The Journey of Parenthood

When does an individual become a parent?

For some people parenthood begins with the decision between two people, partners, to become parents.

The journey toward parenthood begins for some with first attempts at conceiving.

Others experience their first awareness of impending parenthood with the positive results of a pregnancy test.

The dawn of becoming a parent registers for many the first time a heart beat is heard, or movement is felt; or the baby is seen during an ultrasound.

Emotional responses to this earliest phase vary depending on a number of variables:

The ease of conception verses expectations
Anticipated versus unexpected pregnancies
Obstacles of infertility and medical challenges
Desires to become a parent and related apprehensions
Concerns about potential for miscarriage and birth defects
Questions about one’s personality, capacity and resources for parenting

Many expectant parents have difficulty asking for help during this period of emotional and physical changes because. . . parenthood is not really here yet.The concept of anticipating difficulties in adjusting to the life changes of parenting is contrary to societal expectations: having a baby is a joyful event and one naturally evolves into their new role.

The Journey of Parenthood Program

This program was initially created for the purpose of providing Early Intervention services starting in pregnancy with the goal of preventing and minimizing post-partum difficulties. The philosophy behind offering intervention at this early stage (prior to the birth) is to use this period of incubation (the pregnancy) to strengthen the couple’s communication, problem-solving, and ability to be resourceful and supportive to each other. Couples are the most receptive to new learning while the baby is in utero, and prior to experiencing the increased responsibilities and stresses of caring for their newborn. In many respects this is a natural time to take inventory of emotional preparedness for parenthood to confirm readiness for the challenges up ahead, or to receive a tune -up to strengthen their parental foundation. Just as many expectant parents reevaluate the adequacy of their physical space at this time, it is important to address any