Women's experiences of telephone-based peer support during the transition to parenthood

This paper presents findings of a qualitative evaluation exploring how telephone peer support was experienced by a sample of pregnant women and parents of young children who contacted a national helpline. Peer support can be beneficial for parents experiencing difficulties related to childbirth or early parenthood by alleviating distress and contributing to maternal and infant wellbeing. In 2010 the National Childbirth Trust launched a free, confidential telephone peer support service enabling expectant parents and parents with a young child to share concerns or worries with other carefully selected parents who had previously experienced similar concerns. Telephone interviews with 12 women revealed that they contacted the helpline with postnatal worries, traumatic birth experiences and baby feeding issues. Prior experiences of disconnected encounters and absence of affirmation from health professionals prompted women to call. Talking to a peer supporter helped women to feel connected and gave them hope to move forward with a sense of belief and self-confidence. Telephone peer support can contribute to the wellbeing of women who experience difficulties related to childbirth or early parenting. There is potential to extend peer support services alongside health services and health visitors can play a role in signposting parents to accessible support.