A very challenging aspect of going through a divorce can be figuring out a visitation schedule for a newly born infant. Most parents will be reluctant to hand their child over to their former spouse, particularly for long periods of time. However, there are steps that both parents can take to make the transition as painless as possible.
Working together for the sake of the child
One of the most important things that a parent can do is trust that their former spouse is willing to take care of their child. It might be difficult to relinquish child custody even for a night, but parents can start with small visits to help both of them get comfortable with the situation. At first, the other parent might visit the child for 30 minutes a few times a week. These visits might become longer and eventually graduate to overnight visits. Overnight visits give the other parent more bonding time with the child and allow the custodial parent the chance to get some sleep.
Breastfeeding mothers might find it even more difficult to figure out a schedule that works for both parents without interrupting the baby’s feeding times. If possible, they can consider pumping breast milk or using formula instead.
Where to go for help with child custody conflicts
If a divorced couple is having trouble figuring out a child custody agreement, one or both parties might find it beneficial to speak with a lawyer. The lawyer may be able to help them figure out the best visitation schedule for the child as well as help them de-escalate conflicts and keep the children from getting involved. The lawyer may also help the parents reach a compromise that has the children’s best interests in mind as they resolve issues of child support and visitation rights.