Giving birth takes a lot of energy. And when baby arrives at home, your usual routine disappears. This section gives you some advice on how to cope with the demands and emotions centered around your new baby.

These are the topics we'll cover in this section:

The Demands of Daily Activities

Mixed Emotions

Postpartum Depression

The Demands of Daily Activities

To get needed rest, you must realize that your baby does not need your attention every minute—for instance, when he is safely in the crib or playpen. By sharing child care and necessary household tasks with your partner—and with other family members or outside help—you will be able to regain your energy in due time. This sharing helps you feel good about both your baby and yourself.

Women rearing babies alone should try to establish contact with others for psychological support and for help in emergencies. Sharing your experiences with a single parents' support group, child care provider, neighbors, family, and friends can be reassuring. Interacting with other adults can also enlarge your baby's sense of belonging.

Mixed Emotions

Both mother and father may have mixed emotions about being parents in general. Parents may find themselves resenting their loss of independence—and may feel guilty as a result. Or they may be disappointed in themselves as parents. These feelings are common. The reassuring truth is that there's no such thing as a perfect parent or a perfect child.

Mom and Dad can develop their own parenting styles by listening, learning, and being honest with themselves and each other. They can benefit by building on their strengths and learning from their limitations.

If you feel distressed about your child or yourself, one of the best remedies is to talk to a friend who is going through the same experiences. You will find that you are not alone, that all parents have trying times, and that discussion brings relief. If there is a chapter of Parents Anonymous in your area, a crisis hotline or a mental health center (look under "Mental Health" in the Yellow Pages), you can get understanding and help immediately by calling and asking for it.

Postpartum Depression

Most new mothers experience a range of strong emotions after childbirth, largely as a result of changing hormone levels and physical exhaustion. Sometimes these feelings are of sadness, fear, anger or anxiety. About two thirds of all new mothers have the "blues," usually starting about 3 days after the birth of their baby. They may become moody, sad, or quick to cry. They may feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for a new baby. These feelings, sometimes called "baby blues," usually last from a few hours to a week or so and go away without treatment.

However, a few women develop intense feelings of hopelessness, sadness and anxiety that disrupt their ability to function normally. When these feelings become extreme and last longer than a few days, they may signal a more serious condition called postpartum depression, which may require counseling and treatment. If you feel overwhelmed with these feelings, or if they last more than a week, make sure to check with your health care professional.