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Support for parents expecting a child or first-time parents

Preparing for and becoming a new parent, or having a new baby is one of the biggest changes to any relationship and on our individual lives. 

The stage of readiness and the time it takes to adjust to your new family may not be the same for you both. There’s so much more to juggle with caring for baby that your relationship can quickly lose priority.

Being able to communicate with your partner to adjust together, share responsibility and to understand the emotional demands that you are both experiencing becomes even more important.

This is a new phase for your relationship and with the tiredness, hormones, and stress it can be difficult to talk and listen to each other. 

You can find further information from pregnancy to the first two years of your child's life on our Start for Life pages.

Free online courses that can support you

Becoming parents can change your relationship. Tiredness and stress associated with parenthood can lead to you and your partner misunderstanding each other. If you feel you would like support there are free programmes available through oneplusone that you can complete independently online.

'Me, You and Baby Too' is packed with videos and animations to help couples navigate the transition to parenthood. The programme can help expecting or new parents to recognise their partner's emotions, support each other and develop skills to manage difficult conversations. 

RPC me you and baby too
Additional support

At times it can be difficult to think about our relationships with others. If you feel you would like to access support for your relationship with your partner or ex-partner to reduce conflict but feel you would like additional support to be able to do this we may be able to help you.

To find out more about additional support that may be available to you, please contact your local family hub and a member of the early help Team will be in contact with you.

Action for Children, Dorset Services, offer parenting support and advice to help manage behaviours you find challenging. They can help you learn how to support your child's development using positive tools and strategies.

Action for Children, Dorset Services, offer evidence-based group and 1-2-1 parenting support which is available for parents living in Dorset and BCP (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole)

Information Session Dates

Thursday 20 November 2025 Face to Face session – venue in BCP area 10:00am – 12:00pm - Book here (we are unable to accommodate children at this session)

Wednesday 21 January 2026 Virtual session – online session using Microsoft Teams 10:00am - 12:00pm - Book here

Wednesday 4 March 2026 Virtual session – online session Microsoft Teams 10:00am - 12:00pm - Book here

For more information, click on this link: Action for Children parenting courses in Dorset

You may find the following websites and information useful:

How to communication with your partner after having a baby.

DorPIP

Avoiding alcohol in pregnancy.

We've just had a baby and we're arguing all the time.