the car seat to put bub in (I had a c-sect, made it easier). Still have it in the middle now.

Make chocolate UpNGo your friend! 1Lt tetrapack in fridge = instant breakfast/lunch/middle of night sustenance. And it's chocolate flavoured!!

I used a little folding side table to set up a breastfeeding possie at the end of the couch - put tissues, glass and jug of water, phones, tv remotes, notebook, pen etc all there so in handy reach while feeding - you may not be able to reach your coffee table! Mine was a cheapie from ikea.

[RhiChiChi]

Before showering, get your pad in your undies ready to go after your shower. (I found I bled alot after birth and it saved alot of cleaning up)

Wear tops you can either unbutton or get bf tops for bf. It is really uncomfortable to have your top hanging around your neck whilst trying to get the hand of bf.

Get your mum to take home your dirty clothes when in hospital to wash them!

Shower at night after all your visitors are gone but before your partner goes home

Use the signs on the door a hospital (if you are birthing there or they have them) that say do not disturb - who wants their ensuite cleaned and room vaccumed at ridiculous times in the morning when all you want to do is sleep?!

[melsa31]

Ask for some 'blueys' when in hospital (a square with plastic on one side and padding on the other). The midwife gave me some which I folded and placed under the pad to catch any leakage at the back - especially while laying down. Never had to change knickers due to 'accidents' because of these things!

Also, ask your close friends and family to bring a meal for you when visiting instead of bringing gifts for the baby. Especially in the first couple of weeks. One less thing to think about!

[MrsBexie]

Ask for some 'blueys' when in hospital (a square with plastic on one side and padding on the other). The midwife gave me some which I folded and placed under the pad to catch any leakage at the back - especially while laying down. Never had to change knickers due to 'accidents' because of these things!

Also, ask your close friends and family to bring a meal for you when visiting instead of bringing gifts for the baby. Especially in the first couple of weeks. One less thing to think about!

Oh i loved those blue things!!!! I still have like 20!!!

[helle]

I have one my SIL Did.

Use a pump water bottle to squirt down there the same time you pee to stop stinging your stitches (if you have any)

Oh hotl beat me XD

[MrsBexie]

Ural is a girl with stitches best friend!!! I had external tearing snd any liqiud in that area stung like hell so the ural just took out the acid n made it more bareable.

[Crystalwings]

Didn't do it this time but wish i had remembered to pack a roll of Cottonelle. Man hospital loo paper is terrible on a third degree tear!!!

Use breastmilk and air on nipples and avoid putting anything else on them as temping as it is. I found creams and lanolin only created the perfect breeding ground for infection.
Once your milk comes in don't let your nipples get to wet as water logged nipples can get sore very easily.
Those breast pads that you can heat up or refrigerate help with sore boobs, engorgement etc
Make sure your SO changes sheets and towels before you get home so your bed feels extra good that first night.
Sleep with a towel under you or under your sheet to help absorb leakage.
get some nut bars for the pantry for a protein boost when you can't have a meal.
Having a little bag of cheap, small toys for my daughter to open and play with when she visited me in the hospital made her feel special too and it was a sanity saver a couple of times.
Make sure there is plenty of panadol in the cupboard.
Get a good refillable drink bottle for bf
inform yourself about bf before bub arrives and join the aba or do lots of reading prior to giving birth.
Get your SO to read birth books and techniques and talk about ways they can support you during labor

[MrsBexie]

Didn't do it this time but wish i had remembered to pack a roll of Cottonelle. Man hospital loo paper is terrible on a third degree tear!!!

Use breastmilk and air on nipples and avoid putting anything else on them as temping as it is. I found creams and lanolin only created the perfect breeding ground for infection.
Once your milk comes in don't let your nipples get to wet as water logged nipples can get sore very easily.
Those breast pads that you can heat up or refrigerate help with sore boobs, engorgement etc
Make sure your SO changes sheets and towels before you get home so your bed feels extra good that first night.
Sleep with a towel under you or under your sheet to help absorb leakage.
get some nut bars for the pantry for a protein boost when you can't have a meal.
Having a little bag of cheap, small toys for my daughter to open and play with when she visited me in the hospital made her feel special too and it was a sanity saver a couple of times.
Make sure there is plenty of panadol in the cupboard.
Get a good refillable drink bottle for bf
inform yourself about bf before bub arrives and join the aba or do lots of reading prior to giving birth.
Get your SO to read birth books and techniques and talk about ways they can support you during labor

YUP! I was using Lansinoh after every feed and in between too and by 6 weeks I got pretty bad thrush and cracked nipples!! It was meant to prevent it and ended up doing more harm than good.
Change your breastpads often too! I have used every brand and cotton ones (avent ones) and the best brand BY FAR is the J&J ones.. they are the thickest, most comfortable and aren't itchy or scratchy at all!!!

[Crystalwings]

Just thought of another one.
Once your bleeding settles down a bit use the extra long night pads. They are way more comfortable then maternity pads but still have plenty of coverage for leaks.
When in hospital take advantage of using hospital pads if they let you, you forget how expensive they are. Also stock up if you see them on special while you are pg. For the last few weeks i would just buy a packet each week i went shopping.

[Mrs P]

Interesting - I found lansinoh to be fantastic! Guess everyone is different