Expecting? Stress study seeks first-time parent volunteers

A doctoral student at Wilfrid Laurier University hopes her new research study will improve the supports available to first-time parents.

Debbie Wang is recruiting couples from Waterloo region who are expecting their first child, are within 30 weeks of pregnancy, and are available to participate in two Saturday workshops in September.

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"What really motivated me to do this study is recognizing that the transition to parenthood, it's an exciting time for many couples, yet it's also one of the most stressful life events over the life course," said Wang, who also works as a social worker.

"The baby is often the focus of attention... but, then, it's also a vulnerable time for most couples."

Improving coping skills

Wang said the marriage relationship changes when a child is thrown into the mix, and each parent will deal with the stress of that change in a different way.

She said those who attend the workshops will learn how to recognize and respond to their spouse's needs, as well as how to re-connect when the relationship becomes strained.

"In today's society, many parents are very well informed about parent-child attachment, and ways to help build that secure attachment for their babies, but I'm not sure that we are as familiar with adult attachment," she said.

"If they know, even before the baby is born, how to connect [and] respond to each other, then they will really safeguard their relationship and be well positioned to be the parents they want to be."

Wang said that while there are plenty of courses designed to help parents bond with their babies, this is one of the few programs that teach couples how to maintain their own relationship.

The workshops will happen Sept. 10 and 17, with times to be announced.