Research results released today show that nearly a third of all midwives and health visitors are worried that new parents have unrealistic and impractical expectations of the services they can provide and this hinders their ability to perform to the highest possible standards.
Lorna Bird, midwife at the Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton explains: “Today’s society sees many new parents trying to combine their busy careers, and social lives, with bringing up a new family, rather than taking parenthood one step at a time.”
She continues: “Many new parents have unrealistic expectations of both childbirth and parenthood. This often leads to extra pressure on themselves and the healthcare professionals who are caring for them.”
The new website includes guidance and insights from a panel of healthcare experts including: midwife Lorna Bird, Princess Anne Hospital Southampton; The British Skin Foundation; and practising health visitor Dawn Kelly. Their expertise covers a range of relevant topics, from colic and breastfeeding, to skin sensitivities such as eczema, to advice about laundry.
