Sudden relationship and personal challenges might come as a big surprise though! Navigating life as a family can be harder than you expect. Between unwanted parenting advice from outsiders and no time for self-care, communication with your partner can halt to a standstill. Your once-steady partner suddenly feels like part of the problem.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Catherine O'Brien and her husband lay out all the communication skills and relationship tips that new parents cannot live without, during baby's first year and beyond. Navigate through difficult circumstances like overcoming a hard pregnancy with step-by-step guidance. Find relationship advice that will transform you into a couple who works together to be the best caregivers to your baby that you can be.

Some of the secrets to success include:

• Exactly what you need to say when you just want some time to yourself because self-care is a must for a caregiver.
• How to bring the passion (fireworks included!) back into your relationship after baby comes.
• Master tips on how to create an all-encompassing schedule for you, child care, and dating-yes, dates!
• How to stop keeping score and work on your new relationship normal together.
• Three questions to ask yourself and your partner daily to ensure you're on the same team and bonding with your new child.

Even couples who have the "best marriage ever" can't come home from the hospital and expect to become perfect parents. You need training. You need discipline. And you need a guide on how to keep building a happy relationship full of love and respect.

Effective communication, self-care, and Happy With Baby. When partners become parents, these are the tools they'll need.