When you first announce your happy baby news to friends and family, some couples mistakenly utter the words "We're having a baby but it won't change our lives!"

A new baby inevitably brings change and for most new parents this change is for the best. Yes, of course most of us would prefer not to endure the tortures of sleep deprivation, but at the other extreme you experience a whole new set of heightened emotions you never knew existed. The feeling of instant, intense and overwhelming love the minute you are introduced to your new baby is something I am still amazed by to this day. This overwhelming sense of love you feel when you stare lovingly at your new baby can often send you into spontaneous floods of tears.

Being a parent is rewarding but challenging. During those first few weeks the whole rainbow of emotions is experienced by both you and your partner. You have just gone from Partners to Parents! This new triangle relationship will take time to get used to. As a new parent you both have new roles and responsibilities.

For a new Mum the transition to motherhood for most is likely to be huge. You have a new baby to care for 24/7 with no instruction manual. You are expected to learn on the job and undergo this steep learning curve whilst suffering the effects of sleep deprivation and coping with the physical changes in your body after birth! The average age of a first time Mum is approximately 30 and most come to motherhood having had a career and work responsibilities. Finding themselves in the home 24/7 for the first few weeks can often prove very challenging for some women.

For a new Dad, the transition to parenthood is not as huge. After a few days at home with their new baby, they, as the breadwinner (for now!) go back to work. They wake up, shower, go to work and have their lunch in peace and quiet. The notorious difference in a new Dad's day comes on his return home from work. He may be greeted by weeping, stressed out Mum or else a tired, exhausted Mum who thrusts the baby into his arms as soon as he walks through the door!

To cope with these challenging times, it is vital for all parties to keep the lines of communication open. Relationships often become strained because of a lack of communication. The new Mum constantly gets annoyed with their partner since they feel they don't understand what their new home life entails. They are at home, often with a screaming baby, sleep deprived and with little adult company trying to master their new role. Dad comes home and wonders why their partner seems exhausted as they think they have been drinking lattes all day!

A new baby inevitably puts a strain on parental relationships. However, if couples can find at least 10 minutes a day to check in with each other as adults and as an adult couple ask how their day has been it helps. During this adult time there is only one rule: no baby talk. It is the time for the two of you to ask how you are and to reassure one another you can overcome any challenges because you are together.

Let's not kid ourselves, coping with a newborn baby is hard work for all involved, but if the lines of communication are kept open between parties there is a good chance you will embrace and enjoy your new parenting roles and still be able to enjoy each others company long after your children have left home!