A qualitative evaluation of women's experiences of the Mellow Bumps antenatal intervention

Mellow Bumps is a group-based intervention which draws on psychological and practical techniques to reduce anxiety and promote wellbeing in vulnerable pregnant women. This study explores participants’ experiences of taking part in Mellow Bumps. a small sample of mothers who had participated in Mellow Parenting groups in Glasgow were invited to discuss their experiences in a non-directive, unstructured interview. Interview transcripts were then processed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). several strengths of the antenatal intervention were identified; these included the facilitator’s provision of support, the social aspect of meeting other mothers-to-be, learning about infant development and practical strategies. Barriers to engagement identified were negative preconceptions about antenatal support, fear of being judged and feeling pressured by services to participate. No fundamental issues concerning the validity of the intervention were identified; however, a need for greater promotion of and referral to the Mellow Bumps groups among health professionals was noted.