The birth of your baby can take your relationship with your partner to whole new level. Often new fathers report being astounded by the incredible strength their partner displayed throughout labour and birth, or a woman may describe how her husband was an amazing support that she relied on to get her through the hardest parts of labour.
But it can also change the dynamic between two people. The harder parts of parenting can be tough to navigate as a couple, so it’s worth putting the effort in to show each other that what drew you together in the first place, still remains. While it may be a bit cliched, there’s no better time to do this than Valentines’ Day.
While the Valentines’ Day is known for the ‘grand gesture’, extravagant gifts aren’t necessary to show your partner how much you love them. Small simple gestures are usually the most romantic.
Here are a few ideas on how to keep the spark alive when two becomes three:
It doesn’t need to be elaborate, it can be as simple as ordering a pizza and picking it up on your way. Pack a bottle of champagne with a couple of glasses from home, a rug and your baby and nappy bag and and head out. The simple change in routine without the television or internet to distract you is the perfect antidote to nappies, breast feeds and broken nights.
If you’re at the stage where you’re comfortable leaving your baby with someone you trust, getting out as a couple, sans baby, will make you both feel brand new. You don’t have to spend a lot of money – it can be as simple as catching a movie, going for a glass of wine or a quick bite to eat. The key is to do something without your baby so you reconnect as a couple, rather always being on Mum and Dad duty.
If you can’t quite manage an outing, there is still plenty of opportunity to reconnect at home.
Once your baby is settled take the opportunity to share a bubble bath. Light some candles and enjoy some time where there are no devices, no baby paraphernalia and nothing to distract you from your partner.
It could be as simple as a rose picked from the garden left by their bed; a take away and a romantic movie; offer a foot massage or a shoulder rub; or leave them a love note with their breakfast cuppa.
The key is to do something you wouldn’t normally do, and between all the broken sleep, bottles, breast feeds and nappies, if you capture a bit of that ‘warm and fuzzy’ that spark will never be too far away.