YourBabyYourWay.com - 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 >

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>

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 >

Get more postnatal answers from our experts >

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.

Book 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 >

	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.

Maintaining relationships

Thinking about your partner after you’ve had a baby

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?

Book Review:

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

Existing Members

Featured Partner

Southwest Medical Group OB/GYN Associates