7 major challenges new parents face and how to deal with them

Parenthood literally changes your life overnight. It is a huge transition that will keep you occupied for the rest of your life. The faster you get a hang of juggling work, family and parenting, you will be in a better position to maintain your marriage at steady a pace.

Here are some problems that couples tend to face post having a baby.

1. Intimacy 

After becoming a parent, your chances of having an intimate relation with your spouse might not be as regular. Having to take care of a newborn can strain your relation. Be patient with each other in the first couple of months. Once your baby is old enough they will automatically regularise their sleep routine, which might give you and your spouse time to rekindle the spark.

2. New Roles

Becoming a parent means your role changes from being just a wife/husband to a mother/father.

Being a parent might take you longer to get the hang of the responsibilities that comes with it. A sudden change in the role might disrupt your entire schedule. It is best to start preparing for the baby beforehand, as it will give you more time to adjust to the new roles.

3. Clash

Parenting styles differ from one person to the other. While the mother may have a stern way of bringing up her child, fathers might have a more leisurely take on parenting. This difference in parenting might build bridges between the new parents. Either let one person do the parenting while helping with second-hand chores such as cleaning.

4. Sleepless Nights

You might have first hand experience of this already, but a reiteration would not hurt. The first few months after your baby’s birth is the most hectic time of parenting. You might get used to this over time, but the first few weeks might be tedious. Get help from family members to reduce the burden. Take turns to sleep and take naps while your baby does the same. This is the easiest way to avoid those dreadful dark circles.

5. Innumerable Tasks

Once you become a parent, you are responsible for a little human. Taking care of the baby and yourself while managing the household can be strenuous. Do not refuse help from anyone that offers, especially near and dear ones. Dividing household chores is the most immediate solution you can resort to.

6. The Mood Swings

Since your hormones are in the process of regularising, you might experience acute mood swings. This might affect your relation with your spouse. Try and avoid confronting your spouse while you are experiencing a bad mood swing.

7. Postnatal Depression

Depression among new moms is quite common. This might isolate her into any association with her baby. It is vital for you to take care of her and the baby. Make sure she gets the needed psychiatric attention. In such a case, a rift between the couple is common. Try not to push your spouse away too much, as it might end up being a bad idea.