The relationship after baby

Relationship satisfaction typically dips in the first year after a baby — for both parents. Sleep deprivation, shifted priorities, and unequal labor loads all contribute. Naming it early prevents resentment from setting in. Once a week, spend 10 minutes with your partner to align on the coming week — nights, meals, appointments, work stress. This short conversation prevents a hundred small miscommunications. Put it on the calendar. Book a short evening out (or in) once baby is settled — even a walk after bedtime counts. The relationship you're parenting from is the foundation of the home your baby is growing up in. Neglecting it in favor of "getting through this phase" is a common trap.