Wow, I wished I'd asked this question b4 i had my DD! I was so completely overconfident b4 that when it came to the actual thing, I felt I was totally inept and overwhelmed. But i wasn't. Something kicks in eventually. It really does!

Ditto to everything the other mothers have said. Be prepared to be so unbelievably tired you'll want to cry because it actually becomes a physical pain after so many sleepless nights, but you'll be too tired to cry. Then your body actually does get used to sleeping in short intervals and after a while, you'll cope!

There'll be times you'll wonder what the heck you're doing and what on earth is happening to you, but THIS WILL PASS. As Robin Barker says in 'Baby Love' (if u only get one baby book, make it this one!!), 'this too shall pass'. Keep repeating that when things get sticky. Also remind yourself that it will get better. It will!

You don't have to be perfect, you just have to be there for your bub. Those first few weeks are spent just getting to know your child so have lots and lots of patience and be kind to yourself.

I also have to echo the fact that you become so totally selfless. All the little annoyances u faced b4 melt away and you'll wonder at how seemingly trivial it all was b4 your baby.

I truly believe mothers are like this whole other species of human. I have so much respect for mothers now. We do EVERYTHING. We keep our families running and still have time to love and nurture our babies. The constant-ness of motherhood can be so scary. You never have a day off from the moment your baby is born, but somehow we cope and better yet, we have the time of our lives doing it.

Best of luck for March. You're going to do great!

Neuri