4 Signs That You Might Need Prenatal & Postpartum Couples Therapy
Bringing a baby into your life is a huge shift, and it can be tough on even the best relationships. If you and your partner feel a little out of sync, aren’t communicating like you use to, or just feel more distant, prenatal and postpartum couples therapy can be a great way to get back on track together during this big change.
Maybe you’ve noticed more tension, communication has become more difficult, or you don’t feel as connected.
You’re not alone.
Many couples experience these emotions during the prenatal and postpartum periods; couples therapy can help.
At ForwardUs Counseling, our approach places focus on the relationship, not just one partner. Prenatal and postpartum couples therapy aims to support both partners through this transition.
All couples will face some change after a baby. But, how do you know when to seek perinatal couples therapy?
Here are some signs:
Persistent Resentment
A common challenge many new parents face after the birth of a child is the shift of focus to the baby after childbirth.
The shift of attention can leave many couples struggling with how to maintain the connection.
The non-birthing partner often feels neglected, sidelined and rejected due to birthing partner devoted attention to the baby.
This sudden shift can trigger unexpressed feelings of jealousy and rejection. These unexpressed emotions can be difficult for a partner to express due to shame and guilting and can look like irritability, anger and rage.
When these feeling are left unexpressed it can lead to resentment and strain on the relationship.
Couples counseling offers a place where both partners can feel understood, supported to help express their resentment and ask for their needs.
2. Frequent Arguments and Communication Breakdowns
After having a baby, chores and parenting responsibility can strain relationships in a way couples do not anticipate. These demands can lead couples to fight and bicker. Perception of unequal effort—real or perceived, hormonal changes, physical and emotional changes, stress and lack of sleep can lead couples to feel overwhelmed.
Exhaustion can reduce intimacy, sparking conflicts over affection or sex.
Adding family involvement and financial stress, like medical bills and childcare, increases strain.
These issues often signal stress.
One or more of the issues can lead to couples operating on a short fuse making the small arguments escalate into larger conflicts, leading couples to feel disconnected.
Overtime couples will find that they get caught in cycle of fighting with each other due feeling unheard and unsupported by their partner.
3. Feeling Emotionally and Physically Disconnected
Many couples experience emotional and physical disconnection after having a baby.
Physically, the lack of sleep, especially from the partner that is directly caring for the newborn can often lead to sleep derivation, one of the biggest culprits of irritability and reduced patience, leading to increases conflict amongst couples.
Pregnancy and childbirth require recovery both physically and psychologically.
The physical and emotional demands on the persons who gives birth can be particularly challenging and can include, but are not limited to physical changes, body images and fatigue.
Managing complications like perennial tears, breast feeding and c-sections are physically straining. The impact of these changes may leave the other partner feeling helpless and questioning how they can provide support.
Emotionally, couples may find it difficult to have open conversation and share experiences that once kept them disconnected.
The focus on the baby can make couples feel like they are living parallel lives and the needs of the baby are prioritized over relationship needs.
Over time silent and distance gap is created, leading to feelings of loneliness.
4. Lack Of Support
You both had a baby and feeling unsupported after having a baby can be overwhelming and sometimes isolating when you don’t feel supported.
You are both juggling it all.
Between the responsibility of taking care of the baby, household chores and trying to stay afloat, it can leave couples feeling like they are carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders.
When perceived feeling of lack of emotional or physical support, you feel you need from your partner, it puts a strain on your relationship too.
Early parenthood is challenging. Without support, it can feel almost impossible to stay connected with your partner.
Feelings of loneliness can be amplified particularly because it comes at a time when partners need each other the most.
Considering Postpartum Therapy With Your Partner?
“Hi, I’m Evon, M.A, LAMFT,
Seeking out prenatal and postpartum couples therapy is a brave first step towards reconnecting with your partner, equipping yourselves with new skills, and navigating this new chapter as a stronger, more united team.
Sessions can provide a place to explore both parental and relationship stress.
Together, we'll develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage the stress, anxiety, and all the confusing feelings this transition can bring.
Postpartum couples counseling gives you and your partner the emotional support needed during this significant life transition.
You don't have to wait until you're both at your wits end (it's okay if you do too) to get support and embrace the journey of parenthood together.
Your family's well-being and future are worth investing in professional support. Contact us today to set up a complimentary 15-minute consultation.
