Newborn Baby Care: Balancing a New Baby & Old Friends

Becoming a parent will test your relationships and show you who your true friends are. Your days of going out at the last minute are on hold for now, as you may already know.

It is likely that some relationships with casual friends or people you socialized with at work will fall by the wayside. This is a normal, if sad, part of parenthood. A true friend will listen as you explain that your footloose days are over, and you'll have to plan in advance. Get those friends involved in your family life, and make time to see them alone. Make sure that when you do have precious free time with your friends, you ask about their lives and don't get totally wrapped up in talking about your baby.

The investment in your true friendships is well worth the effort. When you are mired in the daily grind of motherhood, your close friends will provide a lifeline to remind you who you are as yourself, not just as a mom. The good news is that the friends who stick by you are the ones you want in your life. And one day, when your single friends settle down and have kids of their own, they'll understand firsthand.