What other parents had to say: Sleep

Coaching

“We’d like to express our sincerest gratitude for all your support for our family over the past year. Your professional advice and expertise has helped us stay on course and weather many challenges as we went through the ups and downs of parenting a toddler. We knew we didn’t need to panic when facing a new problem as you would be there, guiding us. We’re also constantly amazed by how your parenting philosophy has minimized confrontation and struggle, and allowed us to focus on the happy and joyful moments…” - a mother of a toddler in San Jose, CA

The Gottman Bringing Baby Home class

[Applicable for] a diverse range of people--considering pregnancy, expecting a baby, or with an infant or toddler at home

“Thanks so much for taking your time and sharing your knowledge with us in need (at the Gottman Bringing Baby Home class)! We feel it was a great experience and will recommend it to new parents we meet in life in the future. Thank you for caring about people and wanting to share your experiences in helping others around you. It’s easy to see that you have a wonderful soul and are extremely successful at making those around you feel loved, warm, and safe. That’s an amazing quality to have, and I would like to acknowledge you.

What I loved about the (Bringing Baby Home) class was that there was a diverse range of people, from thinking about having a baby, to being prego, to having a toddler. Because we are on the other side of the fence, it was great to share our stories and thoughts with the group in hopes that if it happens to them, they know they aren’t alone. [My husband] and I took away a few things from class we are already using and when we do feel flooded, we are going to take out the book and review the steps. We haven’t had conflict yet, but I will keep you posted as to when we do! We have been doing 6-second kisses and practicing using the vocabulary so far.” — Mother of an 18-month old from San Jose, CA

Most classes focus on baby baby baby

Bringing Baby Home for us was a very unique perspective of baby preparation.  Most classes focus on baby baby baby but this course equally addresses the two people that made the baby! The conflict resolution exercises and other interactive getting-to-know-your-partner exercises were fun and engaging.  Tying in baby's cues only emphasizes the mantra of "really pay attention to your loved ones".  Two people are never done learning each other, and this class supports that.  In fact we have used the techniques used in this class to listen to each other and solve problems. We have used the activities cards when out on a dinner date too! — Father of a newborn from Sunnyvale, CA

Taught us proper expectations for our relationship with each other

Lara is here today for a "What's My Baby Saying?" session, and although tired with our 3 week old, we are thriving! We are so glad to see her since we did the "Bringing Baby Home" classes before our sweet little guy was born. We learned so much during the weekly sessions before, so it is exciting that we aren't freaking out since Lara taught us proper expectations for our relationship with each other and for dealing with a newborn baby at the same time.

For us the class was sort of like pre-marital counseling, but pre-baby! Even though we have a pretty great marriage with open communication, we needed to talk through our upbringings, our parenting expectations, conflict resolution with each other and also how we plan to resolve conflict with our son. Lara was a great mediator for us and helped us work through some issues. It was very hands on! I would definitely recommend the classes for anyone expecting a baby! — Mother of a newborn from Redlands, CA

Great for people that already have a young child

I would say that although the title (Bringing Baby Home) wasn't specifically for our situation, we derived a ton of benefit from it by just tailoring your teachings to our needs and situation. 

I would say that the classes are great for people that already have a young child because in reality the class teaches how to have better and more effective communication with your partner with the massive new pressure and stress that comes with raising a new child and the effect it has on the dynamics of the parents' relationship.  

We are closer than ever and really got great benefit from your class. — Parent of an 18-month old from San Jose, CA

We had a great marriage before your class, but we have just become stronger

[My husband] and I really got a lot out of your (Bringing Baby Home) class.  I have actually mailed the two brochures that I took home to our friends who are expecting and to [our] cousin who is thinking of conceiving soon.  

[My husband] has been super helpful around the house and more aware of the chores. He has helped each night with cooking or prep.  We have been more appreciative towards each other and been doing the 6 second kiss each night.  I feel like we had a great marriage before your class, but we have just become stronger.  We have not had any fights since we took the class either.  ;) — Expectant mother from San Jose, CA

“[I learned] how to interact with my spouse in a more respectful way.”

Involving Dad

What is something that you learned that you would like to apply with your baby? Involving Dad

Very personal, interactive

What did you like best about the class? Very personal, interactive

- A father of an infant and a preschooler from San Jose, CA

Keep intimacy and sex as an important part of our lives

Overall, how would you rate your experience taking Bringing Baby Home at Little Elf Family Services? 4 out of 5 stars

What did you like best about the class? The interest and support of the instructor, Lara. The learning lessons and actual exercises were helpful to discuss important issues that are not easy to talk about.

What is something you learned that you hope to use with your partner? How to keep intimacy and sex as an important part of our lives... Also, how to identify the 4 horsemen and resolve conflict.

What is something that you learned that you hope to use with your baby? How to read baby cues and signals to understand their wants, needs, and feelings. How to be more involved and a better father to my baby to strengthen our relationship through bonding.

Any comments or suggestions for future classes? I really liked this class and know it will be helpful in strengthening my relationships with my wife and baby. Thank you!

- An expectant father from Gilroy, CA