What parents want to know in the first postnatal year: A Delphi consensus study

Area of Science:

• Perinatal mental health
• Parental adjustment
• m-Health interventions

Background:

• Psychoeducation programs often neglect crucial postpartum information.
• New parents require age-specific guidance for the first postnatal year.
• Effective delivery methods are needed for time-constrained, tech-savvy parents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish consensus on essential information for new parents during the first postnatal year.
• To inform the development of targeted m-Health psychoeducation programs.
• To support a healthy transition to parenthood through evidence-based information.

Main Methods:

• A Delphi consensus study involving two expert panels.
• Panels comprised perinatal mental health professionals and parents with lived experience.
• Consensus was reached on 89 key information topics.

Main Results:

• 89 topics were endorsed by at least 80% of both panels.
• Topics cover sleep, attachment, co-parenting, parental mental health, development, feeding, support, safety, and health.
• Key themes identified for parental support in the first year.

Conclusions:

• Consensus achieved between experts and parents on vital postpartum information.
• Findings will guide the creation of relevant m-Health psychoeducation.
• Aims to improve the new parent experience and adjustment.