I no longer understand the term "like a sleeping baby". They don't sleep. They are little people with insomnia who binge on milk all night and day. For the first few months Oscar fed every 1-2 hours, this then changed to 3 times during the night and now he is sleeping from 7pm till 5am, waking up sometimes for 10-15 minutes for a hug.

What did I find helped?
1. White noise (particularly when <3 months) - Oscar would even fall asleep in the morning when he heard my hair dryer
2. Don't let them get over tired otherwise they will have a restless sleep
3. Get a cot which attaches to the bed for the first six months. Oscar would sleep longer if I had my hand on his chest or held his hand.
4. Don't let them go to bed on an empty stomach - try to get them to have some milk before bed
5. Rocking does help send them to sleep but they can become dependent
6. Introduce a 'dream' feed

What didn't work?
1. Music and mobiles - Oscar would just play with them
2. Sleeping in the same room as us when he turned 6 months - any movement would wake him
3. Blackout blinds - he has a sixth sense and knows it morning

I must admit we never tried the crying it out method. I wasn't capable of letting him cry any longer than 10 seconds. However, I don't think this has made any difference. If anything, he seems very content and happy and is sleeping better than other babies whose mums used that method. I think different things work for different people and different babies and we must do whatever suits us and the situation.

1. Have a birth plan but not expect to stick with it - I wanted to have a natural birth with an epidural and ended up having a reaction to the epidural and an emergency c-section. I have only met two other mums whose birth plans went exactly how they wanted. This doesn't mean don't write one but just try and encourage yourself (I know it is hard) to be flexible.
2. Take two pillows - the hospital couldn't even find me one and they will be much needed during and after birth.
3. Bring treats for the nurses and doctors - they are having a long day too!
4. Bring a towel and toiletries - if you are like me, although I did struggle, you will want a shower
5. If you are offered an epidural and want one get it there and then. If you ask them to come back in an hour they may be busy and you will never get one.
6. Don't be afraid to ask questions to your midwife - they will be happy to reassure you
7. Even if your hair is messy and you don't have makeup on get pictures straight away with your baby. Everything happens so quickly it is nice to look back.

Nine months have just past since I gave birth after 24 hours of "natural labour" and an emergency c-section. Oscar was born weighing just over 6lbs. I was lucky thoughout my pregnancy, expect for some sciatica and backpain, I was still swimming and going on the exercise bike until the week before. Nothing could have prepared me however, for the lack of sleep over the coming three months  - in fact it is all quite a blur.