Having just had a baby, I thought I'd share some tips and tricks about the time spent in the hospital before and after the birth, as well as the first days home. Some of these tips are from friends, some are from the hospital staff, and some are from experience. With any pregnancy and baby related advice, the decisions are yours... these are just some opinions to take or leave :)

The hospital stay: what to pack / bring / expect:

• Have 'birth goals' not a 'birth plan.' My hospital stay was longer than most, due to a 30 hour labor followed by a C-Section (after getting all the way to 8cm!). My number one goal -- to not have a C-Section -- got nixed (and thankfully so, since Leo turned out to be 10 pounds instead of the 8 predicted). Birth 'goals' instead of a ' birth plan' lets you keep in mind that this is the most unplanned and unpredictable time of your life.
• Buy and bring a 'Swaddle Me' Wrap. A friend of mine had recommended these to me. My favorite is by Kiddopotamus and is available at Babies R Us and other baby super stores. I find this to be a brilliant product and having had the C-Section, it made swaddling super easy. My husband, doing most of the work besides feeding, also fell in love with the Swaddle Me.
• Make it clear if you are having visitors. This is a touchy one, but essential. If you are unsure, you may want to say you are not, and then pleasantly surprise those who call to congratulate with an invitation to come and see you and your new little one.
• Ask the nurses tons of questions. They love sharing their opinions and you can take and leave the advice that you get.

If you are nursing:

• Use the lactation consultant. They have loads of priceless information... and leave your modesty at home.
• Let the nursery know not to use a pacifier if you don't want them to. Some hospitals have nurseries that can take the baby during the night if you wish. Make sure they know you are nursing and do not want a pacifer. We put a little note in our bassinet when he would visit the nursery for vitals, etc.
• Bring Lanolin Cream. I like Lansiloh brand (the kind in the purple box / tube)
• Ask for a prescription for APNO Cream before you leave. This stuff is amazing for cracked nipples (which you most likely will get... even with a perfect latch). Note that it needs to be compounded so call your local pharmacy to see if they compound, or go directly to an apothecary. I found this link that explains APNO in more detail.
• Inquire about 'cup feeding' if your milk comes in late. My milk had still not come in by day three (C-Sections can delay the process by a day or so), and my 10 pounder was so hungry. I didn't want to bottle feed and lose the great latch Leo had shown early on. One of the nurses suggest we supplement by feeding him a little cup of formula. It worked like a charm! Even if you know you are going to exclusively breast feed, it may be good to have some formula at home.

If you have a C-Section:

• Take your pain meds. It's better to be on top of the pain rather than chasing it. This will also help you  get up and walk around, aiding in quicker healing.
• Bowels beware. Your bowel system shuts down during surgery, and takes a few days to recover which causes -- you guessed it -- back up. You'll want to have Colace, laxatives and glycerin suppositories at home. You'll be tempted to be embarrassed about this, but please don't. It's a normal (although very uncomfortable and sometimes painful) part of recovery. Everyone I know who had a C/S has had bowel issues for some time after the surgery.
• Recovery is fast, then slow. After the first few days, I felt so much better. Then around day 4, recovery flat-lined for about 10 days or so. I wasn't in pain so much as heavy discomfort, and it was frustrating. I was also back in my home, walking longer hallways, without the luxury of nurses 24/7. Make sure to ask for help from friends and family members, and know that recovery will come in time.

Good luck and remember to take care of yourself!

Please note these are only opinions of Hello Little One and we do not endorse any products or medications without a doctor's consent.

One of the highlights of my pregnancy was when my husband and I took our babymoon in the Bahamas. For those of you unfamiliar with the term 'babymoon,' it is essentially a vacation taken while pregnant, before the round-the-clock feedings and diaper changes begin. We went when I was about 6 and a half months pregnant, which for me, was the best time of the 9 month journey. I was showing, but not gigantic, and my lethargy from the first trimester had turned into a new found energy. We wanted somewhere warm and relaxing (to give us a break from the cool Boston November days), and on the beach. Bahamas was perfect for us. Here are some tips on taking the perfect babymoon:

• According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the safest time for a pregnant woman to travel is between 18-24 weeks. This would be in your second trimester, when the nausea has subsided and you are feeling a bit more spring in your step. It's also when most preggo women feel the most sexy: glowing skin, round little belly, and maternity clothes finally fit!
• Try to pick somewhere that won't have you on a plane for more than 6 hours, and direct flights work best. I chose the Bahamas as it's a 4 hour flight from Boston...
• Don't go anywhere that doesn't have adequate medical facilities. Angelina and Brad should not influence your choices :)
• Check with the airline to see if they have any restrictions against traveling while pregnant. You are usually good to go in your second trimester, but some airlines get hinkie regarding women 32 weeks or beyond.
• Bring the phone number of your OB. Better yet, this is a good time to have it plugged into your and your husband / partner's cell phone.
•  Overall, chose a place where you know you will be able to relax. The whole point of a babymoon is to pamper yourself and rejuvenate your mind and spirit.

Photo: the location of my babymoon, Compass Point Resorts in Nassau. It is the number one rated resort on Trip Advisor and for good reason: it rocks. We had an amazing time and can't wait to go back.