Connecting With Your Exhausted Partner After The Birth of Your Baby

 Connecting With Your Partner After Birth

by: Emily Graham of MightyMoms.net

Connecting With Your Exhausted Partner After the Birth of Your Baby

Having a baby is a life-altering event. It’s undeniably joyful, yes, but it can also be majorly stressful. You and your partner have to actively care for your child while juggling your work responsibilities and basic needs. You may not have time to breathe, let alone spend quality time with your partner.  

All the pressure – and time apart – could strain your relationship, perhaps even to the breaking point: GoodtoKnow reports a fifth of parents break-up in the year after having a child. It’s important you – somehow – find time to connect with your partner, even when you have a great bond with each other. 

Presented by MaeleighMoon.com, here are some tips on how you could connect with your exhausted partner after the birth of your baby: 

Look out for your partner 

First, as bad as you may be feeling or as little time as you may have, make looking out for your partner a priority. They, just like you, are also under pressure and may be struggling to cope. You’re in this relationship – and life – together. A little kindness toward them can give them strength and help them blossom. Lend them a helping hand, praise everything they do, and just try to be there for them. Make an effort, and they will see and appreciate it. 

Find creative ways to be more intimate 

Intimacy is like air for every relationship. You may not be able to have sex due to lack of time, energy, or mood – but you can still be intimate in other ways. You could cuddle in bed, for example, or cook together. You could play a game, read to each other, or just be in each other’s company while doing your own thing. If you miss physical intimacy, gifting yourself (or your partner) a flirty gown may get the ball rolling again. Look at nursing nightgowns – they’re alluring and also practical.  

Schedule quality time at least once a week 

Consider making it a point to spend quality time with your partner once a week. Schedule a weekly outing like a dinner or another entertainment event. You could even exercise together, go for a walk, or take dance lessons. Ask a family member to look after your baby for a few hours, if possible, so you get some uninterrupted quality time. 

Talk to them and listen too 

Talking is a very therapeutic activity, both for you and your partner. A simple conversation with your partner can bring you closer together and cement your bond. Do it for a few minutes every day if you can. Have dinner together and tell each other about your day or ask your partner how they’re doing before bedtime. Talking can help you vent or share your stress and anxiety. 

Put a smile on your face when you come home 

According to an experienced dad, as reported by Today, coming home is your whole life. The attitude with which you greet your partner sets the tone for the rest of the day (or evening). Putting a smile on your face and greeting your partner with enthusiasm, regardless of how bad you’re feeling or how difficult your day went, will make them feel happy, valued, and cared for. Remind yourself that they’re your favorite people in the world and give them your attention for a few minutes before you do anything else.  

Make and take personal ‘me’ time 

Last, but not least, prioritize self-care, if at all possible. Focus on checking in on yourself, looking after yourself, and generally being there for yourself. How does that help you connect with your partner? You can’t pour from an empty cup, says Simple Mindfulness – meaning you can’t be there for your partner if you can’t care for yourself. Every human has basic needs. Only when you take care of them can you focus on your family. So, even if you sneak off to meditate for five to 10 minutes, you’re still taking important steps to refocus and recharge, which can help you overcome those feelings of fatigue and stress you may feel throughout the day. Don’t have time to meditate? Simple stress management techniques such as deep breathing can help you recenter yourself. Whatever you do, make sure you’re looking after yourself.

Conclusion

Just like a plant needs water to survive and thrive, every relationship needs care and maintenance to remain strong and healthy. Make time for your partner. Give them the attention they need and work through your issues together to build a strong, lasting relationship and a happy, healthy family. 

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