1. Becoming a good lover takes time. So does becoming a good father. Donating sperm may have been easy, but fatherhood can be a lot more rewarding. Be patient with yourself and enjoy the process.

2. Scared of diaper duty? You might be relieved to know that holding, bathing, feeding and playing with your baby all count as essential hand-on fathering.

3. Your wife probably has baby on the brain. Being on duty twenty-four hours a day will do that to a person, and no, she's not as much fun as she used to be. HOWEVER, she will return being more like the woman you fell in love with - maybe even better than you remember - after the three of you make the profound transition to new parenthood.

4. Your wife still needs you. Stay nearby and be patient. You may not recognize the woman you partnered up with 9 or 10 months ago, but she is still in there.

5. You will have sex again. With your wife. Given a little time, you can resume some of your more enjoyable husbandly duties.

6. Nobody deserves postpartum mood disorders, and nobody causes them either. Don't blame each other when the going gets tough. Know that many symptoms will pass on their own in a couple of weeks, and all are treatable.

7. Sleep helps. Your wife is probably getting a fraction of the sleep she used to. You may be on the light side as well. Helping each other get more sleep is one of the most important things you can do to help everyone feel better.

8. Your instincts are probably correct. I bet you've had more than your share of people telling you how to deal with your baby. Check your gut, ask your wife, and tune in to your baby. They'll tell you nearly everything that's important for you to know.

9. Playing is essential. It's a known fact that your baby needs play to stimulate both body and mind to develop properly. Get down, give in to your inner child and groove with your baby.

10. Help is available! It is perfectly normal to experience a rough patch while adjusting to life with a new baby, but things should get better with a bit of time. If not, or if things get worse, please find help right away. You'll be glad you did.