Marital bliss…? You and your spouse can expect to experience a really big change in your marriage when you have a baby. Your relaxed Sunday mornings in bed, spontaneous dinners out and uninterrupted conversations will probably have to be shelved for many years. Most couples wouldn't trade the thrill of their child for these things, but that doesn't mean you won't miss them. And there's no need to feel guilty about missing your former lifestyle-it doesn't mean you love your child less.

Many couples also find the baby takes up so much time and energy, there's little left for each other. So time together, sex, and even simply talking to each other may no longer seem like a priority. But unlike your previous lifestyle, these should not be shelved for years. They are the backbone of your relationship, without which the marriage won't survive. It's extremely important to carve out time for each other. Realistically, the quantity of sex, intimacy and time alone may change, but you still need to make them a priority. It may take work, juggling and calling on friends and family for babysitting favors, but isn't your marriage worth it?

My mother thinks she knows everything Sometimes, your mother (or mother-in-law) thinks she can raise your child better than you can, which can really strain your relationship with her. It may help you to understand that having a grandchild is almost as incredible as having your own child (after all it's your child's child), so many grandmas find it difficult not to give advice. But this is your baby, so it's okay, politely and diplomatically, to disagree with suggestions that run counter to your child-rearing philosophy. The only exception is when a grandparent is intimately involved in caring for your child (e.g. babysitting regularly when you work). It's unreasonable to expect your mom or mother-in-law to help you, and then have no say in anything. If you're unable to resolve this for yourself, you may be better off hiring a babysitter. After all, free childcare by a caring grandmother probably comes with some price and you have to be able to deal with it.

My best friend is avoiding me It's not unusual for a childless friend to find it difficult or uninteresting to be with you once you have a baby. She may be wishing for one herself and for some reason (e.g. still single, difficulty conceiving) is not having a baby right now. Furthermore, most people find that once they have children, it becomes the center of their conversation. For childless people, even those who aren't envious of you, this may be downright boring! So you might find that your friendships change once you have a child. The "mommy and me" classes and time at the playground will allow you to meet other parents with young children with whom you may find you have more in common. This doesn't mean you should give up you childless friends. But you will have to become sensitive to their needs. In other words, don't talk about your child all the time, don't interrupt phone conversations to coo at the baby, and don't take the baby with you when you get together. You probably feel that your friends need to accept you for who you are, and while this is true, you have to do the same for them. Maintaining friendships over years, and life changes, takes a lot of work and compromise (sort of like marriage). You can't expect your friend to do all the changing to fit your life.