When I was a young parent, there were moments when I would have strong feelings of inadequacy and feeling paralyzed about what I should do and what I should not do. The most calming thought I had at the time was to remind myself that humans have been parenting for thousands and thousands of years and that I would consider myself to have higher than average intelligence and at least average societal training (through observation of others) about how to care for infants.

we found that manual in "the baby book" by william and martha sears. it was really helpful in the first few years. the book promotes the idea of attachment parenting, which i feel is the right approach. but any parent should decide that for themselves. the general rule for parenting advice though is to only apply advice that makes sense to you. don't let anyone pressure you into doing anything you don't agree with.

i think you'll never stop figuring things out as your kids grow. not with the first few anyways. i guess repetition only comes in with the fourth child or so ;-)