Understanding and improving relational aspects between families and healthcare providers after childbirth

Childbirth and transition to parenthood is a challenging time, especially for first-time

parents. During the early postpartum period (two-seven days after birth) they have to adapt to

their new role, and to emotional and social changes. Different psychological problems, such as

depression and posttraumatic stress disorder can develop following this period. One important

risk factor in developing these complications is perceived lack of social support from care

providers. Despite social support from healthcare providers being recommended to help parents

in their transition to their new role, up to 50% of parents have stated that they received

insufficient support which did not meet their needs. As social support has many impacts on

parents’ wellbeing, it is important that healthcare professionals respond to parents’ needs.

Relational skills are not innate and teaching of these skills should be based on parents’ needs.

Therefore, the aim of this project is to better understand the role of social support provided by

healthcare professionals in the transition to parenthood of first-time parents during the early

postpartum period. The project consists of three studies. The first two studies will determine

the social support needs of first-time parents in the early postpartum period and which

observable behaviors healthcare professionals show/use to effectively meet the first-time

parents’ social support needs. The third study will develop a training tool based on the results

of studies one and two. This training tool would contribute to improving social support skills

of health care providers with a subsequent impact on the quality of care for first time parents.