Family and friends

The impact of a new baby coming into the lives of our family and friends can have a significant impact on our relationship dynamics with the new mother and father or parents-to-be.

Just as the parents will be making many adjustments to their own lives and have their own expectations of what parenthood will be like, so too family, friends and colleagues also may hold perceptions and expectations as to how it will affect our relationships, working capacity, and what role we might play.

Sometimes our expectations may differ from our experience. We may also find ourselves in a position where we are concerned about the new parents and how they might be managing or coping.

Such situations need to be approached sensitively by grandparents, family and friends or work colleagues who may find themselves in this position, and there are a range of strategies that may be helpful.

Find out more about:

• Information for grandparents

• Information for family members and close friends

• What to do when you’re concerned about someone