Maternal and paternal expectations of antenatal education across the transition to parenthood

Jones, Catriona; Wadephul, Fran; Jomeen, Julie

Abstract

This study uses research evaluation data to explore parents’ expectations from antenatal classes as they transition from pregnancy to the post-natal period. Understanding parents’ expectations over this time with respect to knowledge and skills provides an opportunity to tailor antenatal classes more closely to the needs of parents. Equally, it is important to understand, if, and how, these expectations are met during the transition to parenthood. Understanding parents expectations of antenatal classes, and exploring the value of classes amongst attendees has the potential to result in improved attendance, reduced dropout rates and overall greater satisfaction. This paper, which explores whether a programme of antenatal classes meets parents expectations across the transmission to parenthood adds to the existing body of research about the preparation needs of parents in early parenthood.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Apr 2, 2019
• Journal: British Journal of Midwifery
• Print ISSN: 0969-4900
• Publisher: Mark Allen Healthcare
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 27
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 235-241
• APA6 Citation: Jones, C., Wadephul, F., & Jomeen, J. (2019). Maternal and paternal expectations of antenatal education across the transition to parenthood. British Journal of Midwifery, 27(4), 235-241. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjom.2019.27.4.235
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.12968/bjom.2019.27.4.235
• Keywords: Expectations; Fathers; Mothers; Preparation; Education; Antenatal classes; Childbirth
• Publisher URL: https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/full/10.12968/bjom.2019.27.4.235