I do feel most new mothers try too hard to please others and look like they are doing the right thing before actually asking someone for help or advice.
A lot of first time mothers find it may mean they can't cope or they are not maternal, when the truth is that we are all exactly the same.
When you go to the department store and buy a brand new DVD player or Apple Mac, you at least get an instruction manual; who on earth supplies us new mums with an instruction manual when we leave the hospital with our new baby? They say its instinct, 'Mother Nature', but perhaps not everyone feels like that immediately.
Not only have you just gone through the experience of pregnancy and childbirth, now is the beginning of parenthood, it can be quite a daunting time for many new mums and dads alike.
Don't panic, its normal to feel this way.
Asking for help isn't actually as bad as it appears at the time, I think, many mums especially, feel they have to cope, everyone expects them too, cause 'they did'! Or so they say! Honestly I believe you're a better parent for actually facing up that its difficult, that's its not like you expected, and one word of advice, if your close to your mother, she is usually the best person to tell this too or ask for help/advice.
Just remember not only are you and your partner adjusting to this new life, but your new born is also adjusting not only to a new environment but believe you me is interacting with you already, which is hard to believe.
It may feel for the beginning stages of parenthood that your lives are being dictated by this new life, before you know it all you are surrounded by is bottles, nappies and wipes, not to mention the house all of a sudden feeling like a bomb site.
Forget about all those usual chores, this won't be for too long and I can assure you it won't be long before your back in control.
Just cherish these precious moments when they are first born, you can't go back, that's why you hear a lot of Grandparents say how they never remembered their children doing these things.
Its cause we all are trapped with doing it 'so' right and also appearing to be 'so' in-control, that we actually forget the greatest thing of all, which is your new baby is here to be treasured, or else its too late and before you know it they are toddlers and not your little baby any longer! Any mum out there would admit they would give anything to have a week with their new born again, just to appreciate them more and make the most of when they are so dainty and placid (well I think the truth is, they do actually sleep the majority of the time and once you have a toddler you realise it was so easy when they were newborn!).
We all cope in some way or another, whether its coping on your own, or with people round you, it takes time, so don't think the motherhood is delivered by stork as you leave the hospital, you will grow into it and become the best mother possible! And don't let anyone tell you different.