A maternal and child health program to prepare and support parents in the postpartum.

Abstract

The Maternal and Child Health Program Kit has been developed to prepare and support parents in the postpartum. The kit responds to four objectives: to help families to get to know their babies; develop feelings of competence; set realistic expectations for the postpartum; and to identify and use supports and resources. In developing the kit, two target groups have been identified--the primary group, the parents; the transmitter group, the educators. The kit includes question booklets at the bedside that encourage mothers to ask questions; resource cards for health professionals that facilitate consistency in information giving; information sheets to provide concise information on topics that cover detailed information or emotional areas; four slide-tape shows on breastfeeding and a coloring book for siblings. The Maternal and Child Health Program Kit is currently being evaluated.