I’m Mary, 25, and just had our baby girl, Tilly, three weeks ago with my husband Jake. At first, we promised to share parenting equally, but he barely helped. Nights were long and exhausting, and I was left alone caring for Tilly. Jake said his short paternity leave was enough and often prioritized relaxing over helping.

At Tilly’s one-month party, I fainted from exhaustion. Instead of concern, Jake seemed more upset about how it looked to others. That night, he accused me of making him “look bad,” and ignored us both the next day. I was heartbroken and packed to leave, overwhelmed and unsupported.

Then, to my surprise, my in-laws showed up with a nanny they hired and a weeklong spa retreat for me. They wanted to help save our marriage and my health. During my retreat, Jake went through a “baby boot camp” and learned how to care for Tilly properly. He even sold his guitars to pay for it.

Afterward, Jake apologized, and we talked honestly for the first time. Their intervention saved our marriage and taught us teamwork and sacrifice. Parenting is tough, but with support, we’re learning to do it together.