Preparation for parenthood: a concept analysis

Abstract

Objective: This article reviewed the literature and critically analysed the concept of preparation for parenthood. The analysis is mainly of a discursive nature with some theoretical underpinnings. Background: Preparation for parenthood is a concept that is generally used within psychology, sociology and health professional practice especially midwifery, in terms of preparation for birth and parenthood sessions. However, parents often report feeling unprepared during this period. In order to ensure appropriate delivery of support and education during this time it is important to fully understand what preparation for parenthood really means by unravelling its component elements and understanding its contemporary relevance. Methods: A number of sources were searched using the keywords 'preparation' and 'parenthood'. The concept analysis framework put forward by Walker and Avant was used to develop appropriate cases to further illustrate and explore meaning. Results: The literature search confirmed limited evidence with regards to an in-depth exploration of the concept and the separate elements that are related to each other. This investigation is the first of its kind considering the full range of meanings with regards to the concept and the contemporary evidence available. Law, gender, culture and spirituality all influence the concept and thus antecedents and consequences cannot always be applied to contexts which are fundamentally different. Conclusion: Preparation for parenthood is multi-faceted and changing, thus further research with regards to this concept is warranted. This analysis provides the groundwork for the development of measures that may be used within clinical practice.

Parents’ Experiences of Early Parenthood – Preliminary Findings

“…This might include efforts to optimise health, reduce risk factors, prepare financially, negotiate household division of labour and increase parenting knowledge (Spiteria, Borg Xuereba, Carrick-Senb, Kanerc, & Martinde, 2014), as well as thoughts and reflections about the impact of psychosocial and lifestyle choices described above. Research suggests, however, that parents are not as well prepared as they would like (Roy et al, 2014), which can leave them feeling overwhelmed as they face their new parental role (Borg Xuereb, Abela, & Spiteri, 2012).…”

Preparation for Motherhood during Pregnancy: a Concept Analysis

“…It indicates that preparation is learnt in the family of origin, it is a practice started during childhood through caring for siblings or younger relatives and is begun by the older female relatives. In their concept analysis on the preparation for a parenthood role, Spiteri et al, (9) do not define the concept, but propose that being fathers and mothers requires preparation from various perspectives. The state that preparation has always focused on labor and on delivery and propose that individuals can choose to make changes in their lifestyles and this includes changes to optimize their health, like eating healthy, doing exercise, and eliminating cigarette smoking and consumption of alcohol.…”

“…(32) Additionally, through the availability of financial resources that favor the acquisition of care giving elements and the adaptation of spaces (9) and the preparation for labor and delivery. (22) In other conceptual developments, preparation for maternity has other legal, spiritual, and historical dimensions; (9) but is placed within a context reduced to the presence of a relationship between a man and a woman, with a planned pregnancy and extended to the child's first year of life. This definition generates restrictions upon understanding the concept in practice and in the daily lives of many women who are not in a relationship and who have an unplanned pregnancy.…”

“…(1,3,23,24,26,27) -It is defined by the historical, social, and cultural contexts. (9,22,30) -It is a stage that favors resolution of personal conflicts and conflicts with significant others. (22,23,25) -It is determined by the presence and support from other significant individuals.…”

“…Likewise, the scientific literature on the preparation for motherhood is quite limited to the gestation period, (1,10) is inconclusive in the face of the constituent elements (9) , and much of it is oriented at the preparation for delivery (11)(12)(13)(14) and although the preparation can be understood as a continuum even after the gestation, (10,15) the requisites, resources, and results can be different during this period.…”