New Study Finds First-Time Mothers Could Benefit From Postpartum Preparation

Main Category: Pregnancy / Obstetrics
Also Included In: Psychology / Psychiatry;  Pediatrics / Children's Health;  Women's Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 09 Sep 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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A new study published in The Journal of Perinatal Education finds first-time mothers want more information about how a newborn will impact their lives. Thirty-five percent did not feel prepared for the physical experience following birth and 20% did not feel prepared for the emotional experience.

The study includes 151 first-time mothers attending community child health centers in Brisbane, Australia. Focus groups were conducted with eight mothers 7-9 months following entry to the service.

Nearly half commented on some aspect of maternal health such as fatigue, postnatal depression and the work of caring for a new baby.

"This study demonstrates that new mothers are eager for high-quality, accurate information of what to expect of life with a newborn," says the study's lead author, Margaret Barnes, RN, MA, PhD.

"As a leader in educating women about the mental and physical transitions they will undergo during pregnancy and postpartum, Lamaze International believes a series of childbirth education classes can be vital in preparing new moms," comments Lamaze International President Allison J. Walsh, IBCLC, LCCE, FACCE. "Classes can empower women to have positive birth experiences and be informed about early parenthood challenges such as breastfeeding, handling fatigue and infant care."

In addition to childbirth education classes, Lamaze International offers resources for women and their families including The Official Lamaze Guide and, with the support of presenting partner Huggies, Lamaze: Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond magazine, a weekly pregnancy newsletter, Lamaze…Building Confidence Week by Week, and more.

Since its founding in 1960, Lamaze International has worked to promote, support and protect normal birth through education and advocacy through the dedicated efforts of professional childbirth educators, providers and parents. An international organization with regional, state and area networks, its members and volunteer leaders include childbirth educators, nurses, midwives, doulas, lactation consultants, physicians, students and consumers. For more information about Lamaze International and the Lamaze Institute for Normal Birth, visit http://www.lamaze.org.

Lamaze International

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