Coming home with your new-born is a very exciting time, but it can also be a very daunting experience for many new parents. All too often expectations and reality are very far apart. 

Many parents experience a surreal feeling of leaving the hospital after the birth of their first child. In the very beginning, you may find it hard to believe that you are allowed to take this new little person home with you. From now on, your life is going to take on some new big changes. 

It’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed and confused. Over the last few days, you probably had nurses taking care of your every need, and the last time you were home, there was one less person living there. It’s quite an adjustment for everyone in the household, so take it easy on each other until you all set into a new routine. 

With so many new changes (hormonal included), you are bound to experience all kinds of emotions in the first couple weeks; insecurity, euphoria, nervousness and definitely tiredness. What you need to remember is that this is normal and expected. Motherhood, especially in the beginning, is a series of trials and errors, leaps of faith and taking many deep breaths. However, you can do it – and you will!

Try and avoid visitors for the first two weeks. This is the time for you and your new little tenant to get to know each other. Sure, family and friends may be a bit disappointed – just remind them that the baby isn’t going anywhere and that she/he will still be just as adorable in two weeks. That being said, if you do need help, ask! This doesn’t mean you’re a bad mom or that you can’t handle it. You need your sleep too, and your body is still healing. Remember that your body has also been through a lot so you should give yourself just as much TLC as your baby. Sleep when your baby sleeps, listen to your body and, most importantly, trust your instincts.

Welcome aboard to parenthood - the ride of a lifetime.