Peep Antenatal Programme
Peep Antenatal Programme: Getting to know your baby
Our Antenatal Programme supports expectant parents – both mums and dads – to:
- think about their baby, tune in to their baby’s feelings and respond sensitively (also known as reflective functioning)
- understand the importance of sensitive parenting to developing a loving, consistent and secure attachment
- become more aware of the social and emotional aspects of the transition to parenthood
- manage their own sometimes difficult feelings that are aroused by a new baby
- understand how to support their baby’s early learning and brain development
- meet other expectant or new parents and develop a supportive network group, and engage with other local services
- reduce the risk to the early parent–infant relationship (for example through isolation, anxiety or low-level depression).
These things help parent-baby bonding and attachment. Research indicates that strong relationships enhance parents’ confidence and self-esteem.
The programme also contributes to better outcomes for the child in terms of their cognitive development (learning and understanding), the relationships they build, and their resilience to cope if life gets tough.
Using the Antenatal Programme with expectant parents
The Peep Antenatal Programme can be used perinatally – during pregnancy (during the final trimester from about 28 weeks is recommended) to the early weeks following birth. It can be used for a flexible number of sessions, including one-to-one with parent/s and baby in the home or in other settings, or in groups.
The programme can also be used to complement other antenatal services which focus more on the practical aspects such as the labour and birth, and feeding the baby.
Peep Antenatal Training – for practitioners
Our 1-day Peep Antenatal training equips practitioners with the knowledge, practical skills and resources to deliver the Peep Antenatal Programme. Early intervention plays a crucial role in supporting families at such a life-changing time.
Feedback from parents-to-be
We learned how to help our baby to learn and what to expect, and how important it is to interact with baby before she’s even here” Expectant Parent
Since coming to Peep Antenatal I massage my tummy, sing songs and talk to her” Expectant Parent
I enjoyed making baby’s first book, meeting other mums to be, sharing stories” Expectant Parent
Feedback from Midwifery Development Officer, Highland
The Antenatal Peep sessions have been universally welcomed and supported by all the Community Midwife Teams across the whole of Highland. It fits well within the GIRFEC framework (Getting it right for every child), and with families recommended for additional support at the HPI (Health Plan Indicator) wellbeing assessment around 16 weeks of pregnancy.
The Antenatal Peep Programme helps maternity services reach parents who have been historically difficult to engage in more traditional parentcraft groups, such as young parents, parents in more remote areas, and parents who are isolated or have anxiety as well as those using substances.”
Programme development
Our Antenatal programme for families, and the training for practitioners, were developed with Professor Jane Barlow and colleagues at the University of Warwick Medical School. It was originally known as Peep Reflective Parenting. All Peep Programme delivery is underpinned by our principles.
Find out more:
> Find out about our Peep Antenatal Training for practitioners
> Download our Peep Antenatal Programme & Training flyer
> Read an Antenatal Peep case study
