The Post-Baby Conversation: What new parents need to say to each other

by Alison Osborne

Most couples experience relationship issues with the arrival of a new baby. The dramatic changes to both partners lives often means couples find it impossible to communicate effectively. Conversations about how responsibilities and the workload of a new baby will be shared, what will happen on weekends, and whose job it is to cook and clean are unexpectedly a source of great tension. When a modern couple becomes parents, both men and women develop expectations of what their partners should do and provide, often based on an outdated traditional model and many couples co-exist unhappily for years. While our parents may have been content to settle into traditional stereotypic roles, the current generation of parents is struggling to fit into these moulds. The author draws not only on her personal experiences but interviews over 100 people including couples with children, stay-at home dads, separated men and women, as well as professional psychologists and relationship counselors. Men might also feel intense financial pressure as they often become the sole income earner. They are getting less sex, less exercise, and less time with their mates and so their usual methods of stress release are inadequate. The author encourages couples to create something new and to learn new ways of relating to each other. This book will show couples how to re-balance their relationships, regain equality, and create understanding in their post-baby relationship.

304 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2006

Reviews

[Charmaine Coombes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting reading. Whilst I think it was important to have the accounts of the new parents I think the theme of them was a little repetitive. I did learn a few strategies for improving my relationship. But you could skip over parts of the book. I could definitely relate to a lot of what was said in the book.

[ChingyPingy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not terribly relevant now that my baby is 2, but still interesting.

[Doula Elle]

Good book to read, to reassess your relationship and how roles quite possibly have changed drastically since becoming parents. Good conversation starter with your partner.