Having a Baby can be Stressful

Making changes is stressful. You may be feeling stressed out as you try to juggle sleepless nights and home tasks, or maybe transitioning back to work all while still adjusting to being a parent. But few parents recognize this or ask for help!

Relationships change as you move from being a couple to being a family if it is your first child. Many things have to be re-negotiated in your relationship. For example: Who does what?

Some parents say that they have a difficult time measuring up to their own expectations of the ideal parent. Others are unsure what to do with their new baby.

You may feel consumed by the needs of the baby, and you may find it hard to be there also for your partner.

For some families the pregnancy and birth have not gone as smoothly as anticipated and these events can be difficult to deal with. Premature babies, ill health in mother or baby or loss of family members at this time add their own stress that needs to be dealt with.

You may feel you are totally focused on the needs of your baby and have little time for yourself or your couple relationship.