In the family way: transition to parenthood.

The birth of the first child, awaited eagerly or anxiously, is a normal life event bringing its own set of stresses and strains, which couples do not often anticipate. The family doctor can use the opportunity afforded by prenatal and postnatal visits to do some preventive medicine and assist the new family through this transition. The family physician needs to be aware of the stresses of parenthood on him or herself. Family medicine training programs should adapt to support residents at the time they become new parents.