Challenges of Early Parenthood

Did you know that in the first 6 months of parenthood a mothers’ workload increases by 67% and a fathers’ by 37%? Those numbers are astounding to me. Planning before the baby is born is essential and it is important to be aware of the additional workload and decreased time alone.  

Some ways to prepare on the mothers' part can include:

• Involve husband in pre-natal check-ups
• Engage father in the fetal kicks
• Assuring that the father precedes over others during the birth (ex. wife’s mother or mother-in-law)

I think it is important to involve the father early on so it is not just a mother-baby relationship but also a family relationship (father, mother and child).

Another thing a couple can do to plan for the arrival of a baby is to discuss the changes that will occur after the little one is born.  This can be done by anticipating how you will share the responsibilities as parents.

It can be easy to get caught up with taking care of the baby or other responsibilities in which the spouse is then forgotten, some ideas to grow closer during the challenges of parenthood can be:

• Planning carefully for the changes for each individual
• Do not forget about your spouses needs
• Look for opportunities to boost and support each other
• Take turns with both fun and not fun tasks
• Express love and appreciation freely and frequently

I hope you enjoyed reading my tips and thoughts on what the challenges of early parenthood can be!