Q:
While I work nights (as a registered nurse at a children's hospital), my husband takes care of our 5-month-old son.
He gets frustrated at night because my son, who is breastfed, sleeps a lot during the day when I'm sleeping and wants to stay up all night. I have come home many times to find my son screaming in his crib. I understand that my husband needs to sleep, but how can I make this transition easier for everyone?
I try to stay awake a lot during the day but don't know how long I will be able to do this and function at work. Please help. I feel so angry with my husband when I come home.
A:
Two parents with full-time jobs and a newborn to care for: what a challenge. And your baby's schedule is reversed because of your work schedule. I'm not surprised you're having problems. Here are some thoughts to consider.
If you want to help your baby sleep more at night, perhaps your husband could feed him formula. Or you could also ask a relative, friend, babysitter or nanny to come in for a while each day to allow you to get the sleep you need.
The most dramatic change would be if one of you stayed home full-time while the parent who earns the most continues works full-time, or if one of you reduced your hours to part-time.
When a husband and a wife become a mother and a father they go through a transition period that often puts a strain on their marriage. Perhaps you and your husband should get some counseling on how to handle your work schedules, and your baby, before your marriage and your family suffers anymore.
Right now you're angry with your husband, so your marriage is suffering. Your baby may be frustrated going from one parent who is patient to another who seems irritated and impatient. Since you work at a children's hospital you should be able to find a child psychologist and family counselor to meet with you and your husband a few times. Good luck.
Kenneth N. Condrell Ph.D Child Psychologist
Our parenting advice is given as suggestions only. We recommend you also consult your healthcare provider, and urge you to contact them immediately if your question is urgent or about a medical condition.