As a new mother, you're probably feeling excited but tired. This is normal. Your body will need at least six weeks to recover from a vaginal birth. Full recovery after a cesarean birth takes longer, possibly a few months.

Now is not the time to worry about a clean house or hot meals at dinnertime. Recognize that you are in a temporary adjustment period and that your greatest priority is your expanded family. Relax and learn to let things go.

A little exercise will tone your muscles. You'll feel stronger and more energized. You'll also feel more awake and aware. Don't worry about your weight right now. Your goal is to feel healthy.

Motherhood is one of the few roles in life that never lets up. It can be physically and emotionally draining. But if you take care of yourself, you will be better able to cope.

Over the next year, your household will go through many changes. If this is your first child, you and your partner will have to adjust to the idea of being a family. If you have older children, help them adjust to the new baby.

You’ve just had a baby. You know you should be excited and happy. But instead you find yourself crying for no reason. You feel sad, tired, and hopeless most of the time. You may even feel ashamed or guilty.