Challenges Faced by Parents and Stakeholder Perspectives on the Need for Hospital-Based Early Childhood Parenting Education Services

BACKGROUND: Educating both mother and father is crucial for optimal childhood development, and interventions targeting families can improve childcare practices. Implementing these interventions through systematic policies and protocols in LMIC hospitals is essential. This study explores the experiences and perceptions of stakeholders regarding hospital-based support and early childhood parenting education during pregnancy and postpartum. METHODS: A qualitative study conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, participants included pregnant women, parents, and healthcare workers. Participants were selected using convenience sampling. The study included four parents and four pregnant women participating in our open parenting webinar. Additionally, four healthcare workers were recruited, comprising two attending physicians from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and two attending physicians from the Department of Pediatrics. The interviews were conducted in Urdu, transcribed, and translated into English. Thematic analysis was carried out manually. RESULTS: The analysis of pregnant women's experiences identified themes of personal pregnancy experiences, support systems, and hospital facilities. Women discussed physical, emotional, and financial challenges during pregnancy. They valued support from family and physicians but expressed a need for better educational resources in hospitals. For parents with children under one year old, themes included personal experiences, hospital experiences, and educational resources. Parents faced emotional changes, financial challenges, and desired an improved work-life balance. They appreciated outpatient care but found inpatient experiences lacking, particularly in the NICU. Healthcare workers emphasized the role of parents, families, and hospitals, highlighting the importance of teaching and understanding family dynamics. They also suggested improvement in holistic approaches, mandatory educational programs, and integrating parenting readiness into primary care. CONCLUSION: Hospital-based pregnancy and postpartum parenting education enhances overall baby care. The expanding literature emphasizes the importance of high-quality parenting for lifelong development. Identifying efficient programs and resources to enhance parental abilities and foster positive child growth is increasingly important.