SEATTLE -- Having a baby is one of the greatest joys for a couple, but it can also be a great source of conflict.
A marriage can definitely take a nose-dive after a child is born. That's why some parents are learning how to baby-proof their marriage.
For Cedric and Angelique Davis -- 2-year-old C.J. is their pride and joy. A fun-loving toddler, eager to learn.
Like so many couples, they knew having a baby would change their lives, and not always for the better.
"Gosh, you hear so many things about how it absolutely ruins a marriage or people's satisfaction with their partner goes down significantly," said Angelique.
As sleep deprivation started to set in, so did marital conflict. That's when the Davis' decided to get help.
A year into parenthood, they went to the Bringing Baby Home workshop, where couples learn to overcome the biggest challenges as new parents: embracing their new roles, dividing up household chores, figuring out finances and engaging in conversation that isn't about the baby.
"There might be more conflict, more hostility, they're less likely to have sex," said Dr. Renay Cleary Bradley, a developmental psychologist with the Relationship Research Institute. "Sexual relations and intimacy can decline during that period."
Researchers found two-thirds of couples see the quality of their relationship drop within three years of the birth of a child. Which is why the non-profit organization started the workshop -- to help expectant or new parents with the transition to becoming a family.
"What we think is the most important thing is how they fight," said Dr. Bradley. "So if you can learn as a couple, even before the baby comes, how to actually manage conflict with your partner, it's going to be easier to get through those issues."
After attending the workshop, the Davis' now share a renewed spark in their marriage. Date nights are more frequent and talk of sippy cups and dirty diapers is banned.
"It was a great reminder to make sure we make time for each other each day and that we do things that are focused on each other not just the children," said
They say it has made them not only a better couple, but better parents.
"I think we're just overall a lot happier, there's a lot more joy in the house," said
Bringing Baby Home workshops are offered in all over Seattle and Western Washington, as well as Australia, Canada and nine states in the U.S.
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