Prevention of parenting alterations for women with low social support.

Parenting is a demanding role. Traditionally societies provide mechanisms for supporting major caregivers. For most parents the partner relationship is a source of refueling energy. In addition, often the extended family members provide support for the parent(s). In a prior research study dealing with early intervention where the family demonstrated double vulnerability, defined by pregnancy complications and social problems, we found the mothers most resistant to help were women who both had a lot of situational problems and few if any friends or family supporting them (Barnard et al. 1985). This finding prompted us to think about parents who did not have the supportive mechanisms cultures generally provide.