VA
A 22-year-old member asked:
My husband and i have been married for 1 yr, we have a 4 month old. we fight & hes not the father i thought he would be. do we need counseling?
3 doctor answers • 12 doctors weighed in
Dr. Michael Opsahlanswered
Fertility Medicine 45 years experience
Need Counseling?: A new marriage and a new baby are a potent combination of stressful issues in any marriage. I am not a psychologist but i would suggest getting help anytime you cannot resolve difference alone. Your marriage and family are precious commodities and worth help from family, friends, minister, or mental health professional. Give each other a break, you may be dealing with stress more than anything.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Michael Opsahl commented
Fertility Medicine 45 years experience
Provided original answer
You are welcome and best wishes on a happy resolution.
Feb 13, 2012
Dr. K. Olsonanswered
Psychiatry 41 years experience
Not a birthright: Much of parenting is learned - and not necessarily from childhood. There are many good books and parent effectiveness training classes can help. Nobody says we somehow magically know how to parent. This should not be misconstrued as a character defect but simply an opportunity or challenge to learn.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Hallie Robbinsanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 33 years experience
Yes: Parenting and marriage can be a strain together and seprately, especially when a baby comes along so soon. Work on communication skills, be patient and understanding, and seek counseling -- especially as you ask if you should!
books and workshops by the gottman institute are very helpful ways to learn positive approaches to keeping relationships healthy. Good luck.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Martin Raff commented
Infectious Disease 58 years experience
Outstanding response. Premarital and preparental expectations in the absence of experience is often detrimental to relationships since the perceived "realities" tend to differ with their prior exposures. It often takes a therapist to alter thinking patterns since in these situations many people are not capable of "hearing" what their partner is actually saying.
Mar 18, 2012
Last updated Mar 16, 2017
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