Top Surprises For New Parents

http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/slideshow-top-surprises-of-parenthood

1. All your time is baby time - Newborns sleep up to 18 hours per day, but that is broken into small chunks. Between naps there is feeding, changing and a lot of holding needed. After the first hectic weeks, babies will begin to take longer naps at more predictable times.

2. You've joined the parent club - Strangers smile at you. Mothers at church ask if you want to join them on a play date. Your boss asks how your baby's doctor visit went. The club is called parenthood, and you have a lot of company.

3. Your relationship changes - There's one more person to interact with, which means less time for just you and your partner. Try to set aside time for just the two of you.

4. Night is no longer for sleeping - Until your baby sleeps through the night, you can limit your deprivation by taking turns with your partner in getting up with the baby.

5. You'll have too many visitors - Family and friends will want to see the new baby, and bring endless stories about raising their kids and advise about raising yours. If you are feeling overwhelmed, it's ok to say "Lets make it another time." Good friends will understand.

6. You make more faces than a baby - Babies learn by watching and interacting with their environment. It won't be long before you find yourself doing a lot of "silly" things to encourage your baby's learning.

7. You need help - The constant attention that babies demand is exhausting. Ask for help from your partner. Each of you should have time each day while the other is taking care of the baby to do something that's just for you.

8. Babies need conversation - When you talk to your baby, she learns and you bond. Imitate your baby's vocalizations - "ba-ba" or "goo-goo" - then wait for your baby to make another sound, and repeat that back. This helps her learn the give and take of conversation.

9. Babies are expensive - The average middle class family spends $225,000 in the first 17 years of a child's life. That's just to provide food, shelter and other necessities. That doesn't include things like increases in health insurance, or saving for college.

10. Guilt is part of parenthood - You told yourself you were going to be a great parent, but there are times when you simply don't want to do it anymore. Now you feel guilty that you aren't enjoying every moment. Don't. It's natural to want a break from baby. Ask for help. When the baby is safe in his crib, call a friend. And take time to notice all the things that are going right.