The purpose of this study was to test a theoretical model of confirmat
ion of expectations for mutual support after childbirth and to evaluat
e an intervention given in prenatal classes during which prospective p
arents clarified their expectations. Results provided support for the
proposed model in that parents with greater confirmation of expectatio
ns were found to have more positive relationship satisfaction, emotion
al affect, and parenting attitudes. Differences in men and women emerg
ed that demonstrated that confirmation of support expectations was mor
e important to women, while the level of support actually received was
more important to men. The prenatal class intervention did not signif
icantly affect parent outcomes.