Abstract

Tummies to Toddlers: Building Connections in the Antenatal Period

Author(s)

Sue Couper -QEC

Ms Debbie Brewis -Queen Elizabeth Centre

Ms Helen Lenga -Queen Elizabeth Centre

QEC is trialing the Tummies to Toddlers program supported by philanthropic funding, taking an action learning approach.

The program framework is based on Promoting First Relationships model that promotes secure and healthy relationships between parents and children focusing on a child's social and emotional development. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between professionals and parents:

Joining with the parent, mutual respect and empathy, recognizing the uniqueness of family and child and helping the parents to repair when elements of the relationship are not working. Feedback of parent child interactions to parents is positive, reflective and constructive.

Fifteen women referred in the antenatal period from 26 weeks of pregnancy participate in group meetings and home visits over 20 months, offering support for the mother-child relationship through emotionally and physically preparing for the baby, preparing to parent and in helping parents to be empowered to solve their problems.

Parents are taught about the competencies and capabilities of their newborn infant, the impact on development of caregiver- infant interaction and effective ways to respond. Video taped interactions and playback is employed to encourage and enhance reflective capacity of parents and staff. 
 
Pilot findings include impacts on the parent-child relationship, child and parent health and development and connectedness to social and professional support.
Conference participants will have an opportunity to learn about program design, adaptation and outcomes of service delivery to date.