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I didn't have a clue the first time. Here's a pile of stuff from my first son's nursery before he was born. Not even sure I used most of this.

I've been hearing a lot lately from a new market niche - baby planner consultants.  What a great job to have.  Many Moms have started these companies where they offer their services to help expecting or new, first time Moms.

There's such a market for it - I can say that with confidence because I've been there, as has every other Mom I know.  No matter how many nieces and nephews you have, how many times you've babysat, you really don't know what you're getting yourself into until you're there.  And then there's the whole stuff you need thing.   Strollers, car seats.  Infant carriers, baby bunting.  Bouncy seats, bassinets and exersaucers.  It's overwhelming, to say the least.  (I have a headache just thinking about listing it all here, and I have two kids!)

Ask for advice from friends
With my first pregnancy, the day I found out I was having a boy, I headed over to Babies R Us to register, I was so excited.  It was partly so I could have a list too of what I needed.  I brought my friend Susan, who at the time was pregnant with #4.  This is the first piece of advice I have for first time Moms - rely on those who have been there, done that.  Because they know.  They really do - Mom testers and Moms with experience know what you truly need, and although it's tempting to purchase so many cute and adorable things - you're better off hearing from Moms who have used products with their real life babies who can share their likes and dislikes with you.  A little advice goes a long way.

But I walked in, and I was like a claustrophobic in a broken and closed door elevator - after about five minutes, I wanted to shout, get me the h*** out of here!  It's just so much to take in when you haven't been there before.

Hire a consultant
Many new Moms are opting to hire someone professional to be with them.  There are these new baby planning services. One I recently heard from is the Baby Planners.  They're based out of LA and they've been featured on the Rachael Ray Show, on iVillage and in Pregnancy Magazine.  For a fee, they'll walk you through every step of the way.  And no, you do not have to be in LA to enlist their services - you can get phone support.  (Mention Mommies with Style to receive 10% off if you are interested in purchasing their services.)  

And there are others too, like Itsabelly, who offers eco-baby options for Green parents-to-be.   And My Baby Concierge. Just Google "baby planning consulting services" and it'll bring up a whole slew of companies to choose from.

The bottom line is, don't think you can do it all.  Read up online, talk to friends, hire a service if you're so inclined.  These days, the only thing you have to do by yourself is get that baby out of your belly.  (And if someone someday figures out a pain-free, easy way to outsource that, they'll be onto something!)