An evaluation of family-centered maternity care.

The effectiveness of a family-centered maternity program in promoting a positive feeling toward the infant and in preparing the mothers for their new role was evaluated. Seventy-three married primiparous women completed measures of anxiety and depression as well as a series of questionnaires relating to their attitudes toward pregnancy, the baby, and the hospital experience. Statistical analyses revealed that the women in the family-centered maternity program, when compared with those in the traditional program, had a more positive attitude toward their babies while in the hospital. In addition, they reported having received more experience in caring for their babies and more help from the hospital personnel in preparing for the mothering role.