Birth Happens Barbara Buckner Suárez

COVID and the isolation that it caused has had an incredible negative impact on our most basic human need: connection. Loneliness is at epidemic levels in the US and unless and until we recognize the web of interconnectedness that we share with one another, we are at risk of worsening our health and well-being on all levels: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Connection is the key. Connection is EVERYTHING... and it begins with birth.

When parents realize that they're more alike than different, and that navigating what it means to raise the next generation with little to no support is something that they're all struggling with, they might be more willing to work together - for change.

Keeping your couple connection strong over the long haul can be hard work and, at times, not a lot of fun, but it's so worth it! Choosing to stay committed to one another and willing to learn how to do conflict well are keys to babyproofing your couple relationship.

We might believe that the connection we have with our newborns will happen during pregnancy, or immediately after birth. But it's totally normal if this doesn't happen right away or even MORE normal on those days when we're just not feeling it. Some days are harder than others, ya'll! It's okay. Remember: You are a "Good Enough Parent."

A shift in self-identity can be something that new parents are not quite prepared for as they welcome their babe into the world. It can be intense and dramatic and unless you know it's coming it might seriously freak you out! Remember: you don't have to lose who you were before the baby came.

It takes courage, openness and vulnerability to realize when you need to ask others for help. We are hard-wired for connection and were never meant to do much of anything in life - least of all, raise the next generation - in isolation. Asking for help is key to creating connection.