A-list pregnancy at a fraction of the cost

1. Personal Shopping Service

What's the service: No A-listers want to be photographed trying out the latest prams and asking advice from the new recruits in Mothercare.  Instead they book a private session with Babylist to help choose nursery essentials, prams and furniture, which are then delivered to your door and assembled on site.
A-List for Less: Talk to a nursery advisor at your local John Lewis store.  Consultations are free and you will leave with a list of products to buy, which you can either order by phone or over the internet.  Or talk to friends with babies and toddlers and ask them if they’ve got anything to pass on.

2. Maternity Nurse or Night Nanny

What’s the Service: Maternity nurses provide 24-hour babycare for 6 days a week from the moment you return from hospital.  They sleep in the same room as the baby, take care of night feeds and set sleeping and feeding routines to suit you.  They generally cost £500-£1,000 per week.  Book with Maternally Yours www.maternallyyours.co.uk or Nannies Incorporated www.nanniesinc.com. 
A-List for Less: Ask your mum to spend a week at home [please check with your partner first!].  Or hire a local doula at www.doula.org.uk at £10 an hour just to help you take a nap or get the house straight.

3. Post-Baby Diet and Exercise

 What’s the Service:  the combination of a personal trainer and nutritionist have allowed celebrity mums to brag about losing their post-baby weight within six weeks.  Try Beth Pollock’s Mummy Rescue Packs.  A personal trainer from London Academy of Personal Fitness (LAPF) costs around £55/hr.
A-List for Less: Prepare home-made meals for your freezer a week before your due date, or have your groceries delivered direct to your home.  Ask visiting friends and family to bring a few provisions with them.  And for exercise get yourself out with the buggy or find a local Pushy Mothers group at  www.pushymothers.co.uk.

4. Baby Party Planners

What’s the Service: Name your budget and let Twizzle organise your baby shower, Christening or that all important 1st birthday party.   From a budget of £250 for a party entertainer to £20,000 for the top end of the range. 
A-List for Less: Host the party at home with home-made food and decorations, order everything from paper plates to party bags from Party Ark www.partyark.co.uk and persuade a friend to organise some party games.