10 Things I've found useful in the first 8 weeks.

Tiny Baby Clothes- (unless you defently know you are having a bigger baby) get at least one or two sleepsuits and vests, In tiny/newborn size. I was told Hollie would more than likely be a bigger baby due to the gestational diabetes, but Hollie was 6lbs 8oz and James had to go out and buy some sleepsuits in a smaller size. We still had trouble finding what fitted and a lot of new baby/up to 1month didn't fit, It doesn't help that the sizing in all shops are different. 

Maternity pads- Not very glamorous but I went through a lot, my cousin gave me a big pack and I used them all plus some. so having them at hand really helps with the after bleed. 

Breast pads/supportive bra- I Breast fed/expressed for a few days before deciding to formula feed Hollie, that meant I had to dry up my milk. I leaked a fair bit in the first few days, anything would trigger it hot water, Hollie crying, Hollie near them, knocking them, everything triggered them to leak so Breast pads and a very good supportive bra/sports bra is needed for a couple of weeks or until your milk dries up. 

Easy to hand snacks/drinks- snacks that can be left on the table next to you, so you are able to reach when you are stuck on the sofa for a few hours. Believe me it's not fun not being able to move when you are getting hungry and no one is to hand to help get you something. I found drinking a lot of water in the first few weeks just helped keeping me alert. 

Quick easy meals- following on from snacks, quick easy meals are handy. You can guarantee no matter how you time it baby will need feeding when you go to have your dinner, so by the time you go to eat it starts getting late. 

Peppermint Tea- After having a c-section you are left feeling really bloated. In hospital they gave me peppermint water and it really helped. I couldn't find any when I got home but peppermint tea does the trick too. The tea also feels very cleansing. 

Ready made small bottles of formula- We have found these really helpful for the nights, you can give them at room temperature or warm them up a little. We also find them really handy for when we are out and about. 

Scratch Mittens- sounds quite simple but Hollie is still wearing hers as she loves to grab her face and no matter how much we cut her nails she still manages to scratch her face. We also found they lost there elasticity quite quickly and fall off. So it's worth investing in a few pairs. 

Muslins- Have them everywhere as many as you can. We were told we would need plenty. I think we underestimated how many we would use, so be warned. 

Nappies- In 5 weeks we went through 4 boxes of 74 and that doesn't include the little pack we took into the hospital. So stock up on any deals that you see, it's amazing how many you can use.