Next Steps

We hope that this Web-based program has provided you with some practical ways to better cope with this very challenging time in your life. Your willingness to support and nurture your partner makes it more likely that you will continue to see improvement in your relationship and your family functioning. Encourage your partner to also give you some positive feedback.

Recovery often consists of highs and lows rather than a steady or sudden improvement in mood. Occasional lapses are expected, and they don't signal another episode of depression. The time between low days gets longer. The lows are less debilitating and are more easily overcome. Your partner's needs, your needs, and the needs of your baby will change with time. It is important that you continue to communicate and problem-solve as you confront new challenges of parenthood. You can get through this together.

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Cartoons appearing in this document have been reproduced with permission from Towards Parenthood: Preparing for the changes and challenges of a new baby. Milgrom et al., 2009