PEP recognizes that adding a child to the family is not a simple process and that there are significant problems inherent in postpartum adjustment for both parents, but especially for the mother. Society often downplays these problems. Research has shown that the first year of a baby's life is crucial to emotional and psychological development. All children deserve optimum care and the most nurturing environment. The emotional health of the mother impacts the entire family.
Upset mothers are more apt to abuse their children, and stressed parents are more likely to divorce.
Confident, stable parents can avoid these problems. Our culture has mythologized motherhood and places a huge burden on mothers to be perfect. We must recognize that there is no one right way to parent. New parents learn their skills on the job, their self-confidence increasing as they gain more experience. This is easier if parents are not isolated, but have a chance to compare notes with others in a nonjudgmental, encouraging environment.