So I used to post under a different account but I forgot the password. I'm just going to post about the first month because my birth was really uneventful. I did have an epidural and a second degree tear as well as a labial tear.

So, the things I have found most useful in the first month were the rock and play, a k'tan sling, and my breast pump. Seriously, I haven't used much else aside fron a pack and play for her to sleep in. Obviously, get whatever you'd like, but we haven't needed too much.

Something that I have really found useful is having a changing station on both floors of our house so we aren't running up and down the stairs. We've bought several types of diaper cream which I've also found useful to prevent rash. There is one from Babyganics that is an ointment that we put on all of the time, rash or not, that has helped prevent anything too bad. Then we have the hardcore butt paste for her rash whenever it pops up because it's really hard to fully prevent. My big tip is to really lather it on at night so you don't feel bad leaving a poopy diaper on a very sleeping baby.

As far as sleep is concerned, we have a really good baby. She sleeps well with a few exceptions when she is having growth spurts. If you ever get frustrated with your baby, I find it helpful to talk to her and verbally understand why she might be upset. It's easy to forget how difficult it is for a baby.

Everyone tells you to swaddle, we couldn't. Our LO hated her hands and feet restrained after the first few days. Plus she could roll over to her side and I didn't feel okay with her hands swaddled. Every baby is different, so don't expect everything to be as the books say.

She is almost six weeks and is still in some new born clothes even though she was born at 38 weeks. We have like six outfits we are going through while we wait for her to grow a bit more.

Remember that all babies are different and you'll find what works for you.