Preparation for birth and beyond: our health and wellbeing

Abstract

Relationships are at the heart of the Preparation for birth and beyond programme. The link between supportive relationships and positive mental health is well established. When the father has a good relationship with the mother of his baby, he is more likely to be involved in the baby's care. The mother feels well supported and is therefore less vulnerable to depression. Understanding how to cope constructively with conflict and what kinds of responses are unhelpful may make the first postnatal months easier for parents and thereby provide a safer and more nurturing environment for the baby.