Top 10 Things I Wish I Would Have Known Before Going to Delivery

1. Don't waste time buying a nice outfit for the hospital. After women give birth, they bleed (like a heavy period). I was much more comfortable in the hospital gown and those undergarments they give you to wear. It is so much easier.

2. There is a pretty good chance you may go number #2 while pushing the baby out! This certainly isn't something to be embarrassed about, it happens naturally when you are bearing down.

3. Don't plan on sleeping while you are in the hospital. Nurses are in and out at all hours. If you're nursing the baby, they will bring her/him in to nurse, etc. Don't be annoyed. Their job is to take care of you and your new little gift, let them.

4. You are charged for all the stuff that is under the baby in the hospital bassinet! I didn't know this the first time. However, the second time around, I took everything I could, including diapers, blankets, nasal aspirator (AKA "The Boogie Sucker"), the water jug, etc. If I am paying for it, I am taking it!

5. You might be modest before you go into the hospital, but it is a good idea to shed it before you check in. Everyone comes to check your "Belly" every hour or so, no shame left at all! Don't be embarrassed, they do this everyday. In addition, their job is to take care of you and your little one on the way, so let them!

6. Although things can get pretty uncomfortable, it all melts away once you see your baby. All the pain is worth it when you hear your baby's first cry and hold them for the first time.

7. Try not to have expectations when you go into the hospital to deliver. Don't have your mind set on having/not having an epidural, giving birth naturally, having a c-section, etc. Remember, it doesn't matter how the baby gets here, as long as it's healthy.

8. I wish I had known to tell friends not to come to the hospital - you are there such a short time and you need all the sleep and help from the nurses you can get!!!! You'll have the rest of your lives to show off your new addition.

9. Use the nurses for all the knowledge that they have. Nurses do this everyday, all day. Therefore, use them for their knowledge. Ask them to show you how to correctly change the babies diaper, give them a bath and feed them. Even if this is not your first child, get a "refresher" course. If there is something that you forget to ask, call them!

10. If you are nursing, ask to meet with a lactation nurse. These nurses specialize in making both mommy and baby successful in breast-feeding. In addition, you may want to ask for some breast shields to take home with you. If you are not nursing, as the nurses the best way to help you feel comfortable when your milk comes in and drying up.

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Ten Things to Remember When Taking Your Baby Shopping

It is always advised to wait until after the baby shower to do any type of shopping for your baby to see what you get and what is left that you might need. Most moms will go shopping for final things directly after the shower and prior to the baby's arrival but some do not. Some go into labor early leaving them with needs and some just prefer to do their finalized shopping after the baby is born. You may only get one solid opportunity to pick up the rest of the things you need so make a list and make it count.

1. Health and Safety Items - You will want to make sure you have a thermometer, baby monitor, night light, shampoo and body wash, diaper cream, nail clippers, baby lotion, brush or comb and a few pacifiers (just in case). A nasal aspirator should be on this list unless you "steal" the one from the hospital which most moms do.

2. Diapering - You are going to need a lot of diapers. You should also stock up on baby wipes, burp clothes, wash clothes and diaper pail is handy.

3. Clothing - You don't need a ton of clothes because they do grow out of them quickly but have enough so that every time your baby spits up you're not worried about when you are going to squeeze in the time to do a load of laundry. You'll need newborn sleepers, socks or booties, newborn cap, t-shirts and if it's winter then a coat or warm apparel of some sort.

4. Bedding - Be sure that you have receiving blankets, crib blanket or quit, swaddling blanket and possibly a hooded bath towel.

5. Equipment - The infant car seat is first on the list but unless your baby came really early or you borrowed one for the initial ride home, you probably already have this. A baby carrier of some sort is essential whether it is a sling, wrap or pack is up to you. You will need a stroller,a bouncer or a swing and a diaper bag.

6. Furniture - Chances are you probably already have something for the baby to sleep in but you may need a bassinet, cradle or a crib. Also on the list is a mattress, waterproof pads, changing table and pads and please do not forget the mobile to hang over the crib!

7. Nursing Accessories - These are important if you are breast feeding. Nursing pillow, nursing pads, breast pump and storage bottles, nipples, feeding bottles and a bottle brush.

8. Mother Stuff - You are going to need nursing bras, a nursing gown or just practical pajamas, extra-long maxi pads, bath herbs and lanolin or some other product to soothe your very tired and very sore nipples.

9. Odds & Ends - If you haven't already bought birth announcements, now is a good time. An infant hand mold is a great idea to pick up, baby books and a journal and make sure you have a camera.

10. Gift for Fido - your dog or cat also has to undergo a lot of adjusting and having to share in the attention. It's important to let them they are still loved just the same so they don't resent your little bundle of joy. Pick them up a toy or a treat to show them they aren't forgotten.

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