The Gottman Institute's research-based Bringing Baby Home workshops prepare couples for life with a baby and help them be the best parenting team possible. In a relaxed and supportive environment, parents learn to strengthen their relationship and foster their baby’s development. They build on what Dr. Gottman and colleagues found is the best predictor of marital adjustment after a new baby arrives: the quality of friendship in the marriage. When babies grow up in a home with a positive, playful parenting team, they feel safe and nurtured and available to learn. They cry less, they smile more, and their parents' cooperation helps them to pay better attention during play time so that they get more out of it.

Couples who have participated in the workshop:

• Were more satisfied in their relationship and were more likely to stay together

• Were better prepared to bring their baby home

• Were more able to work together in family play and in co-parenting, with greater father involvement and more secure father-infant attachment

The workshop is best taken before or during pregnancy (preferably second trimester), but it can be taken anytime after baby is born. Pre-crawling babies are welcome.