You asked

How do I handle friends and family with a newborn?

Your needs and those of your baby have to come first. This usually means private time for the two of you and your husband. The stress and fatigue from delivery will put you on edge, and the attention you and your child will get from well-wishers, friends and family may be overwhelming. Although they mean well, your extended family might be doing more harm than good by offering advice and tips in the early days. You need to set boundaries so that you have your privacy but don't make everyone else feel unappreciated.
 
The first thing to do is switch off your phone. Use an answering machine, both for your landline and cellular phone. When you are comfortable with your routine and rested enough to have visitors in your home, don't feel obligated to act as the perfect hostess. Instead, request assistance and get them to do chores and errands for you. This includes shopping, laundry and making meals. Purely social visits can be put on hold until your baby is a bit older and your life is not as chaotic and frantic.
 
If you know that some of your family members, particularly mothers, are going to be more of a hindrance than a help to you, try to put off their visits until you have your life under control. That gives you a few weeks to get used to being a mother at your own pace and to develop a strong, intimate bond with your baby. That way, any help with basic chores and childcare you get from them will be appreciated and the chances of conflict will be minimised.
 
Learn to communicate your needs effectively to your family members so that they know how you feel and what you expect of them. Hopefully, they will understand what you are going through and be more accommodating to your situation.

More questions

Yes, breastfeeding has a direct effect on the size of your uterus.
The general consensus among healthcare providers is that it is safe to have a nice warm bath straight after delivery.
The effects of pregnancy on your body are visible for weeks and months after you've given birth, which is why maternity clothing isn't just for when you are pregnant.
Exercise is definitely a part of dropping post baby weight, along with a healthy diet. However, there are limits to how much you can do and how soon you can start.
Some doctors, and many women as well, have reported that applying raw, cooled, cabbaged leaves to the breasts helps to reduce milk production and the discomfort that comes with having engorged breasts as well.
It is not a good idea to use tampons until you are completely healed after giving birth. If you become infected because of a tampon, it only means more pain and a longer time to recover after giving birth.
What took your body nine months to develop, takes a matter of weeks to transform you back to the woman you were before your pregnancy. It is no wonder that most women feel totally exhausted after giving birth. Your brand new baby is of course, your amazing reward.
It is more than likely that you will be able to wear most of your pre-pregnancy clothing again – but do not expect to do so too soon after having your baby.
Losing baby weight is a priority for many new mums, and as long as you’re eating sensibly and exercising moderately, breastfeeding can help you to do just that.
There are many factors that can influence changes in your skin's natural moisture and oil content.

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