​As a first time mom I was determined to handle all the baby duties myself; I didn't want anyone's help nor did I want to miss a single moment of precious mommy & baby time by letting others care for my son, not even for a moment.

Silly, silly mommy!

It didn't take long before I realized that accepting help from others, especially during those first few tumultuous weeks, is not a weakness, but a strength.  Let's face it, not every mom is born with that natural baby wrangling savvy, and even if you are, it's nice to have some extra hands around if only to help out with laundry or spell you for an hour so you can take soothing bath. Even baby likes it when mommy's relaxed and smells good (not to mention clean!)

By the time I mistakenly poured baby formula into my morning Cheerios, I knew it was time to ask for help! And guess what? The troops rallied and I realized that I wished I'd had this team in place before the birth of my son.  Family and friends were more than willing to help, and all I had to do was ask.  I highly recommend having a 'baby squad' in place before the birth of your child. I learned so much from the moms (and dads) who jumped in to help me, and I will pay it forward.