Expectant couples have the chance to be among the first in the world to join a new program helping first-time mums and dads cope with the first 12 months of their baby’s life.
Baby Triple P, which is based on The University of Queensland’s acclaimed Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, is being offered free of charge to expectant parents in Brisbane, Ipswich and Scotland this year as part of a co-ordinated international research project between UQ and the Glasgow Caledonian University.
Triple P’s Professor Matt Sanders said local parents’ assessment of the new program would inform future development of Baby Triple P, which aims to prepare couples for the physical and emotional challenges of life with a baby.
“Most first-time parents focus on getting as much information as possible about pregnancy and labour, going to pre-natal classes and workshops,” said Professor Sanders.
“But there is very little available that prepares parents for that moment when they come home from the hospital and they’re alone with their baby for the first time. Parents may have learnt how to feed, bathe and change their baby, but little else.
"Baby Triple will give parents the knowledge and confidence to manage other, often very challenging, situations such as settling a crying baby, helping a baby sleep and understanding what the baby needs.”
Baby Triple P is being offered as a group program with five couples in each group. Couples will attend four sessions during pregnancy, with four telephone support calls in the weeks and months after the baby is born.
The mother-to-be should be between 20 and 35 weeks pregnant.
Professor Sanders said he was convinced there was a need for Baby Triple P, having heard many experienced parents say how unprepared they had been for life with their first baby.
“The first year of parenting is a vulnerable time for both the babies and the parents,” said Professor Sanders.
“Being a calm confident parent from the start helps build a strong bond with the child and can also affect a child’s intelligence, happiness and social skills later in life.
“And parents need their own survival skills to help them get through the stressful times so they are relaxed enough to enjoy what really is a precious time in their baby’s life. ”
Baby Triple P groups will be held at the University of Queensland’s St Lucia and Ipswich campuses and, depending on local demand, at various public libraries throughout Brisbane and surrounds.
Couples interested in the free Baby Triple P trial should call Carmen Spry at The University of Queensland on 3365 8870 or go to http://exp.psy.uq.edu.au/baby for more information or to register online.
Further media information: Carmen Spry 3365 8870
