Many couples choose to have a baby to celebrate their stability or strengthen their relationship. They hope that a baby will bring them together and increase their intimacy levels. Sometimes, it does happen but often, having a baby turns out to be a stressful experience that leads to relationship stress. If you are also experiencing the same, here are some tips on dealing with relationship stress after having a baby.
What New
Mothers Experience
A big percentage
of new mothers often feel overwhelmed by the changing role as they need to put
their baby's needs before their personal or career needs. The number of chores
a woman has to deal with also increase. Days are filled with feeding sessions,
diaper changes, and much more. Their bodies also change, and they might not
feel comfortable with changes like wider hips or differently shaped breasts.
What New
Fathers Experience
New fathers
might feel isolated and left out because most of the attention of a mother is
fixated on the baby. This might push fathers to feel depressed,
or they might withdraw. They might even feel that the new mothers and the baby
don't need them, which is incorrect.
How to Deal
with Relationship Stress After Having a Baby- Simple Tips
1.
Have Open Conversations
The new parents
should sit in a room and have one-on-one conversations about their fears,
insecurities, and doubts. They should talk through the problems instead of just
avoiding them. Communication is always an important key in a relationship.
2.
Spend We Time
Spend some
couple time and leave the baby with someone you trust (like a grandparent or an
aunt). You can also have date nights at home if you are not comfortable staying
away from the baby for long. Dress up, cook meals for each other, have a movie
night, or just chat. You can bring back the spark easily!
3.
Be Kind
Parenting is a
responsibility you both should share equally. So, fathers should know how to
change a diaper, and mothers should know how to involve the father in daily
fun. Be kind to each other when learning to parent instead of taking it as a
competition or taunting each other. Also, find humor whenever possible (even
when your baby has a huge tantrum in public!).
4.
Remember Intimacy
New parents
might find it hard to take the time to be intimate,
but you should. Women should have a positive body image and not try to find
flaws in their bodies after childbirth. Men should tell their wives that they
love her in any shape to boost their confidence. Take things slowly and take the
help of an expert if you feel any discomfort.
5.
Take Some Me Time
Both mothers and
fathers should take some me time for themselves and do stuff they like, be it a
salon session or just hanging out with friends. It will help them calm their
minds and come back home with more enthusiasm.
Having kids can
be the best experience if you follow the tips mentioned above and stay
positive. Good luck!
Sources:
https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=451&language=english
https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/relationship-changes-after-baby
https://www.redonline.co.uk/health-self/relationships/a30240460/how-to-keep-your-relationship-strong-after-baby/