Babies benefit from parenting classes even before birth

http://ekaweb02.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-09/ps-bbf090315.php

Public Release: 3-Sep-2015
Babies benefit from parenting classes even before birth
Penn State

A brief series of classes to help first-time parents better support each other through the often stressful transition to parenthood has a positive effect on birth outcomes as well, according to health researchers.

A decade ago Mark Feinberg, research professor at the Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center for the Promotion of Human Development, Penn State, developed Family Foundations, a series of classes for expectant parents. In two research trials, the program was shown to improve the way parents support each other -- to reduce parental stress, depression and anxiety; enhance parenting quality; and improve long-term child outcomes.

"We never thought that a class series meant to help the parents manage the stresses of parenthood would have an impact on birth outcomes as well," said Feinberg.

During the past 10 years, research has linked maternal prenatal stress, depression and anxiety to poor birth outcomes. Feinberg and his team reasoned that the Family Foundations program's effectiveness in improving maternal mental health might reduce poor birth outcomes for mothers at risk.

Indeed, the researchers found for mothers who had moderate to high levels of financial stress, depression or anxiety, participation in the program was linked to more optimal birth weight and/or shorter hospital stays after birth. Feinberg and colleagues report their findings in Maternal and Child Health Journal.

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