Preparation for Labour
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Promoting Mental Wellbeing Through Preparation for Labour
IRAS ID
125641
Contact name
Helen Spiby
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
Research summary
The purpose of this project is to generate information about the current provision of antenatal education, (including the use of a toolkit ‘Preparation for Birth and Beyond’ for delivery of antenatal education developed by the Department of Health(Department of Health 2011)) for first time parents and to describe whether this provision has met the needs of the parents receiving antenatal education. The study is particularly focused on preparing mothers and fathers for the major transition to parenthood that can challenge emotional wellbeing and mental health.
To achieve this three related studies will explore preparation for labour from the perspectives of service users and service providers in England. Studies 1 and 2 are research studies whilst the 3rd study is a service evaluation.
The results of the three studies will be synthesised to identify the extent to which preparation for labour addresses the needs, expectations and preferences of childbearing women and fathers, in the context of this major life transition. Innovative approaches to providing preparation for labour will be identified and assessed against the existing evidence base. The impact of the tool kit will be determined.
One of the key purposes of the project is to develop a set of checklists against which service providers can evaluate the preparation for labour they offer parents. This will include young women, women from minority ethnic groups and fathers, particular groups of parents that evidence indicates have not been well provided for in the past.
REC name
West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/WM/0188
Date of REC Opinion
24 May 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion