Prenatal vitamins provide essential nutrients in the quantities that pregnant women need daily.  They are very important. Take your prenatal vitamins! Also remember though that healthy food the perfect way to supplement the supplement.  Percent absorption of nutrients from food is much higher than from capsules, pills, or powder.  Some can be better than none so don't feel like they are necessarily all bad, but the over all lesson to be had is that food is better.  Fresh, whole foods not only give you a greater offering of nutrients (even in just one ingredient), but they also fulfill your needs for phytochemicals and fiber than cannot be met with substitutes no matter what the label says.  There are some risks that come with many supplements: high dosage, contamination with harmful substances, limiting your vitamin consumption by taking a set of pills instead of food that is packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals.   If you are taking supplements prior to pregnancy and are comfortable with your regimen don't feel like you need to stop, but to be safe be sure to discuss these products with your practitioner.  A few of the top take-away's from this article on supplements: 

"Look at the DV percentage. The percentage of Daily Value is based on chemically pure vitamin fractions. If the nutrient on the label is listed at 100% or more, you've likely got a synthetic product on your hands. Remember, nature is low dose but highly potent.

Beware of singular vitamins. Mother Nature works in tandem. Her nutrients are never found alone. If you’re taking a supplement all by itself, such as vitamin E or D, it’s guaranteed to be synthetic.

Don’t buy the hype. The supplement industry is an industry just like anything else. Major supplement manufacturers often sponsor studies and/or donate money to research programs at universities likely having some influence on both the study design and the results and conclusions reached."  (Ex. Fish oil supplements became very popular within recent years but without specific heart conditions fish oil supplements can actually create health problems in healthy individuals.  While they can be very helpful for people in a specific situation they are not a good choice for the average person trying to take care of their heart health.)

and one more important bit of my own.  

Research your company.  Harmful levels of heavy metals or bacteria have been found in bottles of well intention supplement takers pill bottles on several occasions even within the past decade.  If you are going to take supplements do research on the manufacturer to ensure they are providing only the best and safest products.  Good places to start would include consumer reports or  other resources outside the company itself.  

And also ask yourself the following questions (from WebMD)

-"What health benefits does this supplement offer me? 
-Is there any research supporting the use of this supplement?
-Do I need this supplement for my health, either to treat a medical condition or help prevent disease?
-What is the recommended dose for this supplement?
-When and for how long do I need to take this supplement?
-Which is most appropriate and effective for me -- a pill, powder, or liquid?
-Which form of the vitamin (vitamin D2 or D3, for instance) is the best?
-Does this supplement or vitamin have any known side effects?
-What are the best brands of this supplement in terms of quality, safety, and researched effectiveness?
-Does this supplement interact with any medications or foods?
-Will I need to stop taking this supplement or vitamin if I have to undergo surgery?" 

Check out this mini documentary from The New Yorker about a cardiologist's goal for a VBAC for  her second child.  VBACs are an option and can be safe and  successful!

This nonprofit has chapters and monthly meetings has in many cities across the US.  Not only do they promote the efficacy and benefits of baby carriers, but they help moms find the one that is right for them.  Going to a chapter meeting will help you

- figure out how to wear your baby or toddler using your own carrier safely and correctly
- introduce you to the many different types of carriers available 
- meet other moms
- see the benefits of baby wearing in action (hands free, comfortable mom, happy child)
- library loan of one type of carrier per month with membership, this give you a chance to really get a good idea if a carrier is a good fit for you before you invest

Here is an article to share with friends and family with advice for how the can best help and avoid burdening the new mom and dad in first few weeks of baby's life.    This should also give you a good idea of what you can expect or hope for from others.  If making plans and having visitors  is too stressful or exhausting at this stage, politely explain and see if you can find the best way to fulfill their desire to help you and your need for help of any kind.  While they might want to spend time with parents and baby together, maybe a friend coming over and watching baby while you take a shower or bringing dinner for you to eat alone or with the preparer could be the most comfortable and the best use of time and energy  during those early weeks.  Don't be afraid to ask for help and tell people how they can be most helpful.  

If your baby is delivered by c-section, you will receive instructions from your a care provider about how to care for the incision site, appropriate physical activity, and what to expect from your body.  After initial recovery, you can also employ holistic methods to better how you feel and aid the healing process. These practices include scar tissue massage, acupressure, and ingestion of healing promoting nutrients  & minerals and the whole foods in which they can be found.  This aricle is a great introduction to these methods.  

Read more about these techniques here and don't forget to discuss with your practitioner at an appointment or by phone to make sure they are safe for you.