Others develop a poor appetite, insomnia, tearfulness, and difficulty concentrating. The newborn does not come with instructions, and most first time parents have never taken care of a baby before giving birth to their own. Learning how to soothe, feed, bathe, and dress a baby takes time. It is normal to feel inept at first, just as anyone would feel starting a new job. Severe fatigue and sleep deprivation are a new mom's worst enemy.
Few people can get as tired.
So as soon as the little one nods off, unplug the phone, disconnect the door bell, and take a nap. This is a time for resting, not writing thank you notes, returning phone calls, or entertaining guests. It's easy to become homebound with an infant. Most newborns can safely go out, but check first with the baby's physician. Be prepared for the fact that the baby has not read Dr. Spock nor attended prenatal classes.