I thought it might be a good idea to list a few things that have helped you in the first few weeks of bringing baby home. It might give others some ideas of how to cope with the enormous stress that is involved with having a brand new baby.

Some things that have helped me:

* have a shower every morning no matter what. It makes you feel half human and able to face the day. Take the baby in with you (in a rocker), get someone to watch it - anything to allow you at least a few minutes to bathe. If the baby cries, it's ok - it's not going to be for long!

* USE your support networks (BellyBelly, midwives, MCHN, hotlines, partners, family etc.) and don't try to do it all. You can't do it all so let people help you.

* Communicate with your partner and tell them how you are feeling so that they know how you feel and so that you get a chance to vent.

I am still going through all of this myself so I would love to hear other people's ideas.