WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Navigating Changes in Partner Relationships

Newborn
Post-delivery time
Navigating Changes in Partner Relationships
Becoming a parent can be a life-changing experience that requires many adjustments in your daily routine. Before having a child, your days may have been filled with work, taking care of a pet, fixing up around the house, or cooking meals.
But now, as a parent, you have the responsibility of taking care of and raising a baby.
No matter what phase you and your partner are in, this experience will likely require both of you to make some adjustments in your day-to-day life.
According to research, the satisfaction of relationships wavers at similar amounts for both parents and non-parents, but the changes in the relationships of parents tend to happen following the birth of the baby, and gradually for non-parents.
During this time, you may find that bonding over a newborn will bring you both closer than ever. Equally typical is finding that all these new responsibilities start to create some distance in your relationship when it comes to intimacy.
You’ll likely find that your days and nights are spent more focused on caring for your little one and less on just each other.
These changes may make you feel that things are not quite right. However, the persistence of these feelings can also encourage you to make sincere efforts to communicate and find new ways to enjoy your relationship together.
Routinely check in, consistently & honestly.
  • When it comes to relationships, having consistent, open, and honest communication can ensure the two of you can understand and empathize with each other.
  • As you transition into parenthood, share your expectations - What does being a partner mean to you? What do you need from your partner? What has surprised you in this transition? What is something you wish would change?
  • Routinely check in and connect with one another. Whether it be a set day a week, or a part of your daily routine, be sure to prioritize communicating what you are feeling and experiencing. This communication will help you navigate this new chapter in your life together and may help you release some emotions as well.
Priorize intimacy
  • Intimacy, whether physical or emotional, may be difficult to obtain while still healing from the physical tolls of pregnancy and birth, as well as the grueling middle-of-the-night wake-up sessions and constant feeding.
  • Finding time for intimacy is a crucial aspect of a romantic relationship, and though there are new priorities on the list, these bids for intimacy should still make their way on the list, too.
  • According to a study, greater sexual satisfaction was reported concurrently with lower stress for both men and women.
  • It was also concluded that communicating about one’s own sexual needs, worries, and issues could foster positive sexual and relational satisfaction.
  • If you’re refraining from physical activity, consider appreciating your partner’s love language and show intimacy and appreciation in a unique way that speaks to them. Don’t nix this component altogether, but update intimacy to fit your current needs.
Assemble your support crew
  • It truly takes a village – and not just for the little one.
  • The babysitters, family members, and friends who help out are taking care of your baby and you.
  • If you have these support systems set up, the date nights you plan in advance is much more likely to happen, and that special alone time you both need will feel even better when you know your baby is in the care of someone you trust.
  • Don't be afraid to ask a friend or family member. While you may feel as if you're the only one struggling with your relationship post-baby, majority of studies show that couples are generally less happy after they become parents; one study reports 67 percent of couples see their marital satisfaction plummet.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask your village and network for advice on how they navigated partnership within parenthood - they may just have the perfect advice, or, at the very least, they can provide a listening ear as you express your feelings.
  • Either way, their support and outside perspective will be beneficial in navigating this chapter.
Earning the title of "parent" marks a thrilling milestone. This new role doesn't nullify your title as "partner." Adjustments are natural, and it takes time to establish effective communication and quality moments.
Honesty and empathy serve as guiding lights. As you navigate parenthood, remember that your journey commenced with the beautiful relationship you've cultivated. Celebrate and cherish it, for it's the foundation upon which this new chapter unfolds.
Y
Yvonne
13 Sep 2022

Having a baby definitely changes the entire dynamic of a relationship all of the sudden my partner treats me and the baby like we’re the burden smh.

Newborn Post-delivery time
2 comments
K
Kyla
Treat him like he one too
27 Mar 2024

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Yvonne
Already doing that girl lol
27 Mar 2024

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🕸💀⛓ Trei ⛓ 🌹🦇
20 Apr 2022

The gap between men and women is so huge. Mentally, physically... Emotionally? It's strange to witness the changes to a dynamic once a child is introduced. I've been thinking about this a lot. I just haven't had time to write about it. Right now, I'm navigating through what it's like to notice such a huge growth in myself spiritually and mentally while I also am witnessing my partner being left behind... This is not to say I think I am oh so much better or anything like that. I'm not saying that at all. There is no shame in being human. This is part of the game... I'm trying to find the words to describe what's happening. What changes I am seeing... I appreciate the differences. I respect we are not meant to be the same. But it almost feels like... Where are we going, human? Am I losing a friend or is this just a detour? Are we going to be able to connect the same as we once did? Have I grown to far ahead of you this time? I'm not looking for comfort. I'm just observing and thinking. I've been wanting to write on this but the words aren't fully formed just yet. The language is still forming... This post probably makes no sense. Being an adult is a trip, isn't it? Each new experience is truly something to behold...

Newborn Post-delivery time
7 comments
M
Mama26Buttheads
My husband has more knowledge and wisdom in some areas and I have knowledge and wisdom in others. Him more so than me, but I don’t see one of us as being above the other. I believe God brought us together for a reason.
27 Mar 2024

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🕸💀⛓ Trei ⛓ 🌹🦇
That's beautiful! 💙 Did you ever feel a shift in how you coexisted together after the first child? Was there ever a time where you were never on the same page as before?
27 Mar 2024

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