Competent parentship: Expectations by young parents concerning consultation during pregnancy and delivery

Background: Are expecting parents prepared to change their lifestyle to ben efit their unborn child? Do they see a need for more knowledge and competen ce to be good parents? What are the key expectations with respect to pregna ncy, delivery conditions, and infant health care? To answer these questions , a study presented them to expecting and young parents in Germany. Methods: 123 delivery units were selected to represent the 1120 delivery fa cilities of Germany identified in 1997 from ail accessible sources. 109 par ticipated, and of 7862 distributed questionnaires 5900 (75%) were filled-in completely by parents. Results: Most parents (73%) expect information about pregnancy, birth and c hild health care in any instance. 25% would request information but only in problem situations. Prefered topics were prevention of diseases of the mot her and her child (97%), intra-uterine development, preparation for deliver y as well as breastfeeding, and nutrition of the infant (90% each). Althoug h books had been the most frequent source of information, pediatricians, mi dwifes, and gynecologists received the highest scores for satisfaction with their advice. The majority of expecting and new parents whished to get per sonal advice. For the choice of the delivery place, 59% had consulted frien ds and relatives, 43% their gynecologist The most important criteria for th eir decision were high medical standards (95%), the hospital's attitude tow ards breast feeding and rooming-in (94% each), as well as the availability of neonatal care (89%). Also of prime interest were mother-child-contact im mediately after delivery (99%), and well-rested personnel (96%). Conclusions: Across social classes, most expecting and new parents see a ne ed of a broad spectrum of topics in health information and education relate d to pregnancy, delivery and the expected infant. As far as delivery is con cerned, most expect a perfect combination of modern medical care and safety on the one hand, and the undisturbed humane experience of the birth on the other.