Tips for Preventing Relationship Challenges Post Baby
Your relationship with your partner or spouse will inevitably change after having a baby. It can be harder to find time to go out on dates and do activities together. Increased household tasks and parenting can make it feel like there is no time for the relationship anymore. It can be easy to put the relationship last, but prioritizing the relationship has a lot of benefits.
Here are some tips to prevent conflict and turmoil from creeping into your relationship once a baby is born.
Talk about your roles and expectations before having the baby
Decide who will cook, clean, and take care of household tasks once the baby is born. It will probably shift after the initial postpartum period. Talk about who will arrange appointments, childcare, and other logistical tasks. Talk about what you expect from one another. Make compromises if necessary. It will take time to adjust to your changing roles. Having these conversations and being upfront with one another will prevent unnecessary stress and tension.
Check in with one another
Take the time to check in and see how one another is doing even when life gets really busy. It can be as simple as taking a pause while sweeping to give your partner a hug and asking how they are doing.
Make date night a priority
Find a babysitter or have a relative watch your child at least once a month so that you and your partner can have a night to reconnect and enjoy uninterrupted time together.
Allow your partner to do things (their way)
I hear a lot of moms complain about carrying most of the parenting load. At the same time, they don’t like the way their partners do things so they would rather just do it. It’s okay if the diaper bag isn’t as organized as it would be if you packed it. It’s okay if the baby’s outfit is mismatched. At least you didn’t have to do it and were able to sleep an extra 20 minutes.
Take care of yourself
By taking care of yourself and doing the things that you need to do to cope with the stress of life and parenting, your relationship with your partner will be stronger. By taking time for yourself to exercise, hang out with friends or go to an art class, you will be more relaxed and have better frustration tolerance at home and within your relationships.