Learning to care for your baby and yourself is the challenge of the first few weeks.

Your most important job during the first few weeks of your baby's life is learning to be a parent. You will learn how to take the best care of your baby while finding the time to take care of yourself. The pages in this section (see the links below) discuss many of the issues that may arise as you care for yourself and your baby.

The challenges of breastfeeding may be one of your main concerns during the first weeks of your child's life.

As you adapt to your new life, having a support network will be key to your self-care. Ideally, you have arranged for someone to stay with you for the first week – someone you can trust and count on for advice and support. Try to have help nearby in the first three weeks, for when you just need a break or someone to run to the store. Your family and friends are probably also excited about your new baby, so you may have lots of 'helpers.' For some women, too much attention can be a problem. Here are some tips for keeping visits manageable and helpful.

Despite support, up to 80 percent of mothers have emotional ups and downs, the 'baby blues,' in the first three to five days after the birth. The new demands of parenting combined with the hormonal changes expected after the birth result in some predictable emotional valleys. Feeling irritable, helpless or teary are all common responses. If these feelings are not manageable, or if you feel unable to cope or disinterested in your well-being and that of your child, these feelings may be signs of postpartum depression. Call your doctor or midwife to get help dealing with these feelings. This is the best thing you can do to protect yourself and your baby.

New parents (especially first-time parents) may feel overwhelmed by the demands of caring for a newborn. If you are worried or scared that your baby is unwell, you should call your caregiver for direction. Click here for a list of symptoms that should prompt you to call your baby's doctor.

• Breastfeeding

• Self-care

• Caring for a newborn

• If your baby needs special care