When Baby Arrives: What You Need to Know About Staying Together as a Couple

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When Baby Arrives What You Need to Know About
Staying Together as a Couple
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(No Transcript)
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• Having a baby is a big life change. You can no
  longer go on vacation on a whim, stay out as late
  you want, or even sleep through the night. You
  now have something that is completely dependent
  on you for survival. Its a stressful time
  learning to be parents and no one can fully
  prepare you for it. In fact, the birth of a child
  leads to marital dissatisfaction, with thirteen
  percent of new parents filing for divorce within
  the first five years after the birth of a child.
  Here are some ways to keep your relationship
  healthy after the baby arrives.

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• Commit to Date Nights
• Yes, having a regular date night will be a lot
  more difficult with kids, and especially with a
  newborn. However, its important to spend quality
  time together having adult funwith no diapers or
  cartoons in sight. Hire a sitter or ask a friend
  or family member to watch your baby for a few
  hours while you go to a nice dinner, movie, or
  even just a walk in the park. You may not be able
  to have a weekly date night, but even once a
  month will help keep you bonded.

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• Take Time Alone
• Just as its important to have time together,
  its equally important for new parents to have
  time to themselves. This is particularly
  important for new moms, who tend to have less
  alone time. Make sure you each get some time
  every week to be alone and recharge. Get some
  exercise, read a book, or go to a movie alone. If
  you can, try pursuing hobbies you enjoyed before
  baby to help you both maintain your sense of
  self.

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• Seek Support
• Reach out to friends and family for support
  during this time. If your life becomes too
  consumed with the baby and each other, it can
  feel stifling. Seek support from friends and
  family, talk to a counselor or therapist, or join
  a new parents group.

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• Heart Centered Counseling provides individual
  therapy, marriage or couples counseling and
  family therapy. We offer the best care available
  to those struggling with personal, relational,
  and mental health issues. If you are looking for
  therapist in Fort Collins or psychologist in Fort
  Collins or Greeley, please visit our site
  http//heartcenteredcounselors.com to know more
  about us and how to contact us.