Congratulations on your new arrival! This is a time filled with emotions. You may feel overwhelmed with joy at the arrival of your little one, while at the same time being overcome with the daunting task that lies ahead.

What’s more, you may be swimming in advice from parents, friends, and even strangers about what to do. It’s hard to know how to prioritize—never mind trying to navigate this on next to no sleep!

After working with many newborn babies and their moms, we’ve learned a few things about how to make sure you enjoy this special time.

Trust Yourself

You’ll be able to find plenty of advice on what to do as a new you’re your parents and friends may have their own tips and tricks to share, and you’ll get a wealth of advice from strangers—sometimes whether you want it or not. It can be overwhelming and there may be no clear right answer.

If you ever feel overwhelmed by the options in front of you, remember to trust yourself. Those maternal instincts in your gut will tell you what feels right for you and your baby. Whatever you decide is what’s best. Don’t second guess yourself and expect things to not turn out as planned on more than one occasion.

Let the little things slide

The first few weeks and months of having a newborn are a time of survival as much as they are one of joy. You are solely focused on keeping your baby healthy and safe and that may mean other things slide. It may be weeks before you do laundry or make a homecooked meal and that’s okay!

Remind yourself that the little things don’t matter as much as the important work you’re doing raising your child.

Don’t forget that this is only temporary—in fact, be sure to remind yourself of that so that you make the most of these precious moments. Order takeout and skip the dishes as often as you need.

This too shall pass

There are many difficult things you’ll face with a newborn and a new mom. Leaky breasts, cluster feeding, sleeping for only 2 hours at a time: there are some moments where you might feel like things are too much.

The great thing about newborns is that things change so quickly. Something that may have been unbearable will be over in a matter of weeks, or even days. Try to remember that this too shall pass.

Take time to get to know your baby

That instant connection between mother and baby seems to be everywhere in the media, but for many new moms, it doesn’t feel like love at first sight. You will be dealing with your own healing and adjusting to a new identity while trying to keep your baby alive and healthy.

Don’t fret if the fear overpowers the love in some moments. Just know that you are not alone and that getting to know another human takes time.

Give yourself permission to cultivate that relationship and spend time with your baby. Find things that work for you—whether it’s co-sleeping, breastfeeding, or bath time—and make those routine tasks into bonding rituals.

Take time to care for yourself

It can be easy to forget about yourself as a new mom. Your newborn demands so much attention—sometimes even cries out for it—that it can be easy to forget that you need some attention, too. Take time to care for yourself. If you have time for a shower, take it. Even five minutes under the hot water can make a world of difference. Don’t have time? Pick up some dry shampoo and brush it through your hair whenever you get a second. Making yourself look refreshed can make you feel better, too.

Be sure to keep a good friend on speed dial if you’re ever feeling overwhelmed and just remember that making time for you means you’ll have more to give to your baby.

Remember every moment

A newborn is only a newborn for such a short time. Relish in this time as much as possible. Turn visitors away and focus on the good moments. Better yet, consider investing in a newborn photo shoot to commemorate this special time. Each image will bring you back to that special time and help you relive and remember the special experience that may have felt like it passed too quickly in the present.