The days immediately following your baby's birth are likely to be filled with intense excitement and a rush of adrenaline; the big moment has finally happened, and both helpful nurses and ecstatic family members frequent your hospital room

Once you return home, however, you might find yourself a little overwhelmed as you adjust to caring for your newborn without the support of hospital staff. The days immediately following your baby's birth should be time to relax, settle in, and begin growing comfortable in your new responsibilities.

1. Guests: You will no doubt be petitioned by well-meaning family and friends who are dying to come by and “see the baby�. While it can be enjoyable to have guests, it can also be an extremely overwhelming and exhausting experience if you are still getting adjusted. Try limiting the amount of time that visitors stay, or restrict visits for the first week or so. The most important thing to remember: do not attempt to clean your home to perfection or cook a grand meal for visitors. While it can be strange to have company when you feel that your entertaining style is less that best, you need to be realistic about what you can handle. If guests freely offer help, have them bring meals or a few groceries needed.

2. Emotions: As a new mother, keep in mind that the dramatic shift in hormones following the birth of your baby is likely to result in a classic case of the “baby blues�. Lack of sleep, the enormous new responsibility and your own physical discomfort can all lead to feelings of sadness, anxiety, and depression. This is normal! If you are struggling with these emotions longer than the first few weeks or they intensify, then you may be suffering from postpartum depression. Some of the typical symptoms include:

   1. 1. overwhelming sadness
      2. apathy toward your baby
      3. insomnia (or excessive sleepiness)

      4. an extreme weight gain/loss
      5. Inability to think rationally or clearly

Do not ignore these feelings in fear of seeming dramatic or weak; sometimes just sharing it with a loved one can help greatly. You should also mention your feelings to your doctor, who can prescribe medication if needed. If you have even a thought of hurting yourself or your baby, seek help immediately. Postpartum depression is not unusual, and you should certainly not be ashamed if you feel this way. Getting help if needed is best for both you and your baby.

1. Competing Family Members: Every member of your family will need time to adjust to your newest addition, even your pets! If you have children at home, they may experience feelings of jealousy or resentment toward their new sibling. There are two great ways to minimize sibling rivalry. The first way is to allow the older children to help you with your baby; children can gather changing materials, give a baby a bottle (with your help, of course), or hold their new brother or sister (again, with adult supervision). Another great way to ease the tension is to make it a priority to spend time alone with your older child; sharing a “special� time together with Mom or Dad without the new baby reminds your child that he or she is just as important and loved as your new baby.

Although it is difficult to attempt to settle into any kind of consistent routine at this point, do your best to make things as comfortable and functional for your family as possible in those first few weeks.