Motherhood is one of the most sublime feeling for parents and the innocence and selfless love thy feel for their little bundle of joy can not be replicated with any other feeling or experience. However parenthood also brings responsibility and places enormous demands on the schedules and timings of parents. It is rightly said that a baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, beds smaller, homes happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten and future worth living for. It is always better to be guided by and learn a few things which you may encounter during the early stages of your little wonder. Following are a few of the guiding principles which will hold you in good stead as you embark on the most difficult but yet the most underestimated path of the journey of life called parenthood: 

1.       The first six months are like time out of a different world. Your baby will demand your continuous attention. Your sleep will be disturbed, your days will be totally devoted to them, your clothes will get spoiled by the dozen and you will feel cranky many a times. Rest assured, all of it is very natural and no need for you to have guilty pangs for the same.
2.       Research has proven that breast feeding the best thing a mother can give for their new born, it not only leads to fewer allergies later in life, it is also said to increase the IQ levels better than those who are dependant on bottle feeds. Studies have also shown that breast feeding leads to reduced rates of blood cancer and infections in babies and increases their resistance level. Breast feeding also develops strong bond between mother and child, which no other activity can do.
3.       It is advisable to continue breast feeding till at least first 6 months after birth and it can start immediately after birth. After first six months, once the child starts taking semi solid food, breast feeding reduces. However it is advisable to reduce the same gradually so as to avoid a feeling of insecurity among children.
4.       Bonding with your baby is very important during the period. Talk to your baby, hold her near to your chest, cuddle her, smile to her, touch her and have an eye contact with her, message her gently and spend time with them. Remember that babies understand most of the time that they are being loved and pampered and it is good for their growth.
5.       Bathing your new born is important for hygiene and warding off infections. Take extra care. Use lukewarm water and gentle soap. It is necessary to keep face and diaper area clean and dry as a lot of infections develop over there. Also it is not necessary to give bath to your baby daily so long as you keep her clean and dry. Baby’s skin care is sensitive so it is better to avoid soap on face. In fact you can use raw milk to gently wash the face of your baby as it is a good cleanser.
6.       Sleep is very important for babies and they should be allowed to enjoy as much sleep as possible without interruption. However try not to make your baby sleep in the afternoon as it will then lead to disruption in her sleep during nights. Take your baby out during evenings to make her feel at ease with the environment and surroundings.