Becoming parents together.

Navigating the transition to parenthood as a couple

We know first-hand that for many couples, pregnancy can feel like a really special time. Inevitably the focus is on the future, imagining and planning what life will be like with a new addition to the family. 

For new parents it is entirely possible that you’ve not thought any further than the pregnancy itself, but it’s worth taking some time to consider and discuss what life might be like once your baby has arrived.

Not only does that help to prepare you for what’s to come, but can also allow you to discover and tackle some potential hurdles that can come up as you start life as a new family. 

The new us

Aligning your own thoughts and hopes for the future with those of your partner is important, and it’s really valuable for new parents to talk about how they wish to raise and bring up a child. These expectations can often differ, and are likely to be influenced by your own upbringing. If this hasn’t been discussed before, it can be hard to navigate when your baby has already arrived. 

While you bond as a new family it’s also helpful to consider how you will continue to make time for your relationship. The transition from being a couple, to being parents can often mean that your time, attention and focus shifts (especially in the early days), and while this is absolutely ok, it can affect your relationship with your partner.

Couples advice

If you’re unprepared for this change it can feel unsettling when it happens, so we’ve brought you some advice from an expert relationship coach to help guide you through this new phase. 

Catherine Topham Sly, from Insight and Connection talks to us in this video about how to stay feeling close and connected to your partner as you navigate the transition from being a couple, to parenthood. This is great advice for both expecting couples and those who are already parents.