Preparing for Parenthood as a Couple
by: Jill D. Chasse
mentor, Wise Woman School
"Marriage may be made in heaven, but the maintenance must be done on earth."
- Unknown
Your relationship is the roots for your family tree. 
It must be strong enough to support the offspring branches you will create in building a family.
The couple relationship is where it begins.
Relationships are not easy. They are filled with good times and bad times, tears of joy and tears of sorrow. They are complicated and emotional..and adding a child into the mix gives you another ball to juggle.
An offspring is a magical gift; a bundle of joy to hold, love, and help though life. But even the most planned for, anticipated, and desired child will rock a relationship. Be prepared!
A healthy relationship includes HONESTY- can you trust each other?
A healthy relationship includes RESPECT- do you show consideration for each other? Do you hold each other is high esteem?
A healthy relationship includes COMMUNICATION- can you and do you talk to each other?
A healthy relationship includes INDIVIDUALITY- do you have separate identities- your own hobbies, friends, interests?
A healthy relationship includes EQUALITY- do you make equitable and fair decisions? Do you include each other on major decisions and choices?
A healthy relationship includes SUPPORT- are you there for each other?
ALL of these KEYS to a healthy relationship are going to be called upon and tried once a baby comes. If they are weak, now is the time to work on them.
All oceans have waves as do all relationships. You can't enjoy the good without the bad. How can a coin only have one side? So the first step is to accept the bad with the good. Some people sail through storms unscathed, and others fall off the boat and can barely keep from drowning. The best way to get through a storm is to educate yourself.
Before a baby enters the picture, make sure you know each other. Discuss the kind of family you want to develop and nurture together. Talk about your views and your dreams. Talk about your visions and what you picture for your family. Be dedicated to providing love, commitment, affection, understanding and honesty to each other.
People need attention. Social interaction and love are just as important as air and water. Without attention and love from one's spouse, a person may become inwardly and/or outwardly destructive. This includes short tempers, anger at no particular reason and huge fights over very small issues. It also includes sulking and depression. These behaviors hurt both parties.
Finally, remember LOVE. Remember what drew you to one another- Remember and share. The strength of your relationship BEFORE the baby comes has a lot to do with how strong you'll be after the baby's arrival. Don’t wait until the baby comes to work through issues, be prepared together and enter your life as parents holding each other’s hands.
by Jill D. Chasse
mentor, Wise Woman University
Baby Magic for your Magic Baby
Paperback by Jill Diana Chasse. 89 pp. Chase is also the publisher of the Magic of Motherhood.
"I'd recommend it to any woman who has even thought about becoming a mother!" Rosa Durrante, midwife
Price: $14.95
Order Baby Magic for your Magic Baby in our Bookshop
Online Courses with Jill Diana Chasse
ONLINE COURSES
Perinatal Mood Issues
Manage pregnancy and postpartum emotional challenges including baby blues and PPD symptoms to help reduce the risk of depression and keep yourself and your baby mentally and emotionally strong.
Teacher: Jill Diana Chasse
Find out more about Perinatal Mood Issues
Prebirth Bonding
Learn exercises and meditations to encourage communication with your baby in the womb, optimizing mental and sensory development as well as promoting the special bond between baby and parent.
Teacher: Jill Diana Chasse
Find out more about Prebirth Bonding
Magic of Motherhood Birthing Education
A Complimentary Natural Childbirth method for use with or without medications, at home, birth center, or in a hospital. Learn to “Experience, Understand and Enjoy” your labor & delivery through emotional support, empowering yourself and your baby.
Teacher: Jill Diana Chasse
Find out more about Magic of Motherhood Birthing Education
Relaxations and Visualizations for Birth
Relaxations and visualizations involve hypnotherapy/ autosuggestion for relaxation, anti-stress/anti-pain, and self-esteem, as well as communication with the unborn baby and stimulating a mystical and spiritual energy level.
Teacher: Jill Diana Chasse
Find out more about Relaxations and Visualizations for Birth
About the Mentor, Jill Chasse
Jill Chasse, PhD is a counselor certified in "Handling Loss and Grief " and "Understanding Depression." She has additional training in postpartum depression, maternal mental health, and post traumatic stress disorder. She is a member of the APA and certified by IACT. She also holds an MS in family and developmental psychology and a certification in "Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders."
