In her latest blog, Dr Camilla Nykjaer, physical activity lead, discusses the potential of group maternity care.
The arrival of a new baby should bring immense joy and love, creating precious moments of bonding and happiness. However, it is also a period marked by significant changes, where primary caregivers, including new mothers, often face sleep deprivation and emotional adjustments while learning many new skills.
Our healthcare system tends to prioritise antenatal and delivery care, with less emphasis on the period following birth. New caregivers may therefore experience social isolation, feeling overwhelmed and unsupported as they navigate the demands of caring for a newborn baby.
Indeed, the World Health Organization, in their 2022 recommendations on maternal and newborn care, defines this period as the most critical and yet the most neglected phase in the lives of caregivers and babies.
Group care can play a crucial role in addressing the challenges during this period by providing a support network where caregivers can share experiences, seek advice and receive emotional support from others who understand their situation. Peer learning is a huge part of group care.
Primary caregivers can swap stories, ask questions and learn from each other’s wins and struggles. Knowledge is created together. The family wellbeing worker, who facilitates the group care sessions, isn’t the only expert in the room; everyone is a teacher and a student. This way, group care encourages primary caregivers to be involved in their own health decisions. This can be incredibly empowering during a time when they may feel overwhelmed.
Building a community
It takes a village to raise a child – group care is creating that village of support. By bringing together caregivers, facilitators and community members, these groups create a supportive environment where everyone can contribute to the well-being of both the caregiver and the baby.
We’ve seen from evidence around group care in pregnancy that there is increased satisfaction with care compared to the one-to-one model of care. Why are people happier? They receive more personalised attention. They are bonding with people going through the same thing in a supportive, non-judgemental environment. It’s not just about health checks but also about how you feel when you receive care.
When people are happy with their support and care, they’re more likely to follow guidance and advice and trust their providers. This leads to better health, lower healthcare costs and trust in the system. It’s a win-win.
We’ve also seen from similar programmes in pregnancy that there are benefits for the facilitators themselves, such as an increase in job satisfaction. They are working with a group of engaged individuals, witnessing ‘aha’ moments, and seeing them bond as a group. It’s not just about giving care but building a community.
We have all this great evidence from pregnancy, and we hope this translates into the period following birth – that’s what we want to find out with our study. Is group care feasible and acceptable during this period? Does it work? How well, for whom and when?
Next steps
To help answer these questions, we’re running a study and free support programme to better understand the adoption of healthy behaviours, social support and self-care surrounding children.
Allowing parents and caregivers in Leeds to receive free support in the crucial first days of their newborns’ lives, it’s also an opportunity to empower caregivers to improve their understanding of creating a benefiting environment for themselves and their children.
To be eligible for the study, you need to be:
- A parent or caregiver of a newborn baby aged five to ten weeks on 30/04/2025 (Leeds South) or 15/04/2025 (Leeds East)
- Live in Leeds (we’re particularly interested in speaking with people who live in Beeston and Holbeck; Middleton and Hunslet; Gipton and Harehills; Seacroft, Killingbeck, and Burmantofts)
- Available to take part in the sessions from 28th April
Get involved by visiting our study webpage.
About the Author
Dr Camilla Nykjaer is from the School of Biomedical Sciences and is a lecturer in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health at the University of Leeds. Her research focuses on improving maternal health through lifestyle behaviours, particularly physical activity, during and after pregnancy. She is passionate about making maternity care during these key life stages accessible and inclusive for all birthing people and new parents.
