This article describes the development of evidence-based pictorial information and activity cards that can be used with parents in the antenatal and postnatal period. The focus of this project is on developing early pre- and post-birth interaction between the baby and its family.
Aim: To develop a way of working with parents-to-be and their families in pregnancy and the early postnatal days that will improve interaction and communication to maximise the baby' full potential.
Objectives: To develop information cards and activities that are evidence based to support positive early interaction and communication. To support parent baby attachment prior to birth. To support parent-baby attachment post birth. To establish good patterns of parent-baby communication from an early age. To provide the baby with maximum stimulation to aid brain development, physical development and growth, hearing and communication skills (Verney 1981). To increase parents' self-esteem. To involve family members. To reduce sibling rivalry.