Semi-structured interview were the main source of data collection. A topic guide was used to aid the interviews and underwent some minor adaptations as the interviews progressed.
Interviews were undertaken in participant’s homes or an interview room in local children’s centres depending on how and where the participant had been recruited. A Dictaphone was used to record the interview and each interview aimed to last approximately 20-30 minutes, although in practice this did vary dependent on participant’s willingness to engage in the interview.
Interviews took place with or without the child present, dependent on the participant’s preference as it would be financially and logistically difficult to arrange childcare for all 24 proposed interviews and parents may not have been happy about leaving their child for the period of the interview.
4.9.1. Semi-structured Interview Topic Guide
Following two trials of the topic guide the final version for the start of the study was decided upon.
The opening set of questions were designed to explore why parents need support and included;
1. Can you tell me how you know what your baby is feeling and what it wants? 2. What helps you have this understanding?
There were further questions exploring why parents need support but also where they may turn to when they needed this support;
3. We all have bad days and good days as a parent; can you tell me about what a bad day is for you?
a. PROMPT: who supported you then? Who did you turn to?
4. Can you tell me about a good day? A day when you feel things went well? A question that is designed to explore further the concept of reflective functioning was included to probe ideas about parenting and the child-caregiver relationship:
5. What do you think your baby thinks about you?
The next two questions proposed were taken directly from the initial practice
interview where a mother described a situation she had witnessed in the supermarket. It is sometimes easier for people to discuss others experiences than their own
(especially if this is a negative experience or the parent may feel as though they are being judged by the interviewer);
6. Can you tell me about any times you think a mum has done it well? Why do you think they are doing it well?
7. What about mums that don’t do it as well? Why do you think this?
The final questions were a more direct approach to ensure the research aims were being achieved.
8. What would you like to help you more with being a parent?
9. How easy has it been for you to access the things you need as a parent? What has stopped you accessing support you’ve liked or needed?
10. If this isn’t your first child, how different have you found being a parent to your second/third … child?
The following probes were available to ensure all areas of services were being covered, as identified in the literature review. Questions could be asked about if they did or didn’t use these types of service if not mentioned during the interview;
Health Visitors. Books. Internet. Family. Children’s Centres. Midwife.
4.10. Focus Group Discussions
A focus group discussion was also used to generate data for the study.
This took place in Granby children’s centres and a separate information leaflet (Appendix B) and consent form (Appendix B) was given to participants that addressed the questions and ethical issues specific to a focus group discussion. Prior to the commencement of the focus group discussion the study was introduced and ground rules established to make participants feel more comfortable about their participation. Refreshments were also provided to participants.
It was aimed that the focus group discussion would last between an hour and an hour and a half and take place without children present so crèche facilities were provided. A separate topic guide to that of the interviews was used.
4.10.1. Focus Group Discussion Topic Guide
Questions for the focus group discussions were adapted from the interview topic guide with careful consideration to ensure it would engage all participants in the conversation.
The use of an activity, arranging cards in order of preference of support, was also used to spark conversation in a different way to that of asking straight forward questions.
Topic Guide:
1. Do you ever wonder what your babies are thinking?
2. Can you tell me about what makes a good day for you and your babies?
3. Can you tell me what makes a bad day for you and your babies?
4. There are lots of different supports out there, can you tell me about the support you’ve received as parents?
5. I have some cards here, they list some places you may go to for support could you place them in order of what you value the most?
6. Why have you chosen … as the most important?
7. Why is … the least important?
8. Can you tell me more about your order, what does everyone else think?
9. Have you wanted anymore help as parents?