Maternal and paternal expectations of antenatal education across the transition to parenthood

Abstract

This study uses research evaluation data to explore parents' expectations from antenatal classes as they transition from pregnancy to the post-natal period. Understanding parents' expectations over this time with respect to knowledge and skills provides an opportunity to tailor antenatal classes more closely to the needs of parents. Equally, it is important to understand, if, and how, these expectations are met during the transition to parenthood. Understanding parents expectations of antenatal classes, and exploring the value of classes amongst attendees has the potential to result in improved attendance, reduced dropout rates and overall greater satisfaction. This paper, which explores whether a programme of antenatal classes meets parents expectations across the transmission to parenthood adds to the existing body of research about the preparation needs of parents in early parenthood.

Necessidades de aprendizagem das mães e dos pais durante a gravidez

“…They also confirm that health care during pregnancy should include the pregnant couple, which is also a recommendation of other studies (Entsieh & Hallström, 2016;Palsson et al, 2017). Contrary to Jones et al (2019), no significant differences were observed between mothers' and fathers' needs. Therefore, based on the results, it can be said that mothers and fathers have overlapping needs.…”

“…These prenatal care interventions designed and implemented by nurses, namely by specialist nurses in MOHN, are key to saving lives, improving well-being and healthcare utilization, and increasing the quality of care. Today, the transition to parenthood is a desired experience by most couples, and, for this reason, even during pregnancy, they are highly engaged in the adoption of healthy behaviors and early preparation for the next stage (Cardoso, 2011;Jones et al, 2019). This predisposition for active participation is visible in women, but a growing interest has also been observed among men (Andersson et al, 2016), particularly regarding preparation for parenthood (Entsieh & Hallström, 2016;Mniszak et al, 2019).…”

“…This predisposition for active participation is visible in women, but a growing interest has also been observed among men (Andersson et al, 2016), particularly regarding preparation for parenthood (Entsieh & Hallström, 2016;Mniszak et al, 2019). The adoption of a model of care centered on the pregnant couple, as a facilitator of their active participation in the whole process, requires that assessment, diagnosis, and interventions focus on meeting their care needs (Andersson et al, 2016;Almalik & Mosleh, 2017; Direção-Geral da Saúde [DGS], 2015; Jones et al, 2019;OE, 2018;World Health Organization [WHO], 2018). However, there are no studies available on the nursing-sensitive needs of Portuguese women and men to maintain health during pregnancy.…”

“…Some relevant topics for women include the management of major complications, medical evaluations and consultations, proper diet, information about medications and supplements, fetal care, and complications after childbirth. On the perceived needs of women and men throughout pregnancy, Jones et al (2019) sought to bring the content of prenatal visits closer to mothers' and fathers' perceived needs. They found that mothers' learning needs can be grouped into three major themes: developing relationships (with the fetus/baby, friends, and family); emotional well-being; and practical aspects.…”

Content of Antenatal Education and Modalities of Delivery among Nurses in Oyo State, Nigeria

“…Television and Internet were also identified as preferred sources of information [6]. Moreover, [26] reported that exploring the value of ante natal classes among pregnant women has the potential to result to improve attendance, reduced dropout rates and overall greater satisfaction. Reference [8] documented that antenatal education can be provided in a rural community using drama, reading picture Both content and methods of antenatal education have changed over time without evidence of effects on relevant outcomes.…”