Bringing my baby home was exciting and daunting

Otis in his car seat for the first time.

First week as parents. We need sleep!

Precious time with my baby.

Ready for an early night.

Loving his sleepy head.

Waiting patiently to be discharged from hospital,

Our matching poorly hands from the drip.

"When my baby cried for the first time my milk started leaking from my boobs straight away, before I even had time to start feeding."

"My first period after having a baby was horrific - the blood was pouring out with giant clots. I ended up going to hospital and having an internal but they told me it was completely normal!"

"Babies can projectile poo and vomit. My daughter puked on my face when I was about to give her a kiss and my son's bum exploded all over me and the sofa."

"Yes, you do bleed, a lot. But not everyone has the massive clots and bleeds for weeks. With my youngest it was four days and was no worse then a period after the first few hours."

"If you tear vaginally they might stick a finger up your bum to check that there are no tears up there too. They will warn you if they have to check!"

"You pee like a horse for a good while afterwards - its just your body converting those extra litres of blood from pregnancy into water. I couldn't believe how many times I needed to go for a wee in a day!"

"Be prepared for not being able to hold in any farts! I normally wouldn't trump in front of my husband but after the birth I remember doing one that seemed to last for about a minute!"

"For a few days post-birth I would get this dropping sensation every time I stood up. I really thought my womb might fall out of my fanny! Needless to say it didn't. It went away once all the muscles had a chance to heal."

"I was shocked by how hard my boobs were when my milk came in. My husband elbowed me by accident and didn't understand why I was nearly crying."

"Have water next to you before you sit down to breastfeed. The second I began to feed I needed water so badly."

"Be prepared for night-time sweating. The bed sheets were soaking when I'd get up for a night feed."

"I had awful trapped wind. I had to send my mum out on an emergency shop visit for peppermint tea and wind-eze before she could come to visit us."

"I wish someone told me that I may not feel that instant thunderbolt of love for my baby. I had a nasty tear and difficult recovery and think that made it hard for me to bond initially. If this happens to you don't worry, you absolutely will fall head over heels in love with your baby, it might just take a little time."

"During my first shower after birth I could barely stand up I felt so weak. I lent over a plastic chair and my hubby had to wash me."

"Baby boys will pee on their heads. Numerous times. Have a wet wipe ready as soon as that nappy comes off, or you'll be covered too."

Have a pillow nearby if you have a c-section. It hurts when you sit up, but if you lightly press a pillow across your scar it helps."

"I was very sore down there. Epsom salts in a bath twice a day helped with a speedy healing process."

"If you've had a c-section, lie flat on your back after your first shower to air dry your stitches. It's too sore to use a towel and it's best to make sure it's totally dry so it doesn't get infected."

"Sometimes you're on such a high after the birth you can't sleep! When I had my second baby I didn't sleep for two days straight."

"Witch hazel is heaven. Pour it on a pad - it gives great relief down below and helps stitches heal. I swear by it now."