SGR 080: The Impact of Transition to Parenthood on Your Relationship

The Simply Great Relationships Podcast: Love | Marriage | Sex | Communication | Dating Advice

If you are currently or planning to become a parent, this week’s episode is for you. The transition to parenthood is a significant milestone for many reasons. It’s an exciting and life-changing time for you and your family, which can also lend itself to struggles like postpartum depression or anxiety and relationship issues.

When relationship issues go unresolved after the birth of a child, they can snowball. We often see couples who identify the shift in their relationship began 5-10 years ago, which happens to coincide with the birth of their first or second child. How this transition is navigated can have a significant impact on the future of your own wellness and the health of your relationship.

One of the ways to set a new parent up for the best possible outcome is through excellent partner support. Often, Mom (or the primary caregiver) shoulders the bulk of the childcare responsibilities, especially if they’re breastfeeding. This can leave their partner unsure of what to do to be helpful, feel like they don’t have a role, or even feel like they’re not able to take care of the baby as well as their partner. This type of dynamic can lead to disconnection and resentment.

In this episode, we have a special guest, Dr. Danielle Jenkins, who is a psychologist and maternal mental health expert and has been working with families for over 20 years. We’re talking about the lows and highs of the transition to parenthood, specific strategies for helping the transition go smoothly, and how to move forward as a couple and repair from a tough transition years later.

Dr. Danielle Jenkins is the founder of Mama Thrive Village, an online community that brings women together to prevent, overcome, and move through maternal mental health concerns. Danielle is offering her eBook, Depression Proof Your Family and Prevent Postpartum Depression, for free to our listeners. You can find Danielle on Instagram @mamathrivevillage or Facebook.