A: As I read your question I'm reminded of two sets of parents I'm currently counseling who are going through the same situation, and having marital problems as a result. In each case, the mothers got into the habit of sleeping with their babies because it felt good, and they ignored the complaints of their husbands. Now the parents have grown apart and are angry with each other. For their part, the children, both 3, resist sleeping in their own beds.

For these reasons, I don't advise sharing a bed with children.

Remember, husbands and wives need time to be close, nurture their marriage and be a couple—just as children need to learn to sleep in their own rooms.

At this time in your life, your maternal instinct is probably very strong—stronger, even, than your desire to be a wife. Having a baby often creates a challenge for a woman as she tries to balance her love for her child and her love for her husband. But you need to remind yourself that you give your baby tons of love, and that she can always come into your bed in the morning for fun and cuddle-time.

If you don't already have a chair, a recliner or a small bed in your baby's room, consider adding one so you can rest while calming your baby down before putting her to sleep in her crib.

It sounds as if this is your first child. It would be wise for you both to meet with a child psychologist for a few sessions so you can find a way to agree on how to raise your child. I'd also like to recommend a book about how becoming parents impacts a husband and wife. It's Transition To Parenthood by Jay Belsky and John Kelly.