ABSTRACTS OF FEATURE ARTICLES

Enhancing Understanding of the Transition to Fatherhood
by Pamela L. Jordan
The journey into fatherhood is important to men and has a profound effect. Men have their own unique experiences of conception, pregnancy, labor and birth, and early parenting, all in the context of a larger life experience. Understanding their experiences is essential to anyone who works with childbearing families in order to be more sensitive, respectful, and effective caregivers.

From Partners to Parents: Couples and the Transition to Parenthood
by Sean E. Brotherson
A mother needs to learn how her body and emotions will change as she prepares for a child's birth. Similarly, couples need to know about changes that may occur for them as they transition from partners to parents. Who does what after a child's birth? How can couples maintain their love and commitment? What can be done to balance "his" versus "hers" issues after childbirth? This article explores issues in the transition to parenthood for couples, identifies helpful coping strategies for couples and those who support them, and offers tips on making a healthy transition from partners to parents.

Marriage, Parenthood, and Divorce: Understanding the Past as We Move into the Future
by Viola Polomeno
This article, the first in a two-part series, features marriage within the transition to parenthood. An overview of marriage and divorce is presented, along with how these two institutions are intertwined with health. Marriage is first defined followed by a reality check on its actual state. The origins of marriage are presented as well as the impact of marriage on the health of the conjugal partners. Divorce is then explained from an historical viewpoint followed by a current synopsis of the situation, and terminating by an examination between divorce and health. Finally, the historical aspects of reproduction and parenthood are presented.

Marriage in the Transition to Parenthood: How Can Perinatal Education Help? Or Can It?
by Viola Polomeno
This article is the second in a two-part series featuring marriage, parenthood, and divorce. What is the connection between perinatal education and marriage in the transition to parenthood? Perinatal education which includes childbirth education is at the forefront of revolutionizing its underlying paradigm. Perinatal and childbirth educators are being invited to expand their horizons, to reconsider education from a relational viewpoint, and not only to prepare couples for those few hours of birthing but for so much more. The author is helping couples "divorce proof" their relationship, conjugal or marital, as they traverse the transition to parenthood. The greatest gifts that parents can give their children are a happy and viable relationship and the security of their love.

COLUMNS

Birthing a Research Project: Sampling
by Marcella Hart

Healthy Lifestyles
by Elizabeth Smith
Pregnant? Get Moving

Certification Update

Teacher Upgrade
by Donyale Abe
Teaching With Intention