Practitioners’ Perceptions and Experiences of the Baby Mat Mental Healthcare Intervention

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study explored the perceptions of practitioners who deliver the Baby Mat community-based, parent–infant mental healthcare intervention offered at primary healthcare clinics in Alexandra Township, South Africa. This intervention aims to foster secure attachments between mothers/caregivers and infants, shaping a healthy foundation for future holistic well-being. Data for this study was collected using qualitative techniques including two focus group discussions and three individual interviews. The 12 Baby Mat practitioners who currently deliver the intervention formed the sample of purposively selected participants. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The practitioners’ perceptions highlighted that their demonstrated skills of reflective functioning promote caregiver–infant attachment. The supportive disposition of the Baby Mat practitioners was suggested as an essential characteristic that mirrors caregivers’ experiences of umdlezane. This Nguni term refers to the post-partum period when the caregiver–infant relationship is prioritised by the support of other women in the family or community. The culturally diverse co-facilitating practitioners were understood to support the therapeutic alliance and thus enrich the applicability of the Baby Mat intervention within the targeted community context. Given the critical need for relevant and accessible mental healthcare services in communities such as Alexandra Township, the findings from the study illustrate how this community-based intervention may be useful in other comparable contexts.