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

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.

I went. Eight women sat in folding chairs, all wearing the same hollow, startled look I’d carried for weeks. We talked about birth trauma, how it fractures both parents differently, and how avoidance is the mind’s clumsy way of protecting what it loves. The leader said, “With support and communication, couples come out stronger.” For the first time in weeks, I felt hope stir.

That night, I stayed up. Lily slept against my chest. When Ryan came in, surprise flickered across his face—I rarely stayed awake anymore.

“We need to talk,” I said softly. “I followed you.”
He closed his eyes, shoulders sagging. “I didn’t want you to worry.”
“We’re a team,” I said, moving closer.
He looked at Lily, then at me. “I was so afraid of losing you both,” he whispered, touching her tiny hand.
“You don’t have to be afraid alone anymore.”

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