What are some of the difficulties that new fathers and mothers face?

There are many different difficulties. The best way for you to get a honest and straight forward answer would be from your parents. All parents suffer when having a new child would be the lack of sleep and energy throughout the day. Also the high rise in stress levels that and cause problems in the future if it continues. Lack of eating can be a cause of stress as well. Since there isn't a "home guide to raising children" most parents have to figure it out which is also very stressful.