For some reason, many new mothers feel as though asking for help is a bad thing. This could not be farther from the truth. Help is not a naughty word that should make you feel bad or guilty. Everyone needs help now and again, and new mothers are no exception!

Being a new mother is an experience like no other. While it is an extremely joyous experience, it can also at times be overwhelming and stressful. When things seem to become too much for you to handle, ask someone you know and trust to step in. Most people have been exactly where you are right now, and know exactly what you are going through. They completely understand the need to ask for help now and again, and will more than likely be happy to oblige.

Many new mothers feel that by asking for help they are demonstrating they are bad mothers or are incapable of caring for the new child. On the contrary, every new mother needs assistance. By asking for help, you are not being a bad mother, you are simply being human — and a good mother knows when she’s in over her head!

Even if you are a person that does not like asking for help under any circumstances, chances are this will be a period in your life where you will have to overcome that. If asking for help is a real issue for you, start out small. Ask for help with a few little things here and there that can make your life easier. This may be something like asking a friend or family member to come over and watch the baby so you can wash some clothes or clean the house.

If you are feeling extremely stressed, you could even just ask someone to come over and watch the baby for just a few minutes so that you can take a relaxing, uninterrupted bath.

By accepting the fact that you may occasionally need a hand, and learning to actually ask for that helping had, can make your life much easier and make your “new mommy” experience much, much happier.

Jill Sprouse is the author of “The New Mother’s Survival Guide.” She is a mother of one daughter and she fought the battle and won the war against postpartum depression. For information, visit her Web site, www.newmomsurvivalguide.com