Being a parent to a baby girl — whether she is the calm or the fussy type — is made so much easier if you have a network of other people in place who can come in and relieve you when your nerves get frayed. Many experts warn parents not to get too exhausted because exhaustion makes even easy baby chores, such as feeding or bathing, much more difficult. Therefore, have your phone handy. Have on speed-dial all those people who can help you not only with the chores related to your infant but also with bringing in groceries and lifting your mood. Text simple questions; e-mail more complicated ones. Revel in the knowledge that your sisters and brothers, and your mom and dad circle around you more closely now. Ask them for help.

Enjoy Baby Joys

Enjoy being the center of your extended family's attention; be sure to inform each member of your little daughter's progress. Don't think you are shamelessly using them when you ask them to pick up the dry cleaning, make a run to the grocery store, load the dishwasher, and bring on the diapers.

Being pampered as a parent is also very important. Imagine a new mother whose baby girl goes through a relatively easy few weeks and then develops a stretch of irritability. Imagine her calling her parents before she and her partner are at their wits' end. Her family could bring home-cooked meals to her and take dirty laundry away and return it washed and folded. They may also schedule mom for a manicure/pedicure. Neighbors stop by as well and bring flowers and the suggestion that a soothing bath for the baby might do the trick.

Ask for Help

Babies respond well to different calming techniques on different days, although not according to what you have in mind. Sometimes just putting your baby into the loving arms of another person — your grandmother, uncle, or cousin — distracts her enough to be able to sleep.

When the well-being of your baby is at stake, don't go it alone. You have to ask other people to assist you. You cannot drive yourself until there is nothing left in you. That is why you must also call on another network — your close and personal one. Just like your baby girl, your close and personal network cannot thrive without your looking after it and its needs. You do that by making sure its various segments are never neglected.

Faith and Friends

The first segment is your faith and passion. Keep your faith strong and indulge in what you are passionate about. You are special; don't forget. Next, remember your friends, no matter how far away. Keep in touch with them by e-mailing them a picture of your baby girl or a dozen. Then tend to your own mind. If you read a book a week before the baby came, get back to that relaxing pursuit and to your news magazines, e-zines, your blogging, your favorite shows, and your puzzles.

Your Physical Health

The biggest part of your close and personal network is your relationship with your own body. Breathe deeply, stretch, and start exercising. Your muscles will be grateful to you, your pants will fit better, and your energy level will skyrocket. Your little girl will look up to you as she watches you and even tries to imitate you. You and your spouse can then enjoy all aspects of being a wonderful family. If you are a single parent, you should be extra proud of the way you are evolving and getting better/stronger every day.