The decision to have a baby is a huge one. Both your partner and you will have to readjust your lives completely. Once the baby is born, the first several weeks will be filled with changes, some expected and some unexpected. You both will endure screaming, crying, sleepless nights, and dirty diapers. Your relationship will be forever changed. Are you ready for the changes?
Nights On The Town
Going out for dinner or drinks with friends or even just one another will no longer be as easy as it once was. You will have to plan ahead for a babysitter or learn to pack the diaper bag and take the baby with you (obviously not out for drinks). If you can’t find a sitter, you will be doing dinner for two at home.
Little Or No Intimacy
For the first six weeks after having a baby, you aren’t supposed to have any type of intimacy. Even after your baby gets settled in, finding the time and energy to spend with your partner will be a chore. When the baby finally is asleep, you will want to be napping along with him/her. Even if you need to make a schedule for “intimate time” it is important you still spend that time with your partner.
Fighting May Increase
After being up all night with a fussy baby, it is expected you will be irritable. Fighting between you and your partner will most likely increase for a little while. It is understandable and happens to the best of people. You both need to remember it will not last forever and eventually this won’t be as stressful. Take time to let one another express their frustrations, which will help cut down on the arguing
Little To No Alone Time
This is something that will be the most difficult to adjust to. As a couple, you both have had your own things to do when not busy with one another. Now you will be busy with baby and the little time you will have will be spent catching up with each other or on your sleep. This will especially affect the couples that live together because when one wants to do something, the other has to be available to watch the baby.
Changing Routines
While this one is probably the most expected, it will still be hard to adapt to. While your baby is making a place for himself/herself in this world, it is your job as parents to make a schedule they can follow. Sometimes this will include waking up an hour before work to feed the baby so your partner can sleep an hour peacefully, changing your recreation schedules for doctor’s appointments, and changing your spending habits. All these things should be taken in stride and with the realization that once things settle, you may be able to go back to a more “normal” routine.
Even with all these changes, your relationship will grow stronger after you see that beautiful baby. Just remember these changes will not be permanent and things will get easier after the first couple of weeks.
