Learning about baby: what new mothers would like to know

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A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
14:43

A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting

Published on: January 12, 2018

Margaret Barnes1, Jan Pratt, Kathleen Finlayson

  • 1MARGARET BARNES is a senior lecturer and discipline leader for nursing and midwifery in the School of Health and Sport Sciences at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia.

The Journal of Perinatal Education
|May 14, 2009
PubMed

As part of a larger research project to evaluate a new model of care for first-time mothers in a community health-care setting, this study aimed to identify the preparation and information needs of first-time mothers. All first-time mothers attending a selection of community child health centers in Brisbane, Australia, who presented with no overt risk factors and with a thriving child, were invited to participate in the study. Three months after mothers entered the service, data were collected via telephone survey (N = 151). In addition, focus group interviews were conducted 7-9 months following entry to the service (n = 8). Participants reported seeking information from a variety of sources during pregnancy. Few participants felt well prepared for managing either the physical or emotional experience of early mothering or the essential maternal and child health issues and common problems in the early months. Findings suggest that current approaches to care and education may not meet the needs of first-time mothers. Different approaches are suggested to enhance women's maternal competence during the first few months of becoming a new mother.

Keywords:
breastfeedingchild healthchild health servicesfirst-time mothersparenting education

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