Research themes and projects at the Centre for Womens Health, Gender and Society
Project title
Mothers, fathers and newborns: Preventing distress and promoting confidence
Major research themes
Other themes
Investigators
- A/Prof Jane Fisher, CWHGS, School of Population Health, The University of Melbourne
- Dr Heather Rowe, CWHGS, School of Population Health, The University of Melbourne
Funding
- Australian Government Department of Family and Community Services, 2005-2008, $481,000
Summary
This controlled trial tests the effectiveness of an innovative psychoeducational intervention for increasing the knowledge and skills of parents of a firstborn baby. The intervention addresses two significant gaps in current parenting education: first, infant crying, resistance to soothing and dysregulated infant sleep and feeding behaviour; and second, adjustment to changes in the relationship between partners, including renegotiation of the paid and unpaid workload after the birth of a baby. The benefits and limitations of the intervention will be measured through follow-up assessments of parent and infant health and wellbeing and process evaluation by parents and health professionals. The research outcomes will assist in capacity building, inform policy development, and promote best practice across the community.
PEPP: Living Well With A First Baby