Postnatal & Parenting

Postnatal & Parenting

While this is in no way a complete handbook (if only one existed), you can definitely find some tips and tricks here that will help you make the transition into parenthood. 

Maintaining relationships

After a couple's baby is born, nearly two-thirds of new parents say they are not as happy with their relationship. Southwest Washington Medical Center is offering a new workshop that runs through the month of March, and again in June and October 2010, called "Bringing Baby Home." The workshop helps new parents develop a “new normal,” which includes room for both their relationship with their baby and their relationship with each other. Learn more about this innovative workshop >

Child Growth Calculator

Thinking about your partner after you’ve had a baby

Having a baby affects both you and your partner. You’re both getting used to having a baby around. Your partner may be just as nervous about being a parent as you are.

What You Can Do

  • Learn about taking care of your baby together. Read baby care books and go to baby care classes.
  • Let your partner help with the baby. Don’t try to do everything by yourself.
  • Spend time with your partner—just the two of you. Go for a walk or out to dinner. Ask someone you trust to take care of the baby for an hour or two.
  • Ask your healthcare provider about when it’s OK for you to have sex again. Most likely she’ll say to wait about four weeks to give your body time to heal after labor and birth. You may have mixed feelings about having sex again. You may be sore, tired and stressed. You may not feel very sexy. Read more>

Parents

Ask the Expert


Q: After four children, my husband and I are certain we do not want more children. I am considering a tubal ligation, but heard that you have to take two to three days off after the procedure. Are there other options?

A: Dr. Margaret Griffith and I (Dr. Joe Chang) at the Southwest Medical Group OB/GYN Associates are certified to offer a procedure for a new form of permanent contraceptive called Adiana. Unlike temporary methods of birth control such as birth control pills, diaphragms, condoms and spermicides, the Adiana procedure is permanent. And because there are no incisions and no general anesthesia, the procedure avoids the risks and discomforts of more invasive surgical procedures.

I recommend that you talk to your physician, Dr. Griffith or myself about Adiana if you are considering a permanent contraceptive procedure for the following reasons: Read the full answer >

Ask the Expert is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your physician or other qualified health provider because of something you have read here.

Baby makes threeBook Review:

And Baby Makes Three: The Six-Step Plan for Preserving Marital Intimacy and Rekindling Romance After Baby Arrives

by John M. Gottman and Julie Schwartz Gottman

Having a baby is a joyous experience, but even the best relationships are strained during the transition from duo to trio. Lack of sleep, never-ending housework, and new fiscal concerns often lead to conflict, disappointment, and hurt feelings. In And Baby Makes Three Love Lab™ experts John Gottman and Julie Schwartz Gottman teach couples the skills from their successful workshops, so partners can avoid the pitfalls of parenthood by:
  • maintaining intimacy and romance
  • replacing a culture of criticism and irritability with one of appreciation
  • preventing post-partum depression

Read the full review >

Buy from Powells.com
Buy from Amazon.com
Get it from the Multonomah County Library

More book reviews >

 

Latest Posts Share your story

There’s a new life in your life, which translates into lots of stories. Funny stories, sad stories, uplifting stories. We want to hear them. Join the community today to share your stories. Or select one of the blog entries below to read what other parents have to say.
 

Daily Routines aren't Humdrum (by familybirthcenter on 2-Jan-10; 2 comments)

Breastfeeding article (by nikkik on 3-Dec-09; 0 comments)

Foster Parents: Thank you (by nikkik on 24-Sep-09; 11 comments)

How did I ever live without . . . (by nikkik on 20-Sep-09; 0 comments)

Choosing a daycare (by emmareaghansmommy on 8-Sep-09; 0 comments)

Birth Order (by nikkik on 5-Sep-09; 0 comments)

Stay at home or go to work? (by emmareaghansmommy on 31-Aug-09; 1 comments)

Free Range Kids (by nikkik on 6-Aug-09; 1 comments)

Supermom?? (by mmstreur on 17-Jul-09; 5 comments)

Funny Stay-at-Home Dad video (by nikkik on 29-Jun-09; 0 comments)

Discovering Oregon Children's Theater (by Sarah on 29-May-09; 0 comments)

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Featured Partner

SW OB GYN

 Southwest Medical Group OB/GYN Associates

Dedicated to serving the obstetrical and gynecological needs of women in our community. Learn more about the healthcare providers at Southwest Medical Group. Contact: 360.514.1060, 505 NE 87th Ave, Suite 160, Vancouver, WA 98664. Learn more about the Medical Group >
 
How do you and your spouse maintain a healthy relationship (check all that apply)?

 

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Local Angle

Howe family photo

Encouragement + An Assist = Success

Nine days past her due date, Sara Howe was awakened at 3:00AM when her water broke. Thrilled that the long wait was finally over, Sara and her husband David packed up and headed to Southwest Washington Medical Center. By 5:00AM they were comfortably settled into one of Southwest’s Labor Delivery Recovery and Postpartum rooms, ready for action. But four hours later, Sara contractions had still not progressed so her midwife started her on Pitocin. Soon the contractions kicked in and Sara was well on her way.

At around eight o’clock the next morning, it was time for Sara to start pushing. So she pushed. And she pushed, and she pushed, and she pushed. "The first few hours of pushing went by without me realizing the time," remarked Sara. "But around the fourth hour I started to wonder if I was still making progress. That is when the encouragement of my midwife, husband and the Southwest nursing staff kept me going. It was like I had my own cheering section."

Unfortunately, even with all the support and encouragement, Sara’s labor was not progressing because her baby’s head was tilted in the birth canal. Neither Sara or her midwife wanted her to have a Cesarean section after all that work, so her midwife suggested an assisted delivery. Read more >

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