ABSTRACT
Having a baby changes everything and relationships are one area that inevitably changes when a new person joins the family. Many changes are positive, but some relationships suffer in the early weeks and months when the mother is adjusting to the many new demands made on her. Changes to relationships after the birth may not have been anticipated during pregnancy, and it can take time to accept and work through. It is often the woman’s relationship with her partner, which changes most after the birth of a child. Many expectant fathers play an active part in the pregnancy by attending antenatal classes and learning how to support their partners during the birth. A new level of closeness and intimacy can develop as the pregnancy progresses and the birth becomes imminent. Paternity leave provides some opportunity to strengthen the bonds of the new family unit, and this can be a very special time for the family to be together.
