Feasibility of a psychoeducational group intervention to improve parental reflective functioning and bonding in pregnancy: a randomised trial

ABSTRACT

Objective

To develop and evaluate Baby CHAT, a single-session psychoeducational intervention for expectant parents. Baby CHAT aims to improve parental reflective functioning (RF) and bonding.

Background

The early years of a child’s life, including pregnancy, are vital for healthy physical and emotional development. Caregivers who provide responsive parenting, enhanced through strong bonds and good RF, can aid healthy development.. However, limited interventions exist to enhance RF and bonding in expectant parents.

Methods

Feasibility of Baby CHAT was assessed using a mixed methods randomised controlled trial design. It evaluated uptake and retention of participants, effect size calculations, and acceptability and satisfaction with Baby CHAT.

Results

Participants (N = 20) were aged 30–39 years (n = 17) in their third trimester of pregnancy (n = 12). Nine males and 11 females were recruited. Content analysis of qualitative feedback after the intervention resulted in four themes; positive group aspects, group improvements, 4D scan footage and relating content to my baby.

Conclusions

Baby CHAT can help expectant parents think about their baby as a separate person and has potential to improve prenatal RF and bonding. However, further research is required to assess the effectiveness of Baby CHAT to improve bonding and RF.

KEYWORDS:

• Reflective functioning
• bonding
• parenting intervention
• pregnancy
• antenatal
• 4D scans

Acknowledgments

Thank you to all the parents that took part in the study along with staff at midwifery units who helped with recruitment. In particular, we would like to thank Jill Demilew (Consultant Midwife) for her knowledge and enthusiasm, and helping to set up Baby CHAT groups. Thank you to Dr Oliver Schauman, Prof. Dawn Langdon and Dr Polly Waite for your useful comments during the write up of this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Author contributions

HC, CD and AJ developed the Baby CHAT group and its materials and designed the study. HC and CD completed the groups and collected data. HC was responsible for data analysis, interpretation and drafted and revised the manuscript. CD and AJ supervised the study. CD, AJ and NR helped to revise the manuscript. NR helped with the development of Baby CHAT group material by providing and thinking about how we could incorporate scan video footage and advised on how to recruit and access participants and study design.

Compliance with ethical standards

Ethical consent was gained from the National Research Ethics Service and the Health Research Authority. Research and Development approval from NHS sites was also sought. Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study. Royal Holloway, University of London ethical approval was also sought.

Geolocation information

This study took place in South-East London.