After the Baby
Learn how to protect your relationship during early parenthood by rebuilding connection, appreciation, and emotional safety.
Know
The shift from partners to parents can feel overwhelming.
You’re navigating new responsibilities, less sleep, and fewer moments for each other. What once felt effortless—talking, laughing, touching—now takes effort.
In fact, 67% of couples report a drop in relationship satisfaction within the first three years after having a child (Gottman Institute).
But the couples who stay connected build small, intentional habits that keep the relationship alive in the middle of everything new.
Reflect
→ Are we still making time for each other—or just the to-do list?
→ Do I feel appreciated in this season—or just responsible?
→ When’s the last time we connected as partners—not just co-parents?
Apply
→ The Habit of Connection:
Protect 15 minutes a day to be fully present with each other—no phones, no multitasking, no problem-solving. Just be together.
This could look like:
☕ Morning coffee before the day starts
🚶 A walk after dinner
📺 Sitting close and watching a show
The goal isn’t deep conversation—it’s shared presence.
→ Say Thank You—Out Loud:
Express appreciation for something specific every day, even the small stuff.
→ “Thanks for doing bedtime—I know you were exhausted.”
→ “I saw you picked up the dishes. That meant a lot.”
Appreciation keeps resentment from building and reminds you you’re still on the same team.
→ The Stress-Reducing Conversation:
End the day with a check-in: “How are you feeling today?”
This isn’t the time to talk about your relationship—focus on outside stress (work, family, identity, etc).
Listen to understand, not to fix.
Say things like:
→ “That makes sense.”
→ “That sounds like a lot. I’m here.”
These conversations build emotional safety—the foundation for staying connected.