Baby's head position, mother's feeding posture, holding the baby for breastfeeding, the feeding position, feeding time, and a number of feedings are all challenges for a new mom. Difficulties with getting your baby to latch, less milk supply, and sore nipples are just some of the hardships a new mom encounters. No person can be everything to everyone every second of every day. “The hardest part for me about being a mom is the guilt,” says Chicago mom Lisa Steinke. “Even though I told myself I would never be a guilty mom, that whole idea flew out the window the second I gave birth. Most people find the first six to eight weeks to be the hardest with a new baby, and whilst people may not openly discuss many of the challenges in these early weeks of parenthood (if at all), there are a number of common hurdles you may face at this time. But many first-time parents find that after the first month of parenthood, it can actually get more difficult. This surprising truth is one reason many experts refer to a baby's first three months of life as the “fourth trimester.” If months two, three, and beyond are tougher than you expected, you're not alone. Here are 5 challenges of a new mom and how to deal with them:   Lack of "ME TIME It's important to take out dedicated 'me time' for moms because it's when you're happy that your child is happy. Many moms tend to feel guilty if they can't attend 24/7 to their children's calls. This mom guilt can weigh you down and doesn't allow for a balanced existence between the woman and the mother in you. Have a shower, no matter what. Go shopping when they're asleep. Get beauty treatments at home. Get through that boxset during a feed. Visit family or friends. Make a relaxation-only rule for your baby's sleep. Sleep Deprivation Sleep loss is a common, normal experience after the arrival of a baby. However, if you develop difficulty falling asleep or returning to sleep, you should seek help. Tackling sleep problems as soon as possible may help to reduce the risk of postpartum depression. New mothers are also at risk for insomnia, daytime sleepiness, anxiety, depression, non-refreshing sleep, and fatigue. Sleep deprivation can worsen symptoms of postpartum depression, which affects one in eight mothers. Practice good sleep hygiene. Create the best sleep environment for you and your baby. Accept help and don't be afraid to ask for it. Breastfeeding Problems Common breastfeeding challenges include sore nipples. Many moms say that their nipples feel tender when they first start breastfeeding. Low milk supply. Breastfeeding challenges are common, but knowing what to expect and when to get help can help you overcome them. Breastfeed for at least 10 minutes on each side and try to keep your little one awake and actively sucking during each feeding. Use a breast pump after and in-between feedings. Eat well, get enough rest, and drink plenty of fluids. You Feel Out of Shape Getting back into shape after having a baby is hard, even for women who were fit and strong before becoming pregnant, a new study shows. Pregnancy is known to put stress on many parts of the body, including the heart, lungs, muscles, and joints. Your body changes over time; it takes a while to get close to your pre-pregnancy shape and size. Expect to naturally lose some weight before your first postpartum doctor's visit (usually around six to eight weeks after giving birth). Allow Your Body To Recuperate. Being a new mom is an important job, so focus on taking the time to enjoy that new little person in your life. Get up & move. Establish an eating philosophy. Get back to a regular exercise routine. It Pains Everywhere It is normal to experience pain all over your body after giving birth. This is because the body goes through intense strain during contractions. Sometimes the contractions can be so intense that some women continue to experience pain and aches weeks after delivery. For after-birth pain relief, you can try applying a hot water bottle or heating pad to your abdomen. You can usually also take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, but check with your doctor first, especially if you are breastfeeding. New mothers experience a rollercoaster of emotions as they adjust to their new role. Being a mom to a new baby can be hard. If your baby cries all the time or won't sleep, parenting is even harder. Most first-time moms go into motherhood with expectations. What they'll be like as a mom, how they'll feel, and even what the baby will be like.