First-time parents' prenatal needs for early parenthood preparation-A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative literature

Abstract

Objective: contribute to the existing body of knowledge about the specific needs of first-time parents specifically for early parenthood.

Method: the databases PubMed, MEDLINE, PSYCINFO, CINAHL, EMBASE, Family Studies Abstracts, and Web of Science, were searched using search terms: prenatal, antenatal, preparation, education, parents, parenthood. The meta-synthesis included 12 articles representing 12 studies. The meta-ethnographic approach of Nobilt and Hare was used in the meta-synthesis.

Synthesis and findings: first-time expectant and new parents reflect a need for antenatal education to actively include male partners pre- and postnatal. Participants wished for early and realistic information about parenting skills, and to have the opportunity to seek support and help from health professionals when need arose especially during the early postnatal period. Another element was the need to learn both from peers and other new parents coming as guest speakers. Participants wished to have been well informed ahead of time, about the possible changes in their conjugal relationship and the related coping strategies.

Key conclusions: equal emphasis should be placed both during the prenatal and postnatal periods in antenatal education classes.

Implications for practice: interventions aiming at enhancing positive transitions to parenthood could be introduced early during the postnatal period. Parenthood education classes could adopt adult learning strategies that are participatory, and experiential in nature.

Keywords: Early parenthood; First-time parents; Meta-synthesis; Needs; Postnatal; Transition.