Meeting your newborn baby for the first time is an out of this world experience which you are unlikely to forget, usually accompanied by inexplicably strong feelings of love and affection. When you bring your baby home, you will want to do everything in your power to care and protect him or her. There will be much to learn but there is no strict right or wrong way, you have to find your own way to be the parent you want to be with your own baby.

First few weeks with a newborn baby

During the first few weeks at home with your new baby expect to be feeling the after effects of giving birth with possible ongoing symptoms. Your baby will need round the clock care, typically waking every 2-4 hours throughout the day and night. You will need all your strength to focus on caring for your baby as it will be an endless round of feeding, winding and nappy changes, as well as bathing, cuddles and comforting. To get through those first few weeks it is advisable to get as much rest as possible while your baby is sleeping. Try to ignore the housework, accept any offers of help and don't be afraid to ask close family and friends for help with chores and shopping.

Visitors to see new baby

Family and friends will be eager to visit to meet your new baby but it would be wise to try and restrict visitors to close family or friends only and delay others from visiting at least until after the first few weeks of giving birth as this will give you time to adjust to your new role of being a mum and to be able to further bond with your baby.

Meeting other new mums

As the months pass new mums can typically begin to feel lonely and isolated while their partners are at work and keeping up with their child free friends may be difficult. Our service here at MumsMeetUp helps to combat loneliness by connecting mums locally and across the UK and it is totally free for mums to use. Sign up here to meet other new mums in your area.

TOP TIP: Trust your own maternal instincts, as they will usually be right. If you have any worries at all about your newborn, do not delay seeking reassurance or medical advice from your Health Visitor or GP.

Newborn baby care videos

The following videos by NHS Choices provide facts and advice by Midwives and Health Visitors, as well as tips by mums who reveal their own experiences of being a new mum.