Pregnancy and birth

The birth of a baby, while such a natural and ordinary part of life, is an unparalleled event that thrusts every family member into a new position in life. This may be both joyful and painful at times as the new parent(s) attempt to cope with the daily needs of a helpless infant.

Having a baby also brings up associations to all past family experiences of birth. Previous losses including miscarriages can impact the way parents relate to their infant. Attempts to conceive whether or not this included assisted reproductive procedures often places "after the fact" stress on a couple's relationship. Individual and/or couples' counseling can be most beneficial at this early stage. It can help couples to re-orient themselves and to re-find each other in a new way both as parents and as partners. It can also help the individual/couple deal with other concerns involving siblings, grandparents and the extended family.