Maternal Parental Self-Efficacy Following Child-Focused Birth Preparation Classes for Families Expecting a Second Child: A Pilot Exploratory Study

Abstract

Highlights: What are the main findings? The group receiving childbirth preparation education during pregnancy demonstrated elevated PSOC, RSES, and MAI scores. Participating mothers reported fostered confidence and ease in their parenting abilities. What are the implications of the main findings? Childbirth preparation education improves maternal PSE postpartum. Preparation education facilitates a smoother transition to family life and fostered maternal confidence. Background/Objectives: Mothers expecting a second child experience the parenting of multiple children for the first time, differing from first-time motherhood. This highlights the need for childbirth preparation education tailored to families expecting a second child. Parental self-efficacy influences maternal mental health, child development, and parent–child interactions. This non-randomized pilot exploratory study aimed to examine the association between childbirth preparation education for families expecting a second child and maternal parental self-efficacy at 1-month postpartum, focusing on a family-based, single-session program actively involving firstborn children. Methods: The intervention group (n = 18) received childbirth preparation education during pregnancy and completed questionnaires and semi-structured interviews at 1-month postpartum. The control group (n = 34) completed questionnaires only at 1-month postpartum. Questionnaires included the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Maternal Attachment Inventory, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and demographic information. Semi-structured interviews explored participants’ experiences and feelings after attending the childbirth preparation class. Results: Compared to the control group, the intervention group had higher Parenting Sense of Competence Scale scores; mothers in the intervention group reported smoother family-wide adaptation to life with a second child, greater confidence in child-rearing, recognition of the firstborn’s growth into an older sibling, and effective use of hands-on experiences from the class. Conclusions: Childbirth preparation education for families expecting a second child may be associated with higher maternal parental self-efficacy at 1-month postpartum. This association may reflect collective family preparation and adjustment supporting adaptation to life with a second child.