Bringing your baby home whether it is your first, 2nd or last is a beautiful and exciting moment. But what happens when you have an unexpected early delivery and have a preemie? How does your relationship handle this?
For moms, it can be a scary, anxious and unnerving time. Especially, experiencing the what-ifs and whys that can flood your mind. For dads/partners, it can also be nerve wracking, fearful and anxious time. Insert communicating importance here. Remember, your partner/spouse likely cannot read your mind so you both have to be open with expressing/sharing your feelings/thoughts. Even when it may feel unnatural or intimidating. Why? Because this is how you and your partner/spouse better understand what the other might be going through.
In 2011, my husband and I had our daughter at 31 weeks. She was in the NICU for 56 days and 55 whole nights. This is a time period implanted in my mind that I will never forget and a time which could have broken my marriage, but in turn strengthened it. How, you might ask? Besides immediately seeking both couples and individual therapy, it was due to my commitment to constant open communication. Don’t get me wrong, some days were easier than others but such is life. You must remember to keep moving forward, together. This is a choice you both must make and in doing so, where reconnection occurs.
Did you know there are roughly 15 million babies born pre-term (under gestational age of 37 weeks) every year according to the World Health Organization? It is important for you to know you are not alone!
Do you find yourself struggling to communicate or find it difficult to connect with your spouse/partner after the birth of your preemie? If so, please do not hesitate to reach out and schedule an appointment with one of our therapists.