arg.... it cut off most of the message and no way to delete it :-/

my questions:
Do you recommend a changing table/pad? My family has suggested just using a floor mat.

Do I need to get a pump/bottles right away if I plan on breastfeeding the first ten week? are pumps now covered by insurance?

items on my list:
#1 crib mobile

I think it's all what you feel comfortable with. We have a changing table/pad upstairs in the nursery but I'm using just covers downstairs so I don't have to go up and down. Alot of pack n plays now have a changing space built in as well so you can just get a liner for that if you are going that route.

Call your insurance company now (I don't know when you are due?). Most insurance companies due have to cover them to some extent. I know state insurance plans where I live cover them full cost. My insurance company will pay for a rental one. It's best to get it out of the way now because it's one less thing once baby comes.

Insurance companies are supposed to be required to offer some coverage for breastpumps, but it varies greatly. My friend was able to get a $300 pump covered at 100%, while my insurance would only reimburse me $30 for a pump. Fortunately, my sister gave me her super-nice one, so I didn't have to spend anything on one. I want to make sure we have as much as we need ahead of time, so we don't have to worry as much about it later. Plus, I will be home for 12 weeks, but once I go back to work, I plan to be pumping a lot, so I'm hoping to actually start early and freeze as much as I can to build up a stock pile.

A lot of people are on the fence about the changing table deal. We are getting a changing table for the nursery, but our pack n' play also has a changing space with it and we have some changing pads and things that we can just bring to other areas of the house if needed. We're having twins, so I figured that we need to be as flexible as possible.

We are also getting a few things at a time. Most of our big items have been checked off our list, but we still have some smaller items that we need to get before the babies arrive. Good luck to you!

i didn't even know breast pumps were covered by insurance. it never occurred to me. thanks for mentioning it. :)