There are common “listening blocks” we sometimes use during an argument or a conversation. These listening blocks ultimately hinder our ability to fully listen and comprehend what the other person is saying and feeling. Try and reflect if you use any of the following and exactly how often:

1. Mind-reading. You already “know” what the other person is thinking and referring to before they can even finish a sentence.
2. Daydreaming. Your mind tends to wander to other tasks while the other person is talking to you.
3. Rehearsing. In your mind, you’re already thinking about the response to what the other person is saying without letting them finish.
4. Filtering. Selective listening, you only hear what you want to hear, blocking the things that make you uncomfortable or that you just don’t want to listen to.
5. Advising. You don’t let the other person finish expressing their  point of view, you interrupt with recommendations or possible solutions. However good hearted it is, you should let them finish what they want to communicate first.
6. Judging. Analyzing, criticizing and challenging the other’s point of view (remember body language counts as well!)
7. Being condescending. Making the other’s point of view seem less important, valuable or true than yours.

It’s common to get distracted during a conversation or to feel like you have to get your point of view through when talking to your partner. The important thing is that, slowly but surely, you become aware of your own communication skills and traps. An easy thing such as letting the other person finish their train of thought can have a huge effect on the way you deal with the daily struggles of being pregnant and dealing with your newborn baby.