Motherhood

We asked new mothers to share how they add more joy to every day -- even the really tough ones. Click through and smile!

Here are the little new mom secrets that you won't find in the baby books.

Real moms from the Parents.com community share the most un-helpful hints they've received when it comes to motherhood.

During pregnancy, you got used to some pretty strange symptoms. Now that you've given birth, you may be dealing with even more.

The sources of guilt in the early days of motherhood can be numerous and all-consuming. The good news is we certainly aren't alone: "Women have very high expectations of themselves," says Jenn Berman, PhD, author of The A to Z Guide to Raising Happy, Confident Kids. "We tend to feel like we should be it all, know it all, do it all, and handle it without a sweat. Becoming a mom is one of the most wonderful things, but it's also one of the most stressful, difficult transitions in your life." Here's why you should give yourself a break, starting right now. Don't let these common guilt trips trip you up!

Hear how eight women adjust to life with baby.

Motherly duties can be a pain in the wrist, but a few easy tweaks can deliver much-needed relief.

Being a parent is the hardest job you'll ever love. To make your first few months as goofproof and enjoyable as possible, follow our troubleshooting guide and avoid these 10 classic mistakes.

Tired of boring baby books? Try one of these fun and unusual ways to make the most of your little one's milestones.

Take our quiz to find out how much of a worrywart you are when it comes to your kids.

Read about the first day in the life of a new mom.

Sure, there are plenty of places where your little one isn't welcome. But don't worry, your social life's not over now that you have kids. Follow our smart tips for toting precious along.

Yes, your new baby rocks -- but your life as a new mom might be a little rocky. Here, we talked to experts about some of the big issues we're all pretty much guaranteed to face, including breastfeeding problems, work dilemmas, and losing the baby weight -- and got their best strategies for coping with each one.

Now that you have a newborn, you may have to censor some of your behavior.

Women spend pregnancy eagerly awaiting a baby: the adorable dimples, the cute outfits, the serene moments of staring into each other's eyes. And yes, there are those joys -- along with some unexpected truths. Real moms who've been there and dealt with that speak up so you'll never have to say, "Why didn't anyone tell me?"

What to do when your baby's behavior makes you blush.

What I learned from my second child (with apologies to my firstborn.)

Around-the-clock feedings. Nursing troubles. No sleep. No problem. We'll help you through the first crazy days.

While young children can reach milestones at different ages, the CDC says you should talk to your doctor and consider an early-intervention evaluation if your child displays any of these signs or has a dramatic loss of skills.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has identified important milestones for babies age 4 months through 7 months. We've included fun and easy ways to help your baby reach these key developmental markers, plus helpful information new parents should know.

Research shows that connecting with your little one helps make him happier and healthier. We share the sweetest, simplest ways to bond with your new baby.

Feel crampy or beyond exhausted? See the surprising clues that may indicate you're expecting -- before a pregnancy test would.

A stuffy nose can mean one cranky baby -- especially since newborns know how to breathe only through their little nostrils at first. Here are some steps to relieve your baby's discomfort, stat.

There are so many great things to see while your children are still young. Here are our top picks.