Congratulations on the incredible journey you’re about to embark on! Becoming a family is a life-changing and wonderful experience. While it’s easy to think, “we’re great, we’ll be fine,” the reality is that your relationship will change once your parents. Not for better or worse necessarily, but it will be different. That’s why investing in a prenatal program that focuses on your relationship—not just the baby—can be one of the best decisions you make. Here’s why.
1. You are about to become completely intertwined.
Every decision you make moving forward will require discussion, compromise, and mutual consideration. Are you both clear on how you’ll prioritise your relationship, family time, and individual identities? Preparing now ensures that when the baby arrives, you’ll have a plan to stay connected and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the inevitable shifts.
2. Unconscious assumptions will surface.
Parenthood brings with it unconscious expectations and assumptions about what family means, the roles you’ll both play, and how to raise your child. This is your opportunity to reflect on those beliefs and create a new set of values for your unique family. Let go of things that no longer serve you. Don’t let outdated traditions or external pressures dictate your path—make intentional decisions together about what matters most.
3. Compassion, empathy and appreciation are essential.
The next few years will likely be the most intense period of your relationship. Parenting a newborn is exhausting, relentless, and all-consuming. It will challenge both of you in ways you can’t imagine. Building a habit of practising empathy and gratitude now will help you support each other during the sleepless nights and tough moments.
4. Talk about your careers and finances now.
If both of your careers are important, discuss how you’ll share parental leave and manage childcare. How will you split domestic responsibilities and the mental load of running a household? Talking about these things before the baby arrives can help avoid tension later on and ensure you’re both on the same page, breaking free from traditional gender divides and setting strong role modelling for your children.
The Truth About Preparing for Parenthood
Preparing for parenthood is about more than just packing a hospital bag or planning the birth. It’s about having deeper conversations with your partner to build a strong foundation for your family’s future. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by the unknown, but by focusing on your relationship now, you’ll enter parenthood feeling more connected, confident, and prepared for the challenges ahead. Remember, the time you invest in your relationship now will pay off in the long run—not only for you but for the family you’re creating together.
This article was written by Rachel Childs, you can find out more about her work here. Rachel helps expectant and new parents navigate their transition through parenthood and will be launching prenatal retreats for couples at Champney’s spa from 2025.
She is the author of Beyond Baby Talk. Two people, nine months and the twelve conversations you never knew you needed to have. A couples workbook for expectant and new parents. Download a free extract today.
October 21, 2024
