Gottman’s Bringing Baby Home Program Coming to Breath of Hope
Transition to Parenthood: Research by Drs. John and Julie Gottman
Research from Drs. John and Julie Gottman reveals that becoming parents is one of the most challenging transitions for couples. In sixteen studies, they found that 67% of couples become unhappy within the first three years after their baby’s birth, while only 33% remain content.
This surprising finding led the Gottmans to explore what causes some couples to struggle and others to thrive during this critical period.
Common Challenges for New Parents
Both parents work harder after the baby arrives, yet often feel unappreciated. Conflict frequency and intensity tend to increase significantly in the first year. Mothers typically experience a sharp decline in sexual desire, especially if breastfeeding, which reduces intimacy. Moms often become exhausted and emotionally unavailable, focusing most of their energy on the baby.
Both parents face major identity changes, not only as partners and parents but also as members of extended families. Couples often feel their values and life goals shift dramatically. The relationship dynamic changes distinctly from “Before Baby” to “After Baby.”
New dads sometimes feel excluded as moms build support networks of friends, leading dads to withdraw emotionally or focus on work to avoid conflict. Children may emotionally withdraw from fathers unhappy in their relationship with mom, creating a tragic gap.
The Solution: Gottman’s Bringing Baby Home Program
To help couples navigate these challenges, Drs. John and Julie Gottman developed the Bringing Baby Home (BBH) workshop, based on extensive research and designed to strengthen couples and families during early parenthood.
The program is ideal for couples who are planning a baby, expecting, or parenting infants and toddlers (0-3 years). It focuses on improving communication, managing conflict, increasing intimacy, and promoting positive co-parenting.
Benefits of Bringing Baby Home include:
Strengthened friendship and emotional connection
Increased intimacy and affection
Easier conflict resolution
Reduced hostility and tension
Better parent-child relationships
Reduced risk of postpartum mood disorders
By building a strong emotional foundation early, couples create healthier family environments. Children raised in these families tend to perform better socially, emotionally, and academically.
Join Bringing Baby Home Classes with Kimberlee Daughtry Lopez, Certified Gottman Therapist, in Shavano Park, TX.
The 12-hour in-person workshop costs $350 per couple (materials $49). Discounts available for existing clients.
Email Kimberlee to register or learn more.
