You and Your new Baby- How to survive the first months of parenthood - written by Christine and Peter Hill this book is aimed particularly at thise with demanding jobs or lifestyles who want to ensure that there will be life beyond motherhood and birth. (ISBN 0-09-181712-9)

Below is an extract from Christine's book- particularly useful for first time Mums. The book is packed with common sense, practical advice -focusing on how to care for yourself as well as for your baby. Christine also runs private antenatal classes in Chiswick. If you are interested you will need to book early as her classes are always full - tel: 020 89944349.

A list of useful items to have when your baby is born together with contacts for magazines / mail order companies.

Useful gear from day one

Extra pillows and/or V-shaped pillow (Dunlopillo rather than duckdown)

* Nightshirts (for you) with front opening buttons

* Low nursing chair

3 nursing bras

Dimmer switch for baby's room or side light with low wattage bulb (40w)

Heater with thermostatic control for winter babies

Fan for summer babies (There will be no fans to buy during a heat wave!)

? Plug-in baby alarm

* Changing table or chest of drawers - must be at least waist height

2 plastic changing mats (1 upstairs and 1 downstairs)

Nappies - disposable, a bin with liner and nappy bags

Top and Tail bowl and Zinc and castor oil cream /Sudocreme / barrier cream

Baby emollient, cotton wool balls and wipes

Sudocreme, Drapolene or Metanium - in case of nappy rash

Pack of muslin nappies Baby Bath - or something similar

Baby bath solution (Infacare), baby emollient/soap (Simple soap)

2 soft towels for the baby's use only

Hairbrush and baby nail scissors/clippers

* Car baby seat (check there is a separate head inset if it is borrowed) (car sun-screener in summer) *

Moses basket / very light carrycot / chicco chair

Portable changing bag

Underblankets / towels

3 blankets for crib/Moses basket and pram - wool and/or cotton cellular

4-6 cotton vests (over head type rather than front ties)

4-6 nighties and/or babygros

Cardigans, socks and cotton bonnet, bibs and dummy!

Keep all receipts and do not unwrap clothes until needed