Day 1 at home with your newborn
Batten down the hatches. "Try to keep visitors to a minimum for the first few days as you find your feet as a family. If your baby sleeps a lot today, don't panic - catch up on some well-earned rest because you 'll feel incredibly tired," says Sue Jacob, midwife teacher at the Royal College of Midwives.
"Use the answering machine amd call people back once you're ready to talk," says Katie, 33, mum to Jasmine, 8, Maisie, 5 and Libby, 1.
Also, prepare for bleeding, which can last up to six weeks. "Expect to bleed quite heavily at first, especially when you move around. Gradually it'll change from bright to darker red or brown, and any clots will disappear," says Michelle Lyne, a midwifery advisor for the Nursing & Midwifery Council.
"Stock up on maternity pads before you give birth. Normal pads aren't designed for women who have just given birth – you'll need more than that," says Megan, 36, mum to Anna, 10 months.
