According to the Relationship Research Institute in Seattle, approx two thirds of couples find their relationship has suffered within three years of the birth of a child. Within five years of the birth of a first child, 13 percent of married couples divorce. This rate goes up to 39% for defacto couples 5 years after the child’s birth.*

Surely there’s some preparation couples can do, rather than adjusting their relationship on the run after baby arrives.

In this episode we meet Tondi Gilfillan and Sean Tonnet, relationship counsellors from Interrelate Family Centres, and discuss the importance of preparing our relationship during pregnancy for the enormous challenges. We explore how to build 'relationship scaffolding' and understand 'your dance as a couple'. A key tip is to discuss expectations you have about your new lives together, for example who will care for the baby and how.

Further reading:
"Becoming Us" by Elly Taylor
www.interrelate.org.au

* https://www.babble.com/relationships/breaking-up-after-baby/

Closing music: "Natural Selections" by Sampology

Aired on 99.9 BayFM Byron Bay Australia on 7 August 2017.

Produced and presented by Sally Cusack
Copyright PBB Media Sally Cusack 2017