3 Conversations to Have With Your Partner Before the Baby Comes

Transcript

Okay, if you are pregnant, these are the three questions that I would make sure to go over with my partner prior to giving birth. Hi, if you don't know me, I'm Dr. Jana. I'm a licensed psychologist specializing in moms. First question I have all my moms go over with their partner is who is going to own what? When you have a baby, your time basically vanishes. And so the things that you are able to take care of around the house prior to having a baby are going to look very different postpartum. So have a conversation about who is going to manage finances, grocery shopping, cleaning, baby care, restocking things. When we have clear ownership over who is doing what, it can prevent a lot of resentment. Number two, how are we going to protect sleep for both partners, but mainly mom? Sleep deprivation is one of the leading risk factors for pretty much every perinatal mood disorder. So we really need to protect mom's sleep. So talk through with partner about taking shifts. What do naps look like weekends? What support can you bring in? And number three, how are you guys going to communicate when you need help? What are your red flags that you are reaching your breaking point that partner can be on the lookout for? What kind of responses can your partner give you that feel really supportive versus dismissive? Having these conversations ahead of time about how partner can support you and you can support partner will protect you guys from a lot of built-up resentment. It's really normal for relationship satisfaction to take a huge nosedive postpartum, but these are three ways that you can protect your relationship, which is so important.