Exploring the Journey to Parenthood

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  A mixed-method study exploring the journey to parenthood, and the influence of an antenatal workshop called “Preparation, Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond” on the experience of becoming a parent

• IRAS ID

  151549

• Contact name

  Sarah Suter

• Contact email

  u1236175@uel.ac.uk

• Research summary

  This mixed-method study aims to explore the journey to parenthood, and also explores how the “Preparation, Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond“ (PPBB) workshop influences this transition. The first sub-study focuses on exploring participants’ stories of becoming a first-time parent using semi-structured interviews. The second sub-study explores first-time parents’ experiences of an antenatal workshop called PPBB using a printed questionnaire. For the purpose of synthesis and cohesion, a mixed method approach was chosen.

  Rationale:
  Limited research exists exploring the lived experience of first-time parents on becoming a parent, and caring for a newborn. The journey into parenthood requires adjustment to changes in self, identity, roles, relationships and lifestyles. This adjustment process can cause psychological distress and can affect first-time parents’ psychological well-being as well as their ability to care for, and bond with their infant. Gaining a better understanding of the experience of the journey to parenthood is thus key to meeting the psychological and social support of first-time parents. It is also important to explore the current social influences on parents’ understanding of what a parent is, especially in view of their implications on parental mental health.

  There also appears to be a critical gap in UK-based research exploring first-time parents’ experiences of antenatal programmes. It is important to explore parents’ experience of the PPBB workshop and to use their feedback to inform the provision of future workshops. This research therefore has the potential to contribute to the community-based early intervention / prevention service to parents and infants offered by the Whittington Health Trust.

• REC name

  South Central - Oxford A Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  14/SC/0253

• Date of REC Opinion

  30 Apr 2014

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion