The Mindful Transition to Parenthood Program:
Deepening the Couple Relationship through
Awareness, Acceptance, and Action

Why should I enroll in this program?
        A recent study showed that 90% of couples have a decline in relationship satisfaction after the birth of their first child.  However, those that have the strongest couple relationships (in the top 10 - 15%) before having children actually become happier with their relationships after their child is born.
        Overall, the happier your relationship is, the greater the chance that your child will grow up to have healthy relationships, succeed academically, and be a happier person. As John Gottman says, "The greatest gift you can give your baby is a happy and strong relationship between the two of you."  Enrolling in the Mindful Transition to Parenthood Program is an important step towards ensuring the well-being and healthy development of your child!

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  Program Overview
  • Includes mindfulness meditation instruction, experiential activities, and education
  • Based on neuroscience and mindfulness research
  • Groups consist of 3-8 couples
  • 4 weeks, 2 hours per week
  • Free and open to the public


What you will learn
  • How to be more present and joyful in your life and your relationships
  • Ways to interrupt ineffective relational patterns, and replace them with healthier interactions
  • Mindfulness skills to reduce stress and your risk of postpartum depression
  • The top areas of conflict for new parents and strategies to manage them
  • How to access your innate wisdom and compassion, even in difficult moments
  • Mindfulness practices to reduce pain during childbirth

About the Program

The Mindful Transition to Parenthood Program (MTPP) is designed to support the couple relationship in the transition to parenthood.  Although many childbirth classes include both partners, few are focused on enhancing the couple relationship for the foundation of a healthy family.  I believe that holistic health for pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting means promoting healthy relationships.  Mindfulness has been shown to promote stress management, increase positive emotions, improve empathy and compassion, and enhance relationship satisfaction. Mindfulness can also help decrease risk of postpartum depression and improve parent-infant bonding. In this prenatal class, I use mindfulness as a foundation for learning and practicing effective ways of relating with your partner, your child, and yourself. This program is part of a research study for Laura Gambrel's doctoral dissertation, the registration form has complete details about the research component. The program is designed for couples who are expecting their first child, through birth or adoption. If you already have young children or are expecting another child and are interested in this program, please contact me.

Click here to view a flyer about the program.  Click here to register.

Compensation
This program is part of a research study. If you agree to participate, you will fill out on-line surveys to assist with an evaluation of the program. By participating you will have the opportunity to win a $250 gift card to your choice of Target, Amazon.com, or Babies R Us. Three smaller prizes will also be included in this lottery.

Additional Notes
Please note that normal couples going through the excitement and stress of having their first child will benefit most from this program; it is not designed for couples in severe distress.  If you are in distress and seeking assistance, please visit the NRVCS website or call the Raft Crisis Hotline at 540-961-4800 for the New River Valley or the Western Highlands Network at 1-800-951-3792 for Asheville and surrounding areas.

Testimonials
Here's what recent participants are saying about the program:

"I have truly and fully loved this experience with the classes and have appreciated Laura's insight and perspective."

"The program has helped me to be more relaxed and calm, and also more accepting of myself and my partner."

"My partner and I both benefited greatly from participating in this program. The structure and content were well-reasoned and rich. Thank you!"

"I really enjoyed the program and feel a lot of confidence about my relationship. It seems like anytime we have a disconnect, there is a relevant strategy to use to bring clarity to the situation that I learned through the workshop."

"This group was awesome and we learned a lot of great tools for relationship communication."

"Our relationship now feels very beautiful, grounded, and sweet!"

Upcoming Groups
Class sizes are limited to 8 couples. Register early to ensure a space. Groups are forming in the following places: Asheville, Blacksburg, Bristol, Boone, Knoxville, and Charlotte.  For your planning, pregnancies should be between 12 and 32 weeks at the start of the program.

See the list of prenatal and new parent resources I've compiled for Asheville, Boone, and Blacksburg.


Asheville, NC
Sundays: 11:00am - 1:00pm
March 4, 11, 18; April 1, 2012
Location: Family to Family
Deadline for registration: February 24th, 2012 GROUP CLOSED

May 6-27, 2012
Sundays: 11:00-1:00pm
Location: Family to Family
Deadline for registration: April 25, 2012 GROUP CLOSED


Charlotte, NC
Sundays: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
February 19 - March 11th, 2012
Location: Carolina Community Maternity Center
Deadline for registration: February 10, 2012  GROUP CLOSED


Blacksburg, VA
Thursdays: 6:00-8:00pm
April 12 - May 3, 2012
Location: Graduate Life Center, Virginia Tech
Deadline for registration: April 1, 2012 GROUP CLOSED

Mid May- June
Time and Location TBA
Contact me if you are interested in the Blacksburg group

Johnson City, TN
Spring 2012
Time: TBA


If you would like to enroll in this program, please fill out this brief on-line survey to determine if you are eligible to participate. If you have questions about this program please contact me.