A meta‐analytic study of the effects of childbirth education on the parent‐infant relationship

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze studies that tested the effects of childbirth education on the parent‐infant relationship. Using meta‐analysis techniques, published and unpublished childbirth education research literature from 1960 to 1981 was analyzed. From the analysis of 27 studies, it was found that childbirth education is beneficial to the parent‐infant relationship. A greater magnitude of effect was found for middle income parents, as compared to parents with low income. Moderate effects were found in both the behavioral and attitudinal components of die parent‐infant relationship. Several methodologic flaws in the research were found. Many researchers either demonstrated allegiance to childbirth education, conducted the research while knowledgeable of the composition of the groups or taught the classes, or used instruments without reliability or validity testing. Recommendations for future childbirth education research, relating to the philosophical foundation of research, the foci of study, and methodologic considerations, have been made.