The article explores the shifting demographics of modern family planning, specifically focusing on the "First Comes Baby" trend where couples choose to start a family before—or instead of—getting married.
"First Comes Baby" is a feature article written by , appearing in the May/June 2024 issue of The Saturday Evening Post .
: It highlights the unique challenges unmarried parents face, such as establishing legal paternity and navigating shared financial responsibilities without the default protections of marriage.
: O’Mara includes interviews with couples and experts to explain why many are choosing to prioritize child-rearing over a wedding ceremony.
: O’Mara examines how the traditional "marriage then children" sequence has evolved. According to the article, nearly 40% of births in the U.S. now occur outside of marriage.