Many mothers envision a blissful experience when they bring their new baby home, but in reality the first weeks are often the busiest and most stressful.

"Most new parents are overwhelmed by the amount of time they spend caring for their newborn," says Linda Goldberg, registered nurse/lactation consultant in Winter Park, Fla. "The idealized vision of sitting in a rocking chair, cradling your newborn, with your hair and makeup freshly applied quickly evaporates once you are home. The first few weeks are spent recuperating from birth and just getting to know your new baby."

It's important to keep in mind that every new mother responds differently to a new baby, and every newborn behaves differently, says Dr. Katharine Golden Kelter, who works in pediatrics in Bronx, N.Y. Some babies seem to sleep all the time, while others never seem to stop crying, for example.

"I try to assure mothers that all these variations in Baby's behavior, as well as Mother's emotions are normal," Dr. Kelter says. "Mothers should feel confident that they are capable, and they will learn how to respond best to their baby's unique personality and needs."

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