David Letterman never had lists like these. Well, maybe he did, but who can stay up late enough to watch him? Not us mommies – we're sleep-deprived enough already. We asked some of our favorites among the many moms we've interviewed over the years to e-mail us the items at the top of their lists. So, without further ado, here are our lists. And, if you see Letterman, tell him we said we'll have to catch him in reruns.

10.You don't have to clean the cat litter box for nine months.
9. People offer to carry things for you.
8. You can ask total strangers to tie your shoes.
7. You don't have to shave your legs because you can't see past your belly.
6. Even if they don't have "public" restrooms, they'll let you use theirs.
5. You don't have to hold in your stomach.
4. You can order off the kid's menu.
3. No more diets!
2. Pregnancy is nature's breast enlargement. All of our mom contributors mentioned this little (er, big) perk.
1. You get a baby at the end!

10. Practice taking advice graciously, or pretending to, anyway.
9. Beginning in your ninth month, set the alarm to go off every two hours all night long.
8. Pack three hospital bags: one for the family car, one for the cab (in case a family car is unavailable) and one for the baby.
7. Buy a car seat and put it in your car. Baby's not going home without it.
6. Start your labor preparation classes early in case your baby makes a surprise appearance.
5. Instead of just you and your husband getting ready, have a "team" in place to relieve him if it's a long labor, like a friend or your mother or mother-in-law.
4. Sleep.
3. Sleep.
2. Sleep. (The same mom gave us numbers 4, 3 and 2. We're guessing she doesn't watch Letterman.)
1. Eat your dinner while it's still hot.

10. Your own shampoos, soaps and lotions. Hospital sample sizes have an undeniably antiseptic feel. You'll be much more refreshed and feel much better if you can shower and brush your teeth with your familiar products after you've been through labor and delivery.
9. A pillow, or two. Hospital pillows are not always comfortable.
8. Bedroom slippers and lots of socks. If you don't bring your own, the hospital will be glad to provide you with those non-skid socks made from sandpaper.
7. Lip balm. Because you won't be allowed to drink anything during labor, you will get dehydrated. This will help some and it's even better if it's your usual brand.
6. Maternity underwear. Many pairs. You will need them.
5. Something non-perishable to eat. You will be starved after giving birth and the hospital will be determined to feed you on their schedule, not yours. Stash some granola bars or juice boxes. Even better, have a stash for your husband or birthing coach. Those hospital vending machines full of pop and weird chips look pretty unappetizing at 3 a.m.
4. Something to read. But nothing that requires anything approaching rational or intelligent thought.
3. A nursing bra. Even if you don't know if you're going to nurse or not, you'll appreciate having one.
2. Camera and film. Just toss a disposable in your bag so you know you have one.
1. A girlfriend. Preferably one who has given birth. After all, when it comes right down to it, giving birth is women's work.

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