Preparing for Parenthood Together: A Prenatal Workshop for Couples in Bellevue, WA
By Lauren Crockett, LMHC, NCC, Founder and Clinical Director, Alignwell Modern Therapy | October 2026
When couples find out they're expecting, the to-do list shows up fast. Pick a pediatrician. Build the crib. Take the birth class. Read the sleep book. And of course all of that matters. But in my work as a therapist, the thing I hear about most from new parents isn't the crib or the car seat. It's the relationship.
"We used to be such a good team. Now we're just tired and snapping at each other."
"I didn't expect to sound so much like my mom."
"I want to help more, I just don't know what to do."
None of these are signs that something is wrong. They are signs that two people are going through one of the biggest transitions a relationship can go through. The good news is that a lot of this can be talked about, practiced, and planned for before the baby arrives. That's exactly why Kira Dorrian, LMHC-I created The Whole Nine Months™.
What is The Whole Nine Months™ prenatal workshop?
The Whole Nine Months™ is a one-day relationship and parenting workshop for expecting couples, held at Alignwell Modern Therapy in Bellevue, Washington. Led by Kira Dorrian, LMHC-I, a therapist, childbirth educator, and trained doula, this evidence-based six-hour class helps partners prepare for pregnancy, birth, and the fourth trimester as a team.
The next workshop is Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Space is limited to five couples.
Why prepare your relationship before the baby arrives?
A baby changes everything about how a couple spends their time, their energy, and their attention. Research from the Gottman Institute has found that roughly two-thirds of couples experience a drop in relationship satisfaction in the first few years after a baby is born. That number can feel scary, but here's the part I want you to hear: the couples who fared better were the ones who had tools in place and a shared understanding of what was coming.
Sleep deprivation, shifting roles, and big feelings are a normal part of new parenthood. When partners have talked through expectations ahead of time, they tend to turn toward each other in those hard moments instead of away. That is what this workshop is designed to build.
What do couples learn in the workshop?
The Whole Nine Months™ looks beyond diapering and feeding to the whole picture of becoming a family. The day is organized around four areas.
Understand where you come from
Each of us brings a blueprint from our own childhood. Some of it we want to keep, and some of it we'd rather leave behind. Couples explore patterns from their families of origin and how those patterns can quietly shape parenting instincts, especially under stress.
Strengthen your parenting skills
Partners learn emotionally intelligent parenting skills that help them create the kind of home they want for their child. Think of it as building a new family of origin, on purpose.
Work as a team
Two people rarely walk into parenthood with the exact same ideas about how it should go. The workshop helps couples build a shared approach so they can make decisions together and stay connected as partners, not just co-managers of a household.
Prepare for the fourth trimester
Couples leave with practical strategies for both partners to navigate the early weeks and months after birth together.
What is the fourth trimester, and why does it matter for both partners?
The fourth trimester refers to the first three months after a baby is born. It's a period of enormous physical recovery, emotional adjustment, and round-the-clock newborn care. It is often the hardest stretch for a couple's relationship, and it's also the part of the journey that gets the least attention in most pregnancy planning.
One question Kira hears often is, "What can my partner do to really be engaged during this time?" Both partners have an important role in the fourth trimester. When each person knows what support looks like and how to ask for it, the whole household feels steadier.
Who is this prenatal class for?
This workshop is a great fit for expecting couples who:
• Wonder how their relationship will change after the baby comes
• Want a realistic picture of what postpartum life can look like
• Want to communicate well, even when exhausted
• Worry about repeating patterns from their own upbringing
• Want both partners to feel confident and involved from day one
Whether this is your first baby or you're adding to your family, if any of those questions have been on your mind, you are in the right place. You don't have to figure this out alone.
Meet your facilitator: Kira Dorrian, LMHC-I
Kira Dorrian is a therapist at Alignwell Modern Therapy who specializes in parenting support. She is also a childbirth educator and trained doula, so she brings both a clinical lens and real-world knowledge of pregnancy, birth, and the newborn period. Her approach is warm, practical, and grounded, which makes it easy for couples to open up and actually enjoy the day. You can learn more about Kira on her team page.
Workshop details
• What: The Whole Nine Months™ Prenatal Workshop for Couples
• When: Saturday, October 17, 2026, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (includes a one-hour lunch break)
• Where: Alignwell Modern Therapy, Bellefield Office Park, 1715 114th Ave SE, Suite 203, Bellevue, WA 98004
• Cost: $245 per couple
• Group size: Limited to five couples
• How to register: Email Kira at kira@alignwellmoderntherapy.com with the subject line "The Whole Nine Months"
You can also find full details on the workshop page.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Whole Nine Months™ a childbirth class?
No. This workshop focuses on your relationship and your parenting, not the mechanics of labor and delivery. Many couples find it pairs well with a traditional childbirth class.
Do both partners need to attend?
Yes. The workshop is designed for couples to attend together, and the price of $245 covers both partners.
How long is the workshop?
It's a one-day, six-hour class that runs from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with a one-hour break for lunch.
How many couples attend each workshop?
Each workshop is limited to five couples. The small group size keeps the day personal and gives everyone room to ask questions.
Where is the prenatal workshop held?
The workshop takes place in person at the Alignwell Modern Therapy office in Bellefield Office Park, 1715 114th Ave SE, Suite 203, Bellevue, WA 98004.
Is this the same as couples therapy?
The Whole Nine Months™ is an educational group workshop rather than ongoing therapy. If you'd like more individualized support as you prepare for parenthood or after your baby arrives, our team at Alignwell Modern Therapy also offers couples counseling and parenting support in Bellevue and via telehealth across Washington State.
A gentle invitation
Becoming parents is exciting, meaningful, and a little overwhelming all at once. You don't need to have it all figured out before your baby arrives. What helps most is having a plan, a shared language, and a partner who feels like a teammate. If that's something you want to build together, we would love to have you join us.
Reserve your spot by emailing Kira today.