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Have a Rocking Marriage During an Overwhelming First Baby Year

Having a baby is one of the most exciting things that can happen to a couple. But as wonderful as having a baby is, let’s not pretend that there aren’t a few downsides. One of the main casualties of having a baby can be the relationship between mom and dad, if you’re not careful. Many couples have had a baby online to find out their relationship could not handle the strain. Babies are time consuming and overwhelming, especially during the first year, and you cannot leave your relationship unattended all of that time if you want it to thrive.

Here’s one thing to get out of your head right away – it is NOT selfish to make sure you have couple time, even after the birth of your baby and during that all important first year. In fact, it is in your child’s best interest for you to spend a lot of time and attention on making your marriage a success after the birth of the baby. If you want your marriage to survive the birth of a child in tact and stay stronger than ever, then you need to plan for it. With a little bit of tender loving care, a baby will bring you and your spouse closer together than ever before.

To sure your marriage is at the top of its game when baby comes along, there is one thing you have to remember – plan, plan, plan. You can’t expect for things to just fall into place themselves after such a life changing event as the arrival of a baby. To ensure the success of your relationship, you need to spend a lot of time in advance discussing how you will manage things when your baby arrives.

First, you should take a clear, no holds barred look at any issues in your marriage as it stands. If you have simmering rage that your partner never helps out around the house or you resent the fact that your spouse works late most nights, then these things will only be magnified when all of the responsibilities of a new baby lands in your lap. Clear the air and discuss the things that are bothering you now, so you have a clean slate when your little one makes their appearance.

You should also discuss your expectations of each other when it comes to taking care of baby, especially if you both work. Figure out how you will manage things like working late, business trips, maternity leave, and so on. Before the baby arrives is also a good time to discuss the impact a child will have on your finances, especially if one of you will be leaving a job to take care of the child.

Of course, in addition to managing the responsibilities of a child, for your marriage to survive, you will need to make sure you have time for the fun stuff as well. Before you child arrives, find a few babysitter with whom you can be comfortable, and commit to a date night once a week, once a month, or whenever you can. Make sure these nights are in your schedule so they don’t get swept under the rug.

A baby is a big chance for any family; there is no getting around that. Even if your baby is born out of love, that doesn’t mean that you can just assume that your relationship is up to the strain. Include your relationship in your baby planning so you marriage thrives.