1. VIG INTERVENTION- Judith Rees; Becca Butterworth; Nicole Thangarajah
For Baby’s Sake works with co-parents, whether or not they are together as a couple, from pregnancy until their baby is two.
The programme uses a unique, three-way approach, delivered by a Men’s Practitioner, a Women’s Practitioner and an Infant Development and Family Practitioner (ID&FP), who are highly trained to work therapeutically to achieve change, whilst remaining non-collusive to manage any risks. The team is led by a qualified and experienced therapist and supported by a Programme Officer.
The strength-based programme uses Motivational Interviewing, and elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Psychodynamic,
Transactional Analysis and Gestalt therapeutic models. The therapeutic core of the programme is the Inner Child module where parents can explore their own childhoods, understand what “good enough” child/parent relationships look like and how a lack of attachment-focused parenting can lead to unresolved trauma, negatively impacting future relationships, behaviours and potential.
For Baby’s Sake empowers parents to take responsibility for their own lives and for their baby’s emotional, social and physical development, facilitated by Video Interaction Guidance early in the post-natal period.
Data
Over 65% of men and over 50% of women engaged in For Baby’s Sake experienced four or more Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
79% of babies are known to children’s social care at referral
Over 50% of parents report mental illness at referral to the programme
Parents’ feedback
“The VIG was one of the most useful tools in the
programme”
“VIG really boosted my confidence”
“I never noticed he looked at me so much and he’s only four weeks old”
“She doesn’t take her eyes of me, she couldn’t love me any more, it’s lovely”
How we deliver Video Interaction Guidance (VIG)
Delivered by our Infant Development and Family Practitioners
Working with both co-parents - consistent approach
Three cycles carried out with most parents
Starting early in post-natal period, and where possible in the antenatal period
Follows Newborn Behavioural Observation (NBO)
Followed by the For Baby’s Sake Inner Child module
Evaluation
For Baby’s Sake is currently being evaluated by independent research commissioned from King’s College London.
The impact of VIG
Builds confidence
Improves self-esteem
Promotes bonding and sensitive parenting
Reduces anxiety
Helps to create cognitive dissonance
Confronts fear of nurturing baby especially with fathers
Reveals and explores Angels and Ghosts in the nursery
Giving babies the best start in life
The Stefanou Foundation is a registered charity ( ) and company limited by guarantee ( )