Nurturing the Marriage Relationship in the Ecological Breastfeeding Family

(Public domain)

Excerpt from Getting Started with Breastfeeding: For Catholic Mothers

There are a lot of authors that suggest overnight and weekend getaways as necessary for a healthy marriage. If you practice ecological breastfeeding, however, these trips may not be a good idea. When your child weans, maybe a trip like this might be a possibility. What to do in the meantime?

My husband and I have a 1-2 hour weekly date night. If I have a nursling or a clingy toddler, she comes with us. Otherwise the youngest stays home with her brothers (our oldest son is a teenager). Before our oldest was a teenager, we had a regular babysitter for date night. If you do not have a teenage son or daughter, consider trading babysitting with a friend. 

Another idea is to have a date night at home by putting on a family DVD for the kids and sharing a special meal with your sweetie at the kitchen table.

In our family, we have a bedtime for the oldest kids. This way my husband and I have quiet time together in the evening. Our nursing baby is welcome to join us. Once our second child came along, we realized that even if the baby stays up with us, it is still quieter and more conducive to couple time than when both kids are up. I know some moms who do not have bedtimes. They most likely set aside other times for special couple time, possibly after dad comes home from work. As your children get older, you can let them know that for the first 20 minutes after dad gets home, they need to play or read quietly so that the two of you have time to reconnect after a busy day.

There are other little ways you and your husband can stay connected while raising children. You can talk on the phone during the day, exchange text messages or emails and have lunch together if your husband is able to come home from work. You may consider asking your friends what works for them or subscribing to inspirational blogs such as this one for more ideas. If you would like to get a weekly email when something new is posted on this blog, please email me at catholicbreastfeeding@yahoo.com

Written by Gina Peterson

If you would like to receive a gift copy of Getting Started with Breastfeeding: For Catholic Mothers, email catholicbreastfeeding@yahoo.com and I will be happy to send it to you.

Another way for husbands and wives to nurture their relationship while growing in holiness together is to become members of the Holy Family Institute. If you are interested in learning more, email me or visit their website. 

Join the conversation! What are some ways you and your husband nurture your relationship while breastfeeding? Share in the comment section below.