You may find yourself reading a dozen or more baby books when you discover you are expecting. You might read books on parenting for the first time. Parents who are expecting a second child may be worried about how to manage another in the home or how to find an extra pair to help with everything.
Even though parenting books are full of useful information, there are some things they cannot tell you. Some of these things you have to learn for yourself. Your marriage will change when your baby is born.
You will be surprised at the changes that marriage can bring.
You can make changes to your life that were already there
You may find that you are trying to adjust your lifestyle to the new baby. You will often be taking time to take care of the newborn, and you won’t be able to do what you used to. Your life will change in many ways when you have another baby.
You may have spent time as a couple doing activities you enjoy and going on dates, but you will also share new moments together as parents. Playdates, snacks, and bedtime stories will soon dominate your life.
You should discuss how you envision your new life. You may want to do the same things with your family that you did together. You might be the family that loves music, boating or hiking. You could be a little of both.
Stress and lack of sleep!
Both of you will be experiencing sleep deprivation like never before! You have a lot to do when you are taking care of a new baby, and that little being will wake up several times during the night. Lack of sleep, learning to take care of your baby and becoming a parent can cause tension. This can wear both of you out and cause frustration and irritation in your marriage.
Make a conscious effort to thank each other for their efforts and to use other nice words. This can reduce tension and let everyone know that their efforts are appreciated.
You have no free time
You will leave behind a life where you spent a lot more time doing things you enjoy. There is no free time for parents with multiple children, as you will be helping with one child and the other one may want you to play. When you are away from your children, you tend to think of them a lot.
But you can still get some time back. This is also necessary for the sanity of parents! Make the most of your free time. If you’re out with friends, or spending time with your spouse, be mindful of who you’re with and what you’re doing. You should take care of yourself. Maybe indulge in your favorite hobbies that you used to do more before having children. You will be a better parent and partner if you can find some time for yourself.
You can lose your relationship in the darkness
It’s easy to lose sight of the relationship that you and your partner have built. There are many things happening in your life, including activities at home. Your family’s health is directly related to the relationship that started it all. If you and your partner are struggling, the rest of your household is also suffering!
Remember that marriage is still a relationship between you and your partner. You should make time for your partner whenever you can. This could be a weekly date or a 10-minute period.
Parenting is a wonderful experience
It is impossible to express how amazing it is to be a parent. It can be a big change for both you and your partner, but it can also bring you closer together and strengthen the bond you already have. Continue to change with your spouse as you both grow into parenthood. Together, talk, love, grow, and experience. You and your spouse, or even your children, will always remember these moments. You and your spouse (and even the kids!) will never forget these moments.