Peer-reviewed article
Building Villages: New Parent Groups Supporting Families in a Changing World
Smith S, Brady C, Naito Y ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This scoping review examined nine studies on new parent groups (NPGs) offered through child and family health services. The review found that NPGs help parents feel less isolated, build social connections, and gain confidence in their parenting. Parents benefited from peer support, reassurance, and learning from others' experiences. However, evidence about parent-infant bonding was limited, and no recent studies after 2018 were included.
Key points
- Parents reported improved wellbeing through reduced isolation and emotional support from NPGs
- NPGs enhanced social capital and parenting confidence among participants
- Benefits came from peer learning, normalisation of parenting experiences, and access to professional guidance
- Quantitative studies showed associations with higher levels of social capital and wellbeing
- Evidence on parent-infant bonding outcomes was limited and mostly indirect
Limitations
The review identified only nine studies and no recent publications after 2018, limiting the strength and currency of the evidence base. The review does not specify which countries the included studies were from, making it unclear whether findings apply globally or to specific contexts.
Abstract
Abstract Introduction New parent groups (NPGs) are widely offered through child and family health services to provide education, peer support, and social connection during the transition to parenthood. Reflecting the notion that “it takes a village to raise a child”, these programs aim to strengthen family wellbeing through supportive networks and shared learning experiences and enhanced social capital. Aim The aim of this study is to map and synthesise evidence regarding the role of NPGs in supporting parent infant bonding, social connectedness and parenting confidence during the postnatal period. Methods A scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O'Malley framework as a guide. MEDLINE, CINAHL Ultimate, APA PsycINFO, and Scopus were searched. Studies examining outcomes associated with participation in universal NPGs during early parenthood were included. Findings were synthesised according to parent infant bonding, social connectedness and parenting confidence. Results Nine studies (n=9) met the inclusion criteria from a total of 15,971 records screened. Parents described improved wellbeing through increased reassurance, emotional support and reduced feelings of isolation along with enhanced social capital and improved parenting confidence. Parents reported benefits through reassurance, peer learning, normalisation of parenting experiences, and access to professional guidance. Quantitative studies identified associations with higher levels of social capital and wellbeing. Evidence relating to parent–infant bonding was limited and primarily indirect. No eligible studies published after 2018 were identified. Conclusion NPGs are a valuable community-based intervention that support parental wellbeing through enhanced social connection and parenting confidence. Contemporary evaluation of universal NPGs is warranted to strengthen the evidence base and inform future service delivery.
Findings the Hub has extracted
Each claim below is labelled by its type of design and links back to this report.
- Intervention
- Participation in universal new parent groups (NPGs) offering education, peer support, and social connection
- Population
- New parents during early parenthood and postnatal period
Key finding
Parents described improved wellbeing through increased reassurance and emotional support