Evaluating a new parenting kit developed by the Royal Women’s Hospital: a mixed methods study

First time mothers booking for pregnancy care at the Women’s who are randomly allocated to the intervention group, will receive the Parenting Kit titled "Growing Together" which consists of: A book of A4 size that covers the journey from conception to one year of age. The book includes information for women regarding pregnancy care options, physical changes in pregnancy, cultural considerations, where to access support, labour and birth information, postnatal information regarding infant feeding, sleep, interaction with baby, and information about caring for a baby throughout the first year incorporating sleep, settling, nutrition, self care. The book has a strong focus on mental health issues which is addressed throughout. An ‘App’ that has been specifically designed for the project. It will have individual modules - Pregnancy, Parenting, Your Journey and Stories and videos. The Pregnancy module contains information on early pregnancy; healthy pregnancy; labour and birth; pregnancy and birth care and your pregnancy -week by week. The Parenting module includes information on newborn feeding; self care and support; being at home with your baby; feeding your older baby and down the track. Your Journey provides gestation specific advice to women around pregnancy care. There is also a section with a wide range of stories and videos which women can read or view. The ‘App’ is very interactive, and has push notifications, links to various appropriate sites and many other features. It will be available only via a unique code, and each woman will be given only two codes – one for herself and the other for her partner or support person. A children’s book written by Mem Fox titled ‘Ten little fingers and ten little toes’ – which is aimed at encouraging parents to read to their children, as well as having what are considered to be important messages for the parents. The duration of the intervention is from recruitment until the final survey at 12 months of age. The intervention is intended to be used as women see fit which would occur in the "real world". As such, there is no expectation that they will use the intervention for a set amount of time each week, or any strategies to monitor adherence to the use if the kit, other than discussion using the kit with the midwife in clinic.