Oh Baby! We are struggling now that the baby is born!
Having a baby is a wonderful experience. However, parenting could complicate the marital relationship. So, being proactive with prenatal therapy sessions is the best way to avoid any obstacles after the baby is born.
*Todd and Sherita’s Story
A young couple, Todd & Sherita, came to my office to deal with marital issues. Both reported frequent arguments over “small stuff” and lack of affection.
Sherita expressed sadness, fatigue and mood changes. She said:
“I am tired of being alone!”
“I am alone dealing with everything!”
“He is not helping.”
“He doesn’t kiss me anymore.”
“He does not like me anymore!”
While Todd said things like:
“She is not there for me anymore.”
“There is no time for sex or intimacy.”
“I think she doesn’t love me anymore.”
“She gets mad at me with me for no reason.”
I asked them when they began to notice these problems. Both agreed that it was since they had their first baby, 8 months ago.
Each of them was reporting different feelings but the main issue was the loneliness.
Todd’s view of the unhappy marriage after baby
After the baby, Todd was feeling that Sherita was not his wife anymore; she was the mother of his child and for him just a new boss! He tried to get involved, but he didn’t know how! He felt criticized for everything related to the baby.
So he decided to give Sherita some space.
In doing so, he got more involved with his work and hobbies.
Sherita’s view of her unhappy marriage after baby
Sherita was feeling overwhelmed with the baby, lack of sleep, and the household. She wanted to go back to work but felt she was unable to talk about it with Todd.
Interestingly enough, both were feeling abandoned!
I was able to help them understand that their situation was not a crisis; it was a stage for growth in their relationship.
Changes are always stressful and having a baby is a big change!
Most people think it is mainly difficult for the mother, but research suggests that is also a challenge for the father. Marital relationship researcher, Dr. Gottman, states that 67% of couples report a decrease in marital satisfaction during the baby’s first three years.
In therapy, they learned how to deal with these challenges as a team, not opponents. Also, they were able to show appreciation for the effort that each of them was doing for the baby. I guided them to review their own expectations about parenthood and gender roles, as well as conflict styles.
Also, we discussed strategies to reactivate the passion in their marriage.
At the end of five sessions, Todd and Sherita reported:
more collaboration in the household chores,
a hopeful view of their marriage,
a significant decrease of negative interactions, and
more effectiveness in dealing with conflict.
Changes are challenging but they do not have to become a deal breaker. Having an unhappy marriage after your baby is automatic.
My advice is to get ready before the baby arrives!
Couples who learn about the process of becoming parents are more effective as parents. Also, research demonstrates a lower rate of postpartum depression, better marital satisfaction, and better mental development for the baby.
As Gottman says:
“A good marital relationship is one of the best gifts you can give to your child.”
*Changes to this narrative were added to ensure confidentiality.