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The randomised trial of the MECSH program demonstrated that children, mothers and their families who received the program achieved the following impacts and outcomes:
New mothers
- tended to be more likely to experience a normal, unassisted vaginal birth;
- felt significantly more enabled and confident to care for themselves and their baby;
- had significantly better self rated health;
- could name two or more measures to reduce cot death risk.
Children
- were breastfed for longer;
- had improved cognitive development, particularly for children of mothers who were recorded as having psychosocial distress antenatally;
- were more engaged with their mother.
Mothers of infants and toddlers
- tended to have a better experience of being a mother, particularly for mothers who were recorded as having psychosocial distress antenatally and mothers who were born overseas;
- provided a home environment that was supportive of their child’s development through improved verbal and emotional responsiveness, providing a more organised environment, providing developmentally appropriate play materials and greater parental involvement.
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Drawing by a child of the MECSH Trial aged 4 years
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