Last year, 1.69 million Canadians listed themselves as divorced.
It's a figure Julia Wayatt is combating. As the coordinator of Sea to Sky Bringing Baby Home, the trained nurse helps new parents deal with one of the most exciting and anxious times of their lives.
"After a baby is born there is a lot of extra stress," she said. "There's this treasured, bundle of joy that's totally controlling one's life."
A 30-year study by the Gottman Institute - which helps develop science-based supports for couples - indicated two-thirds of couples experience a drop in relationship quality after a baby enters the picture. Historically, people haven't reached out for help during this period. But Wayatt is turning that around with free two-day workshops focusing on communication and rekindling relationships.
"I do think a lot of people now are trying harder to overcome troubles," she said.
The program focuses on a relationship's foundation, spending the first day examining why the couple first got together. The second day is spent relearning one another's likes, dislikes and general personality, while also getting to know one's child. The sessions deal with daily schedules, co-parenting, regulating conflict and understanding signs of postpartum depression. Classes include homework, Wayatt joked, noting that the work is more fun than studious.
Once a baby is introduced to a family, parenting roles can become quite gender-specific. Men often feel left out of the process, Wayatt said.
"We look at ways dads can become more involved," she said.
Backed by the Sea to Sky Community Services Society (SSCSS), Sea to Sky Bringing Baby Home has workshops in Squamish on Dec. 7 to 8 at the SSCSS building at 38144 Second Ave. For more information, visit [email protected] or call (604) 849-2050.
