Support behaviors identified as helpful and desired by second-time parents over the perinatal period.

The initial transition to parenthood is well represented in theory and research, but little exists related to the addition of subsequent children to the family. In order to provide for the caring needs of expanding families, nurses need to better understand the experiences of repeat parents, their needs, and the supportive behaviors these parents find helpful in the process of adding another child to their families. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to describe the types of social support and the specific behaviors identified as helpful or desired by mothers and fathers having a second child. Consistently, over the perinatal period, both mothers and fathers found behaviors which provided material support helpful and desired more of them. Emotional support was also helpful, particularly during pregnancy. In addition, information and comparison support were helpful during the antepartum period. Clinical application of findings is discussed.