A feasibility study of Baby Triple P for mothers with MH difficulties
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Enhancing maternal and infant wellbeing: a feasibility study of the Baby Triple P Positive Parenting Programme for mothers with severe mental health difficulties
IRAS ID
188486
Contact name
Anja Wittkowski
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 5 months, 29 days
Research summary
About one in a hundred mothers develop severe mental illness after giving birth. Psychosis or severe depression can have a significant negative impact on the mother and her baby. These mothers are usually admitted to a Mother and Baby Unit (MBU). MBUs are psychiatric wards which aim to improve the mother’s mental health and her relationship with her baby.\n\nAt present, MBUs offer a range of different types of support but no structured therapy. MBU staff and mothers believe the recently developed parenting programme called Baby Triple P could be helpful. The aims of this therapy are to strengthen the relationship between mother and baby and their wellbeing. Mothers can learn skills to cope and skills to look after their baby. These are provided in a book they can also share with their partners/family.\n\nSo far, though, its possible benefits in this NHS setting are not known. In this feasibility study, we will test whether it is possible to recruit, engage and retain 60 mothers admitted to a MBU. Half will be offered eight sessions of Baby Triple P in addition to their usual care. The other half will receive their usual MBU care only.\n\nMothers in both groups will be asked to fill in questionnaires before and after their treatment and at a 6-month-follow up. Mothers and MBU staff will also be interviewed to give their views on this therapy. We want to know whether they liked the therapy and if they felt any benefits or not. We will also identify how much it will cost to deliver this therapy in this NHS setting.\n\nWe will ask service users to contribute to all aspects of this study to be sure it is relevant to them. We will also ask them to contribute to the evaluation and any publications.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NW/0510
Date of REC Opinion
26 Sep 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion