title: The importance of first-time parent groups for new parents.
abstract: First-time parent groups are offered to all new parents in Victoria, Australia through the Maternal and Child Health Service, which is funded by state and local governments. Parents who join a group attend a series of eight sessions that emphasize parenting skills, relationship development and social support in order to increase confidence and skills in parenting. The present paper highlights the importance of first-time parent groups, claiming that these groups serve an important social support and health function amid a climate of early discharge policies and changing family structures. Although there are a number of challenges to the successful running of groups, it is argued that first-time parents benefit from participating in these groups in a number of ways: by developing social networks, gaining self confidence, and through access to relevant information on child health and parenting. Research indicates that first-time parent groups provide lasting benefits not only for families, but also for society as a whole. Maternal and child health nurses play a key role in facilitating groups for first-time parents.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia. bah@deakin.edu.au
authors.forename: Barbara A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Hanna
authors.forename: Gay
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Edgecombe
authors.forename: Carol A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Jackson
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Newman
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology*; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology*; D010379:Peer Group; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D014739:Victoria