Antenatal classes: Women can’t think beyond labour

Wiener, Andy and Rogers, Cathy (2008) Antenatal classes: Women can’t think beyond labour. British Journal of Midwifery, 16 (2). pp. 121-124. ISSN 0969-4900

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Abstract

There is interest in refocusing NHS antenatal classes to support parents in the transition to parenthood. However anecdotal reports suggest many midwives believe women in antenatal classes cannot focus on postnatal issues. This study set out to evaluate the prevalance of this view, with a postal survey of 144 midwives in a Hospital NHS Trust. There was a 58% return rate. 48% of respondants thought that women were not interested in postnatal topics. Midwives thought women were unable or unwilling to be realistic about the changes and difficulties a baby brings. Discussion focuses on a comparison of the client-centred/facilitative approach to antenatal education with the traditional directive/lecture type approach. It is argued that a facilitative approach enables women to discuss fears and anxieties about the transition to parenthood more openly. It is suggested that group facilitation training should be an integral part of midwifery training.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Postnatal
Subjects: Families > Parent Child Relations/Parenthood
Department/People: Children, Young Adult and Family Services
URI: https://repository.tavistockandportman.ac.uk/id/eprint/245

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