Do poor and no support of a partner in child care lead to postpartum depression, or does postpartum depression cause poor marital relationships?
I personally feel both are true, and that it largely depends on the circumstances.
During this time words and actions begin to matter a lot in the relationship – especially, during the postpartum period. And, those very words and actions have the power to make or break the marital relationship.
The support you offer, the kind words you use, and the consistency of your presence – everything makes a difference because women often feel unseen, unsupported, and alone in relationships during the postpartum period.
Partner’s role becomes even more crucial if the mother is affected with a major mood disorder. A stable marital relationship helps new parents adapt to the extensive demands of marriage, infant, and family. Because majorly psychosocial stresses occurs in postpartum adjustment when partners are not supportive and do not get involved in child-rearing.
Supportive partners play a significant role in the reduction of stress levels and improvements of mood in new mothers. Being present and letting her know you support her is often all she’ll need.
Be on duty for half the night without disturbing her. Many dads and partners have expressed how much closer they are to their children because of night time caretaking. Lower your expectations. Remind her that parenting your child and taking care of your home is also your job, not just hers.
The sooner you become involved in her recovery process, the more you both will benefit–together and separately. The more you understand what she is experiencing, the better supported she will feel. That will, in turn, expedite her recovery.