“After Our Baby Was Born, My Husband Saw Their Face—and Started Sneaking Out Every Night!”

He talked about nightmares that tore him awake, replaying the delivery room in slow motion, avoiding skin-to-skin contact because he feared his anxiety would reach her. “I don’t want her to feel my fear,” he said. “I’ll keep my distance until I can be the father she deserves.”

“Have you thought about including Julia?” the group leader asked.
He shook his head. “She almost died. She doesn’t need to carry me, too.”

I drove home quickly, slid back into bed before he returned, and listened to Lily’s soft breathing. The next morning, while he was at work and she napped, I called the center. “My husband’s been attending your group,” I said. “Is there something for partners?” There was—a Wednesday night circle.

Continue reading…