First Date Night after Baby: How Soon is Too Soon?

The first parenting shock: They let you take the baby home. Like, without supervision. Only then do the real surprises unfold. Here's what readers told us was most unexpected for them as they embraced this whole mama thing.

• After I gave birth to my son, what surprised me most was how much I needed my mom. I expected to want her to visit and to get to know her new grandson but I never anticipated how much I would want her to take care of me. Despite my partner's good efforts and best intentions, nobody was able to take care of me as well as she did. My mom cooked me three meals a day and cared for my every need. As a result, I was able to focus all my attention and energy on my new role as a mom.

  —Jordana in MA, mom to Lucian
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Resource: parenting