TAKE A WALK…ALONE
If you’ve ever thought twice about something as benign as sleeping in, then you know that new mom guilt is real. Taking time for yourself isn’t selfish; it’s good for your baby and your marriage. Start with something simple, like a walk around the block or a long shower, and eventually work your way up to a girls’ night out. If you make yourself a priority, your family will, too.
LET EACH OTHER MAKE MISTAKES
Your husband is in the other room watching the baby and he’s doing everything wrong. (“She doesn’t like to be held like that! Hold her bottle this way!”) You might think you’re an expert, but giving your partner the space to discover his own best practices will build his confidence and keep your connection solid. Stop hovering, and let him mess up a little. Nobody’s perfect, even you.
SNUGGLE, SNUGGLE, SNUGGLE
Babies aren’t the only ones who need affection. Obviously sex is good (Great! Amazing!) for marriage, but when your body is healing from childbirth and you’re exhausted, you might have to cool it for awhile. Snuggling will keep the intimacy alive until you’re ready to get back to it. Pretend you’re in middle school again! (Minus the zits).
MAKE A MONEY PLAN
You want to buy a tiny stuffed pony for your son’s first birthday and he wants to buy a real live one. Differences about finances can cause deep rifts in a marriage if you don’t communicate. Whether you have plenty of money or you struggle from month to month, make sure you talk to your partner about your plan for spending, saving and affording this demanding little person you’ve just created.
BUY NEW UNDERWEAR
Stella did not get her groove back in a pair of old underwear. If you’ve been rocking the same ripped granny panties since you brought your baby home from the hospital, it might be time to change it up. Confidence is sexy, so start from the outside with something that makes you love your body again. The better you feel, the better partner you’ll be.
EAT DINNER TOGETHER
Sure, it’s gonna be awhile before your baby is able to share your pad Thai, but it’s never too early to start family dinners. Taking at least one moment a day to put down your phones and experience each other as a family will go a long way toward reminding you why you wanted to have kids in the first place. So put your baby in the bouncer by the table and stare lovingly into your husband’s eyes over that veggie lasagna.
TALK ABOUT SOMETHING OTHER THAN YOUR BABY
You’re obsessed with your new tiny human, but it doesn’t have to completely define your relationship. If you take some time to talk about more than just how many times she pooped today, it will remind you that you’re not just parents, you’re people, too. Chat about work, friends, politics, the weather (if you’re desperate!) and reconnect.
SEND SWEET TEXTS
Before baby, you probably sent pictures of your boobs as foreplay. Now there’s a little mouth connected to your nipple, and the caption says, “Lunch.” You’re going to be communicating a lot to scheduling feedings, naps, playdates, etc., so take a moment and write something nice, too. A simple “I love you” can go a long way toward keeping your partner feeling special and appreciated.
