Bringing Baby Home is an educational program for couples interested in having a baby, expecting a baby, or parenting an infant or toddler (0-3 years old). The program was created by relationship experts, Drs. John and Julie Gottman, at The Relationship Research Institute in Seattle, Washington. The goal of the program is to improve the quality of life for babies and children by strengthening the parental relationship.

The Gottman’s research demonstrates that when couples become parents, there is a significant decrease in their relationship satisfaction. Further research has shown that relationship discord and conflict have a profound negative effect on the couples’ infants and toddlers.

The Bringing Baby Home Program was developed in order to support families during this challenging, transitional time. Dr. Gottman’s research shows that couples who have participated in the Program experience:

• A significantly lower rate of postpartum mood disorders and depression

• A decrease in relationship hostility

• A higher level of relationship satisfaction

• A decreased likelihood of divorce

The content of the program evolved from Dr. Gottman’s 40 years of marriage and family research and is designed to teach parents to:

• Increase friendship in their relationship

• Deal effectively with conflict

• Keep dads involved in infant care and parenting

• Improve the quality of parent–infant interaction

• Recognize the psychological and emotional needs of their child

• Co-Parent effectively

The Program also teaches ways to nurture the family environment through the toddler and preschool years. By supporting couples as they become parents, children benefit. By teaching couples how to build a strong emotional foundation in their family during the very early stages of a child’s life, children are raised in healthier environments. These benefits result in positive changes for families. Once this foundation is established in a family, research shows that children do better in school, adapt better socially, and are physically and emotionally healthier. (Cowan & Cowan, 1995; Gottman, 1999). See Gottman himself, briefly discussing this class here.

Bringing Baby Home is a 12 hour class split into 4 days (3 hours a class), occurring on April 26th, May 10th & 24th and June 7th at 339 SW Century Dr., #203, Bend, OR 97702. Babies in arms welcomed up to 3 months old. Ideas will be given each week on how you and your partner can practice what you’ve learned between the weeks.   

NOTE: Couples who would not describe their relationship as mostly stable and committed should contact the instructor to determine appropriateness. 

Click here to register.

The instructor, Tara Renee Breitenbucher, is a licensed professional counselor and educator trained by the Gottman Institute to teach the Bringing Baby Home program.