Introduction

For many parents the first few months after a baby's birth can be a time of shock and adjustment as well as personal joy. Fatigue, confusion and feelings of incompetence are as common as the delight and pride which are part of having a baby.

In this friendly, accessible guide, Christine and Peter Hill take over from where other pregnancy books stop and before baby books begin. They provide a vast amount of practical and down-to-earth guidance on:

• - What to expect in hospital and afterwards at home
• - How to cope with persistent crying
• - Dealing with feelings of depression and isolation
• - Looking after yourself as well as your baby
• - How to maintain fulfilling relationships with parents and friends
• - When and when not to return to work.

Drawing on the experiences of over 5,000 mothers - and fathers - with new babies, and now fully updated, this authoritative guide is both reassuring and fun to read.