When you've got a new baby everything can feel totally overwhelming, but don't let things get on top of you, ask for help

Why don't you delegate? Is it because you find it hard to admit you can't do it all, or because you think it will be quicker if you do it yourself? If this sounds like you then you could be piling on unnecessary pressure. Remember, nobody can do it all, especially not with a new baby.

The art of delegation
There is no knack to delegation, anyone can learn it and the faster you adopt it the easier life will become. The key is not to be afraid to ask. Friends and family are usually keen to help out, but they are not mind readers, so spell out what they can do.

Grocery shopping
In the early days this is the last thing you will feel like or have the time to do. Setting up an internet shopping account with a supermarket, makes things quick and easy as you can save your favourite items and have everything delivered at a time that suits you. If there are items you can't get by this method it's time to call on friends and family. Let them know what you need and see if they can bring them with them on their next visit.

Home cooked food
Nothing beats a home cooked meal, especially when you need all the energy you can get to feed and look after your little one. If you've got a good chef among your family and friends who wants to be involved, see if they'd be willing to cook you some meals you can freeze, like lasagne or cottage pie - much better for you than a ready meal and much tastier.

Household chores
When you've got a new baby you may as well forget about the housework, but if the idea of leaving the hoovering for a few days, let alone a week, gives you palpatations you are going to need some help. Explain to a close friend or family member what you need the most help with, be that stacking the dishwasher to tackling a pile of ironing. Every little helps.

Visitors
Although you will be keen to show off the new arrival, don't overdo it. Too many visitors can leave you feeling exhausted, so don't be afraid to say no and put people off for a few weeks.

Sleep time
If you want to catch up on your sleep time, say so. Leave your baby in the hands of a family member while you get 40 winks. It does not make you a bad mother. In fact, it will probably make you a better one, as you'll have more patience and energy after a quick nap than you would have if you'd struggled on tired and grumpy.