After the blessed event has passed and all of the guests have departed from the ceremonial “viewing of the baby,” you will be left to adjust to your new life as a parent. You will suddenly be faced with a lot of situations you never had to deal with before baby came along.

First is the adjustment to being totally responsible for this new and completely dependent little life. This feeling can be overwhelming, particularly to those who were entrenched in their careers immediately prior to giving birth. Instead of daily status meetings and power lunches, you find yourself changing diapers, feeding like a milk truck, and monitoring baby's every move to make sure she is still okay.

Don't Rush Recovery

Physically, you may be feeling extremely tired from the birth experience itself, and your body will need at least four to six weeks to recuperate. Giving birth is something akin to the decathlon. Your body uses muscles you didn't even know you had to accomplish a monumental feat: bringing a new life into the world. Don't underestimate the fact that your body will take its own time to get back to normal after the birth. If you try to rush your recovery, your body could respond with negative side effects and complications, thus extending the recovery period.

Give Yourself Emotional Leeway

Expect your emotions to run the gamut from euphoria to depression. There are plenty of ways you can deal with any stress you might be feeling. First, write down your concerns or worries and share them with someone close. Try a change of pace; vary your daily routine.

If that doesn't seem to work, get a babysitter for a few hours and just do something for you: a massage, a facial, shopping, or even lunch alone at your favorite restaurant. Or take a warm bath and cuddle up in bed with a good book. In those first few weeks home, go easy on yourself — and always make time for you.