Let’s talk about your ‘village of support’ after having a baby…
The transition to parenthood can time of happiness and elation. It can also be a time of anxiousness, loneness and uncertainty. Creating a support network around you assists in a smooth transition into parenthood. This may include; your partner, parents, extended family, friends, lactation consultant, other healthcare professionals and… perhaps your Mother’s Group.
For myself, I’ve been lucky enough to have been introduced to a beautiful group of ladies through the government initated 'first- time parents group'. Having first meet when our babies were only 6 weeks old, these women have been a pillar of strength, understanding and support.
First-Time Parent Groups are funded by the Department of Human Services in recognition of the challenges and stresses that may be associated with the transition to parenthood (Department of Human Services, 1997). Typically known as the ‘Mother’s Group’, the name was changed to First Time Parents Group in 1998 in recognition of the growing and important role fathers play in parenting. The purpose of groups for first-time parents is to:
- Enhance parental and emotional well-being.
- Enhance parent–child interaction.
- Provide opportunities for first-time parents to establish informal networks and social supports.
- Increase parental confidence and independence in child education. (Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, 2017)
All new parents can attend a First-Time Parent Group for free. These groups are a great way to assist your learning about newborns and help network with other families in your local community, in a relaxed, supportive and thriving environment. First Time Parent Groups are generally run by a Maternal and Child Health nurse. The groups generally run for six to eight weeks.
The transition to parenthood is a stressful time and the need for social support, integral. It is now known that integration into a social network protects health and promotes recovery (Bloom 1990). The need for social support networks is recognised as an important feature of health-care delivery for parents as women are leaving hospital earlier than before following the birth of a child (Stewart and Tilden 1995). An Australian study by Rogan, Shmied, Barclay, Everitt and Wylie (1997) reports the hurdles new parents face as monumental, leaving many women initially feeling drained, alone and with a sense of loss. It is through social support that individuals gain information, see new role models and are encouraged by others (Bloom 1990). Hence, the establishment of the first time parents group is important for nurturing these new relationships.
Feedback from parents is generally positive with mothers, in particular, placing emphases on its importance in broadening their support network. It provides an opportunity to leave the house, allows a new parent to receive reassurance and advice and new friendships are formed for both the parent and child!
Cara x
References
Department of Human Services (1997) Project Brief: Development of a First-Time Parents Resource and Facilitation Guide for Maternal and Child Health Nurses, Department of Human Services Publication, Melbourne.
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (2007) The First Time Parent Group Resource and Facilitation Guide for Maternal and Child Health Nurses. Department of Human Services, Victoria.
Bloom, J.R. (1990) The relationship of social support and health, Social Science Medicine, 39(5), pp. 277-280.
Stewart, M.J. and Tilden, V.P. (1995) The contributions of nursing science to social support, International Journal of Nursing Studies, 32(6), pp. 535-544.
Rogan, F. Schmeid, V. Barclay, L. Everitt, L. and Wyllie, A. (1997) ‘Becoming a mother’ — developing a new theory of early motherhood, Journal of Advanced Nursing, 25, pp. 866-885.