You, Your Partner and Baby Make 3

You’re tired, cranky and can’t get anything done without your baby waking up and wanting a feeding, a cuddle or just some attention.

So when your partner comes breezing in after a day at work, you might want to bite his or her head off.

Babies put a strain on their parents’ relationship, and for plenty of reasons—feeling isolated when one of you gets to leave the house, worrying about the expense of having an infant ... and let’s not forget sheer exhaustion. It’s normal and understandable to sometimes feel irritated and resentful.

It’s also helpful to understand this and to try to nip it in the bud as best you can:

Talk to each other about how things are going, and how each of you are feeling. Let each other know if you’re angry, upset, feeling isolated or overwhelmed.
Tell each other know what you need—whether it’s a hug, help with chores, to be heard, or some time away from the baby.
Make a point of sharing the housework and infant care duties as much as possible.
Ask a friend or family member to watch your baby so the two of you can take a walk, go for a drive or go out for dinner.
Give each other a little individual time for yourselves (just you, and just your partner). Everyone needs this.

You don’t need to lose yourself entirely just because your priorities have shifted. Make sure you take time for each other while you’re going through this transition.

Gradually, you’ll both adjust to life with a baby and all that this entails. If you communicate throughout it all, you’ll come out stronger and better prepared for the joys and challenges that lie ahead.

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