And Baby Makes Three

If you are expecting a baby or have recently become a parent and found that your relationship with your partner has shifted in ways you did not expect — this book is for you. I recommend it to couples who want to navigate the transition to parenthood with their partnership intact, or even stronger than before.

Who This Book Is For

This book is for couples who are expecting a child, have a new baby, or are in the early years of parenting. It is especially helpful if you have noticed that your relationship has taken a back seat to parenting duties, or if you want to prepare for the transition before the baby arrives. It is also valuable for couples considering starting a family and wondering how it might affect them.

What It's About

Research shows that approximately two-thirds of couples experience a significant drop in relationship satisfaction after the arrival of a baby. John Gottman's research identified the patterns that distinguish couples who navigate this transition successfully from those who struggle. This book offers a practical six-step plan based on that research — helping you preserve your connection, manage conflict effectively, and build a partnership that supports both you and your child.

Key Topics

• The Transition to Parenthood — Understanding why this period is so challenging for relationships
• Managing Conflict Around Parenting — Practical tools for disagreements about routines, discipline, and values
• Preserving Intimacy — Strategies for maintaining emotional and physical connection despite exhaustion
• Creating a Parenting Alliance — Working as a team rather than competing or resenting
• Building a Strong Foundation for Your Child — How your relationship shapes your child's emotional development

Why I Recommend It

Becoming a parent changes everything about a relationship — including things you did not expect to change. I work with many couples at Little Big Journeys who are in this exact transition, and this book gives them a clear, research-backed roadmap. It is reassuring, practical, and honest about both the challenges and the joys.

Visit the Gottman Institute website to purchase or learn more ↗