Presentation Information

Ginger Breedlove

Postpartum Pause: Identifying Gaps In Preparedness for Parenting

  • Speaker: Ginger Breedlove , PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN
  • Presentation Type:
  • Duration: 60 Mins
  • Credits: 1 CERP, 1 ACM CPD, 1 ACNM CEU, 0.1 Midwifery CEU
Abstract:

Expecting parents, particularly those anticipating first-time parenthood, are most ready to learn about pregnancy, labor and birth. Much focus and attention for expecting families center on these periods of uncertainty and often fear. Our natural tendency is to understand and gain knowledge of what impacts us most at times we experience an event. Consequently, for new parents, emphasis is placed on preparing for childbirth with little education or time dedicated to preparedness for parenting. Most families in the US experience birth in-hospital with discharge (following normal vaginal birth) by 48 hours. Speaking with numerous families, anecdotal evidence shows the typical US family experience less than three hours of education on care for self and newborn prior to being home with their baby. The initial weeks of parenthood are a time of universal vulnerability. And also bring one of the most challenging periods of transition from a confident adult to an inexperienced, first-time parent. Many parents express feeling lied to and being set up for the wildest shock of their life- being someone’s parent. Identifying gaps in preparedness in parenting will assist midwives, nurses and doulas in providing families with real information in real time.