Bring back that loving feeling

Last update: October 5, 2007 - 6:16 PM

BRING BACK THAT LOVING FEELING

Plan sex. Grab 30 minutes before the baby wakes up, or make a date.

Be touchy. Back rubs, hand-holding, kissing, hugging and genuinely listening also count as intimacy. This may be all Mom can handle right now.

Stay close during the day with phone calls or e-mails.

Let her escape her mom role regularly, with a bath, pedicure or time with friends. (The same in reverse for stay-at-home dads.)

Use the 1-through-10 approach to sex. If she's at a 2, let her be. If she's at a 5, ask her how you might get her to a 7 or 8.

Allow other forms of sexual release. Don't make Dad feel ashamed for masturbating. Shame and guilt drive couples apart.

Redefine "normal." The days of spontaneous and frequent sex are over for now. Focus on raising a healthy child, fighting fair, communicating well and showing each other kindness.

GAIL ROSENBLUM

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