And Baby Makes Three...
So you and your partner are having a baby. Congratulations! Nothing could possibly bring the two of you closer and evoke greater feelings of love for one another than creating a new life together right? How romantic right?
Ummmm…
Let's break this down shall we:
Your life together up until your bundle is born is all about the two of you. You blissfully enjoy plenty of uninterrupted time together. You get to have long conversations over dinner, enjoy cuddling on the couch to binge watch your favorite TV series, you can sleep in on the weekends and catch naps when needed, and you get to pick up at the last minute to take a much needed weekend away. You also can have sex whenever, whereever and however you like, and it feels good, you know each others bodies and feel comfortable together. In addition you individually have all of the time you need to address your own personal needs: time for yourself, to attend to personal hobbies and interests, and connect with your circle of friends.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but, all of this is about to change.
Don’t get me wrong, having a baby is a wonderful thing and will bring joy to you in a way that you never knew possible. But, it will also usher in a host of new challenges that, if not at least addressed prior to Baby’s arrival, can send your relationship into a tailspin.
Expectant parents are often so busy preparing for Baby’s physical arrival that they completely overlook the practical implications of having this new, although precious but extremely needly, little human join their family. Your time will no longer be your own. It will be dictated by feeding times, sleeping times, diaper changes, crying fits, sleepless nights...the list goes on…and what can lost, or at least temporarily misplaced, is the reason this tiny person is even here: the love, respect and partnership of the two people that created and brought them into this world in the first place.
Use this Partnership Planning Guide to initiate some of these conversations BEFORE you’re in the thick of it. Creating a fluid plan and establishing open communication up front can make the difference between feelings of frustration and loneliness and support and partnership.
I wish you all the luck in the world. It’s going to be a wild ride!
Partnership Planning Guide-2
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