Welcoming a new baby can be an exciting time for a couple. From putting together a nursery, buying baby clothes, and picking out a name, there’s a lot to look forward to! For married couples expecting a new baby, there are certain safeguards that can be put in place to prevent a marriage from falling apart.
Plan Date Nights
Before your new baby arrives, take the time to plan out date nights with your spouse. These can be scheduled as frequently as you’d like. Knowing that you and your partner will have the chance to be one-on-one and enjoy each other’s company will keep the two of you in good spirits. When the new baby arrives, you and your spouse may start to miss the days before kids; this is where date nights can come in handy. There are plenty of date night ideas that you and your partner can take advantage of. Date nights are all about spending quality time with one another. For an extra layer of intimacy, consider planning your date nights around your spouse’s love language.
Create a Space Just for You
When getting ready to welcome a baby, your home may start to feel like it doesn’t belong to you anymore. Baby gear starts to take over every room and your home starts to lose its personal touches. However, you and your partner can create a space that’s just for the two of you. This could be a master bedroom, a finished basement, or even an outdoor space. Before the baby arrives, take the necessary steps to get your space ready. Smaller home upgrades such as a fresh paint color, decluttering, or even installing new windows can help refresh your space and bring it back to life. If you’re in the market for bigger home upgrades such as home additions or remodels, you and your spouse can consider looking into a home equity line of credit for additional funding. A HELOC can put some extra cash into your pocket to allow for those larger home improvement projects and is tax-deductible. Whether you’re considering big or small home improvements, creating a private space for you and your spouse to relax in will help keep stress levels low.
Delegate Responsibilities
According to the Journal of Family Psychology, 67% of couples see their marital satisfaction plummet after having a baby. When a newborn arrives, it’s crucial that you and your partner have a plan to rely on. With an influx of new responsibilities, it can be difficult to figure out this different reality. Start by discussing who can take on what duties. Remember that no responsibility is too small. You and your partner can list out different tasks that have to be completed. These can include household chores, nighttime feedings, managing bathtime, or weekly grocery shopping. Once the list is made, create a schedule for you and your partner. This schedule can help keep both of you on track and minimize the possibility of feeling overwhelmed. 3CB99C
Prioritize Self-Care
Parents of newborns are often in survival mode. As time goes on, it’s very easy to forget to take care of yourself. Making self-care a priority is a great way to make sure that you and your partner don’t experience burnout. Self-care doesn’t have to be a time-consuming event either. Simple self-care ideas are a great way to improve your well-being. Even though alone time is important for married couples, these self-care ideas can be done together as well. They can also serve as a great way to reconnect with your spouse. Knowing that you’re putting yourself first will help you stay on track in your marriage and in your role as a parent.
Being proactive is key when preparing your marriage for a new baby. Take the time to make sure that your marriage has a good foundation. Discuss a plan of action with your spouse for these newfound responsibilities to minimize any additional stress. Furthermore, don’t forget to focus on taking care of yourself as well as your relationship. Having a private space that the two of you can escape to is a great way to reconnect and relax. With a solid marital foundation, you and your partner will be able to take on anything that comes your way.
