A small scale evaluation of the Peep Antenatal Programme was carried out at the University of Warwick. It showed how the programme can support reflective parenting, early bonding and sensitive parent–baby relationships.
What the study did
The Peep Antenatal Programme (originally known as the Peep Reflective Parenting Programme) aims to support strong parent-baby bonding and attachment relationships, helping develop parents’ reflective function and confidence in tuning in to their baby’s feelings and behaviour. Reflective functioning is a parent’s ability to think about what their baby might be feeling, thinking or communicating, and to respond sensitively. It is recognised as an important foundation for secure parent-baby attachment.
This pilot study followed 10 parents who received the intervention programme (in additional to their normal antenatal and postnatal care). Data was collected before the programme began, at the midpoint of the programme and shortly after the programme finished. The primary measures used were the Parent Development Interview, Parent Embodied Mentalising and the Crittenden Care Index.
An early secure attachment relationship with one or both parents is known to be highly protective of babies’ psychological and emotional wellbeing and mental health.”
Prof Arietta Slade
Key Findings
- Parents are less intrusive and more inclined to think about, and articulate, their baby’s thoughts and feelings, which is a key indicator of reflective functioning capacity.
- Improvements have been noted in parental behaviours associated with sensitive parenting.
- A reduction has been noted in parental behaviours identified as controlling and unresponsive.
- Parents who were in the clinical categories of risk or ineptness regarding their relationship with their baby, have moved to adequate and sensitive categories.
- Parents described the Programme as enjoyable, informative and non-stigmatising. They also wanted even more practical ideas, songs, rhymes and information about babies’ development, suggesting that expectant parents valued opportunities to learn about their baby’s early communication and relationships.
What this means for practitioners working with families
The pilot study suggests that practitioners can:
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- encourage expectant parents to think about their baby as a unique individual with thoughts and feelings
- help parents develop sensitive, responsive interactions before and after birth
- combine practical activities, songs and rhymes with discussion about babies’ early development
- create a welcoming, non-judgemental environment where parents feel comfortable exploring new ideas
- recognise that pregnancy provides an important opportunity to begin supporting parent-infant relationships before birth.