The joy of motherhood can never be defined. But the joy and the challenges a woman faces when she becomes a mother for the first time ... these are the most daunting. Angel Tesorero speaks to first-time mums

Caryl Gesta with her baby Anechka Carlfie

Terrifying but amazing'

"It is not easy being a first-time mum - from the moment I became pregnant to the day baby Anechka Carlfie was born - my life has totally changed. It's terrifying but amazing; and it is exciting being a mum.

At first I was not confident. During the first week I felt nervous every time she cried. But now I can handle her properly because I learned some tips from my mother relatives and friends.

I asked my mother Rhiza to be with us here in Dubai. She's been a big help guiding me how to take care of my one-month old baby. My mother does the household chores especially cooking and I'm also lucky to have friends and relatives who spend their off days with us.

How did I adjust being a mum first-time? Prayers helped a lot. I also strengthened my patience and I embraced every moment with my baby. I also learned a few tricks like when my baby is sleeping I also take a nap so I can recover some sleep.

I am planning to go back to work during the third week of May (after my 90-day maternity leave). My mother Rhiza will be taking care of my baby as both me and my husband (Alfie) will be working.

Nuzha Basheer with her baby Shaaban Kashif

'There's an app for that!'

Thanks to the idea put forth by my sister I have a WhatsApp group called 'Mommies n Munchkins' comprising my school buddies who are all mothers like myself and we share and discuss topics related to our babies. I also made some new friends who give me the emotional and mental strength when paranoia gets the better of me. I'd like to thank them all!

Being a mother honestly has been the most beautiful phase of my life. Initially it was a bit disconcerting - I was filled with doubts as how to best handle my delicate baby.

It took me about two months to know how to care of my baby on my own without calling my mum every two seconds with some worrisome questions. (I still do it but obviously with less frequency). But at the end of it all my baby has made my life absolutely meaningful. No words can express how grateful I am for this wonderful blessing.

When taking care of a baby is the big concern no one can decide better than a mother. Different mothers do it differently. For me I would never leave my baby with a nanny or a caretaker and would like to do it all on my own. I'm slightly possessive by nature so I would never be comfortable seeing my little one cozying up with a nanny. But that's just me and my personal opinion.

'Loving husband is required'

The first time I became a mum I was really afraid. But thankfully I have a very supportive husband who plays a major part in raising our babies. He took a long time off from work when our first daughter was born. Both of my parents are here also and they help me a lot.

I have a maid at home but she just works part-time so I'm really hands-on in taking care of my daughters. It's not that difficult raising kids here. Dubai is a safe place to raise kids - I don't mind letting them play whenever we are at shopping malls or a supermarket - although it can be quite difficult during summer.

There are a lot of good schools and kiddie clubs where they can enjoy - although these are quite expensive now.

Tips for first-time mums? Get your husband involved! Ask help also from family and friends.

There are also many groups that provide moral and emotional support to mothers. Learn from their experience and apply what's best for you.

As they say "It takes a village to raise a child" so the more support you get the easier it will be for you. The smoother it will be in your transition into motherhood and it will be a happier baby and you.