Bringing baby home
The transition to parenthood is a difficult time for most couples. Research shows that within three years after the birth of a baby, approximately 67% of couples will experience a significant drop in relationship quality with an increase in conflict and hostility. Further research has shown that relationship discord negatively impacts their infants and toddlers.
Here is the good news – we know how thriving couples handle the transition into parenthood. Based on comparisons between couples who declined in relationship satisfaction after a baby and those who did not, Drs. John and Julie Gottman, at The Relationship Research Institute in Seattle, found the best predictor of marital adjustment after a baby arrives is the quality of friendship in the marriage.
The Gottman’s then developed the highly effective “Bringing Baby Home” (BBH) workshop, which combines scientific research, education, interactive exercises and skill building to improve the quality of life for babies and children by strengthening the family. Research findings indicate that the BBH workshop is effective in promoting positive marital relations, parent-baby interactions, and overall infant development through the first year after the baby is born.
About the Program: Bringing Baby Home is an educational program for pregnant couples and families with children up to three years of age. The goal of the program is to improve the quality of life for babies and children by strengthening the parental relationship.
The Bringing Baby Home Program was developed in order to support families during this challenging transitional time. Dr. Gottman’s research shows that couples who have participated in the Program experience:
A significantly lower rate of postpartum mood disorders and depression
A decrease in relationship hostility
A higher level of relationship satisfaction
A decreased likelihood of divorce
The content of the program evolved from Dr. Gottman’s 40 years of marriage and family research, and is designed to teach parents to:
Increase friendship in their relationship
Deal effectively with conflict
Keep dads involved in infant care and parenting
Improve the quality of parent–infant interaction
Recognize the psychological and emotional needs of their child
Co-Parent effectively
The Program also teaches ways to nurture the family environment through the toddler and preschool years. By teaching couples how to build a strong emotional foundation in their family during the very early stages of a child’s life, children are raised in healthier environments. Once this foundation is established in a family, research shows that children do better in school, adapt better socially, and are physically and emotionally healthier. (Cowan & Cowan, 1995; Gottman, 1999)
If you are interested in attending a Bringing Baby Home workshop, please contact Edgar Psychological at 780-860-7338
