Newswise — When a couple learns they are expecting a new addition to the family, they are often overcome with excitement and a flurry of expectations for the future. Yet these expectations can overwhelm the parents-to-be as they navigate through the emotional transition of becoming responsible for another human being. This time period, especially for first-time parents, marks the beginning of a major life shift that affects not only the couple but also in-laws or siblings as relational dynamics change. Each individual learns to take on a new role within the family to make way for a new member. Being such an emotionally volatile time, it is important to be mindful of the dynamics of each familial relationship and emotional needs so that the child is born into a healthy and nurturing environment. The Couple
In this phase, the image one has of their partner begins to grow from solely a romantic counterpart to a caretaker and parent. This tends to be a time in which one sees a side of their partner that has yet to be seen, which can lead to issues of communicating and challenges identifying new needs and expectations. Mindfulness and being self-aware become crucial in navigating the new nuances of parenthood. The Mother
Whether a first-time mom or not, pregnancy marks a phase of various emotional transitions and a time when physical and emotional health are of the utmost importance. With a variety of decisions to make such as whether or not to breastfeed, to have a natural or medical birth, and balancing her own emotional needs, a woman’s identity can undergo transitions as she learns more about herself from the multiple decisions she is expected to make. The Father
New fathers often experience a new sense of vulnerability during pregnancy – new financial stressors, feelings of jealousy toward the mother-infant relationship or a sense of helplessness in meeting their partner’s needs, can all serve as challenges to maintaining positive mental health.
Soon-to-Be Grandparents
Soon-to-be grandparents, albeit experienced with the challenges associated with becoming parents, are of equal need of acknowledgement and support during this time. They may be experiencing emotional shifts due to the new responsibility of becoming a grandparent, anxiety about being able to provide support for the couple, or a change in their relationship with their son or daughter as a result of the pregnancy.
Regardless of the situation, the welcoming of a new child is a time that everyone’s emotional needs are of the highest importance. It is essential to know that even in times of complete emotional pandemonium, there are therapeutic methods available to address virtually any psychological circumstance. To help individuals on the journey to parenthood, The Family Institute presents it's newest program, Transitions to Parenthood which offers individual, couples, family, and group psychotherapy to help mitigate the various nuances associated with parenthood. The program is directed and coordinated by Nikki Lively, MA, LCSW, and facilitated by our professional team of psychotherapists, Sara Klein, AMFT, Hannah Smith, LMFT, Sara Morrow, MSMFT, Emily Klear, LMFT, and Jessica Freilich, PsyD.
To learn more about the Transitions to Parenthood program or for more information about The Family Institute, please contact Cyndi Schu, Director of Public Relations, at cschu@family-institute or 312-609-5300, ext. 483. ABOUT THE FAMILY INSTITUTE AT NORTHWESTERN¬ UNIVERSITY – The Family Institute at Northwestern University (www.family-institute.org) is committed to strengthening and healing families, couples and individuals from all walks of life through clinical service, education and research. An affiliate of Northwestern University, The Family Institute is a relationally based mental health system of care governed by its own independent Board of Directors and responsible for its own funding. The Institute offers a wide range of high quality mental health counseling through our staff practice and our sliding-fee scale Bette D. Harris Family and Child Clinic, where we are committed to serving at-risk, underresourced communities. The Family Institute also operates two nationally-renowned graduate programs in marriage and family therapy and counseling psychology in affiliation with Northwestern University, and conducts cutting-edge research projects that lead to a better understanding and treatment of mental health issues.
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