The Postpartum Partnership Playbook

Short, low-energy scripts and rituals to stay on the same team after the baby arrives.

New parents rarely fall out of love. They run out of sleep, patience and time to talk.

Research on the transition to parenthood finds that, on average, couples’ relationship satisfaction dips in the first year. It isn’t true of every couple, and the dip varies, but it’s common enough that struggling doesn’t mean you’re failing.

This 21-page workbook gives you tools that take five minutes, not five hours.

What’s inside

• A 60-second temperature check that points you to your biggest pressure point
• The 5-minute Appreciation Exchange, with a weekly log
• How to turn toward small bids for connection
• Soft-start scripts and 10 plug-and-play phrases for asking for help without a fight
• The 20-minute reset for when you’re flooded, plus repair phrases
• A “Who Owns What?” worksheet for the invisible mental load
• A night-shift and sleep plan, and a 30-minute weekly check-in
• A help menu for your village, and scripts for visitors and in-laws
• Ten concrete ways the partner can help
• Urgent warning signs after birth, and where to get support

Built on published research, including Gottman Institute work and meta-analyses of the transition to parenthood, and honest about its limits. Printable, or fillable on a tablet. Instant PDF download.

Good to know: this is a communication workbook, not therapy or medical advice. If you’re experiencing depression, anxiety, or anything that feels unsafe, pages 18 and 19 list where to get help.

FAQ

• Is it only for newborn parents? It’s written for the first year, but the tools work in any high-stress season.
• My partner hates self-help. Every tool is short and written in plain language. You can also start on your own with the scripts and the break card.
• Is it for single parents or same-sex couples? Most pages are written for two parents and use “partner”. Single parents can use the help menu, scripts, break card and sleep pages.