As you become used to the idea of being a new parent, here are a few things that you might expect to happen:

• Feel tired - A new baby needs to be fed every two to three hours - day and night. So expect to feel tired for a little while - particularly in those early weeks and particularly if you are breastfeeding.
• Feel overwhelmed - Where possible, ask other family members to take over some of the day-to-day chores so you can rest.
• Feel frustrated - Breastfeeding can sometimes be a challenge, but remember breast milk is the best food for your baby for the first six months.
• Feel sad - Many new mothers feel like a good cry following their baby’s birth - the birth of a new baby is an emotionally turbulent time. Some women can feel a bit weepy and even depressed. All this is normal and occurs because of hormonal changes in the new mother. It usually settles down in a few days after birth and as breastfeeding becomes established. See your healthcare professional if your depression continues or becomes more severe.
  

In the meantime...

• Ask your family to let people know that you will invite them to visit when you are ready to see people.
• If people offer help, accept it - ironing, preparing a meal, anything at all. Accepting help is not a sign that you are not coping!
• After a few weeks, you and your partner may like to spend some time together, just the two of you, so ask someone you feel comfortable with to babysit for a couple of hours while you go out together.