University University of MichiganMany married couples think they may never have a normal conversation or a full night’s sleep after the birth of their first child. But there’s good news: The transition period often isn’t as long for the second baby. Many couples (44 percent) had wives reporting small declines in positive marital relations, but no increase in marital conflict. Meanwhile, couples using more constructive communication and problem-solving strategies fare better after the birth of their second child. Couples engaged in positive marital relations again by four months.