A new workshop in San Antonio, Texas is helping expectant and new parents prepare for big changes in their lives, with a focus on a new baby's impact on relationships, communication, and emotional wellness.

The two-day Bringing Home Baby event isn't a basics-of-baby-care trainer course. (You probably won't learn how to change a diaper or how to give your slippery little newborn a bath.) Instead, it explores couples' relationships after becoming parents, communication skills for dealing with stress and change, and educates parents to prevent and recognize postpartum depression.

What I like about the sound of this program is its proactive, preventive angle. The concept: Nurture expectant parents in advance of the stressors they will face, and you're nurturing babies at the same time. (Imagine the possibilities!)

Facilitators are San Antonio-area therapists Julie Gowen, LCSW, Mark Jones, D.Min., and Helen Stensrud, L.P.C. - all certified Gottman educators.

The workshops are held on two consecutive Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at the Ecumenical Center for Religion and Health at Wurzbach Rd. and Ewing Halsell Dr. Cost is $150 per couple, plus $40 for educational materials.

Upcoming workshop dates are:
June 3 & 10
July 8 & 15
September 16 & 23

Pre-registration is required by calling 210.616.0885. You can also register online at www.ecrh.org.