Preparation for parenthood

Abstract

Research has shown that being adequately prepared for parenthood helps to improve outcomes in both the parents and their offspring and this, in turn, has long-term implications for society at large. Throughout the years, however, many parents have reported feeling unprepared for the realities new parenthood brings with it. Despite this ‘unpreparedness’, parenthood continues to be a responsibility that is taken on by many parents worldwide. What may sometimes appear to be a natural or simple transformation is actually the result of a complex endeavour, with its own possible complexities and consequences. These may include but are not limited to potential challenges that may arise in the planning, conception, gestational period and parental-foetal relational shift. These situations, however, offer an opportunity for empowerment and growth within each individual parent. The impetus of this chapter originated from our research on preparation for parenthood amongst first-time biological parents. The chapter presented here starts by giving some background into the study, its context and details of the study participants. It moves on to explicate the meanings and core domains of preparation for first-time parenthood within a coupled context that are paramount from preconception up to the first postnatal year and the important role of midwives during this pivotal life transition.