Preparing your marriage Jonesboro GA

To have a baby is often a celebratory experience for couples, but it can also be a strenuous time. A new child -- be it the first, second or third -- alters the dynamics of a couple's relationship, which can lead to stress, pressure and negative patterns if not handled properly.

Local Companies

Babies Right Start
404-755-0942
2216 Lake Harbin rd
Morrow, GA
Kids Avenue Pediatrics
770-909-8007
1720 Phoenix Blvd
Atlanta, GA
Meyers Joseph Leslie C MD Faap
404-691-4321
2600 Martin Luther King Jr Dr SW
Atlanta, GA
Jenkins Albert D MD
404-349-6758
2945 Stone Hogan Connector RD SW
Atlanta, GA
Princeton Lakes Pediatrics
404-629-1880
3885 Princeton Lakes Way SW
Atlanta, GA
Stiefel William III MD
404-605-0540
35 Collier RD NW
Atlanta, GA
Gabriel Amy MD
(770) 996-1200
335 Upper Riverdale Rd
Jonesboro, GA
Shelnutt J Judson MD
(706) 227-1164
1500 Oglethorpe Ave
Athens, GA
Hanafi Magdi MD
(404) 851-9300
5673 Peachtree Dunwoody R
Atlanta, GA
Eldridge Ehrman H Jr MD Facog
(706) 323-9047
1100 18th St
Columbus, GA



Preparing Your Marriage To have a baby is often a celebratory experience for couples, but it can also be a strenuous time. A new child -- be it the first, second or third -- alters the dynamics of a couple's relationship, which can lead to stress, pressure and negative patterns if not handled properly.

"It's a tremendous change," says Gayle Peterson, family therapist, online family columnist and author of Making Healthy Families (Shadow and Light). Many couples, especially those expecting their first child, are nervous about a baby's impact on their marriage. Surprisingly, though, few partners discuss their feelings or new responsibilities before the child is born.

"The first thing to do is to discuss caretaking, which should be shared," advises Peterson. Even if one spouse stays home, he or she should not assume all baby-related responsibilities. "If he's not there to change seven diapers during the day, he should change one a night," Peterson recommends. Both partners should share in the pleasant and not-so-pleasant child-rearing tasks to adequately bond with the baby. If one partner changes the diaper better or quicker or feeds the baby more carefully, he or she must let the other develop similar skills.

In addition to discussing and implementing shared caretaking, couples must master shared decision-making. For example, both parties should mutually decide on a pediatrician. Likewise, business trips and major professional decisions should be discussed. "To come home and say you're taking another job or a two-week business trip doesn't work," warns Peterson. Your partner should be consulted, not informed. To initiate a discussion, Peterson recommends to ask simple questions like, "What do you think?" and "What questions do you have?"

Lastly, couples must allot time to nurture their relationship. "It doesn't have to be a vacation," says Peterson, "but something you can count on -- an evening walk with the baby, a regular date night. Peterson also recommends that some couples consider a family development loan to allow one partner to reduce or eliminate hours at work. "It's just so important to build a foundation for the family."

   Top

About The Author

Beth Wilson is a regular contributor to Your Baby Today.

Featured Local Company

Babies Right Start

404-755-0942
2216 Lake Harbin rd
Morrow, GA

Related Articles
- A Visit to the Art Museum Jonesboro GA
Most people don't think of taking young children to an art museum. Children like to be active, so how could they possibly enjoy standing around and looking at paintings? With a shift in thinking and some advance planning, parents can find lots of excitement for their kids within the walls of an art museum.
- A Feline Veterinarian's Day Jonesboro GA
- A man's guide to surviving holiday shopping Jonesboro GA
- About Blocks Jonesboro GA
- A new mom's guide to getting the sleep she needs Jonesboro GA
- A Stork Sign Jonesboro GA
- Activities for Preschoolers Jonesboro GA
- A Parent Checklist For Starting a Family Jonesboro GA
- Adding Crib Bedding Jonesboro GA
- Adjusting to Single-Parenthood Jonesboro GA
Related Articles
- A Visit to the Art Museum Jonesboro GA
Most people don't think of taking young children to an art museum. Children like to be active, so how could they possibly enjoy standing around and looking at paintings? With a shift in thinking and some advance planning, parents can find lots of excitement for their kids within the walls of an art museum.
- A Feline Veterinarian's Day Jonesboro GA
- A man's guide to surviving holiday shopping Jonesboro GA
- About Blocks Jonesboro GA
- A new mom's guide to getting the sleep she needs Jonesboro GA
- A Stork Sign Jonesboro GA
- Activities for Preschoolers Jonesboro GA
- A Parent Checklist For Starting a Family Jonesboro GA
- Adding Crib Bedding Jonesboro GA
- Adjusting to Single-Parenthood Jonesboro GA

Rss   Delicious   Digg   Add To My Yahoo   Add To My Google   Bookmark   Search Plugin

Topics:
Advertising Family Home Services Real Estate Resources
Business Services Fashion Industrial Goods & Services Retail & Consumer Services
Career Financial Services Insurance Software
Cars Food & Beverage Internet Technology
Computer Hardware Franchise Legal Telecommunications
Construction Health Miscellaneous Trade Shows
Education Holidays Nightlife Travel
Entertainment Home Appliances Online Database Weddings
Environmental Home Electronics Pets World History