This non-randomized feasibility study evaluated the Integrative Mindfulness-Based Infant Parenting Program (IMIP), an 8-week group mindfulness intervention for caregivers of full-term (n=16) and preterm infants (n=16, GA 27–35 weeks), assessing delivery feasibility and pre–post changes in mindful parenting, parenting confidence, depressive symptoms, stress, and behavioral/physiological parent–infant outcomes.
IMIP showed high feasibility: retention was 94.1%, median session attendance was 7/8, and all planned sessions were delivered. Caregivers reported gains across 5 of 6 mindful parenting domains, with non-judgmental self-acceptance showing the largest gain (mean-item change = 0.54, vs. cross-domain average of 0.26). Behavioral parental focused attention increased in both play contexts, co-occurring with increased infant focused attention (r = 0.48, p < 0.05). All 4 caregivers with clinically elevated baseline depression (BDI-II ≥ 13) showed lower scores post-intervention.
- No control group and non-randomized design prevent causal attribution of observed changes to IMIP. - Small sample (n=32) limits precision of estimates and precludes subgroup or moderator analyses. - ECG-based dyadic synchrony data were available for only 9 paired dyads, making physiological findings highly preliminary.
IMIP appears feasible and well-tolerated for both full-term and preterm infant caregivers, with non-judgmental self-acceptance emerging as a key target; clinicians supporting new parents—especially after preterm birth—may consider this structured mindfulness program as a complement to existing post-discharge support. Adequately powered RCTs are needed before drawing efficacy conclusions.
Explore related topics
