How Couples Prepare for a New Baby & Support Postpartum Mental Health

Prepare for the “challenging” baby, but keep the dream of the “fantasy” baby.  I know you are going to be the lucky parents with the baby who sleeps through the night, latches on the first try, loves sleeping in a crib, and has cries that are easily soothed. But just in case you end up with a “real” baby, you might want to have a game plan for the worst case scenario. Here are some things to think about and discuss before baby arrives: Have some phrases that signal to your partner that it’s time for them to step in. “I need a break now.” (Translation: “If you don’t take this baby right now, I’m going to lose it!”) “Why don’t you take your mother to the grocery store to get milk.” (Translation: “If you don’t get that woman out of my eyesight in five minutes…”). How will you manage guests? Who is a support and who isn’t? How can you politely and diplomatically steer guests in the direction you need instead of yielding to the demands of relatives out of guilt and obligation? Prepare for the real dynamics of extended family and not your “hopes” that they will rise to the occasion to help out. Have they been helpful in the past? Do they get under your skin at times? These relationship issues often get amplified during the first few months of baby. As a couple, make a plan regarding guests that will minimize stress. Get a food chain together. Before ...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Family Marriage and Divorce Mental Health and Wellness Parenting Pregnancy Self-Help Women's Issues New Parents Newborn postpartum depression Source Type: blogs