It helped so much to learn that everyone else feels the same way. Every new parent feels helpless and incompetent at first. Every new parent feels tired. Those first few weeks of parenthood can be one of the most stressful times in a person's life. Byrd-Garofalo offers the following advice for coping with a new baby, whether it's your first or your fourth.
Every baby is different.
Reading baby books, it's easy to believe there is one homogenized baby. Ask for help. Involve both parents in baby care. Expectant dads can prepare themselves by spending time with male friends who are fathers, watching them diaper, feed and play with their babies. Giving dad time alone with the new baby also will allow him the chance to develop his skills without fear of criticism from mom.