‘Doing the rights thing’ for the next generation of Scottish parents

It is worth remembering that some fundamental human desires cut across such persistent and pernicious dividing lines as socioeconomic status, ethnicity, religion and family background. These nearly universal human goals include: a safe pregnancy, a healthy baby and a rewarding parenthood. Although rarely named as human rights, who would argue against all women and men – all prospective parents – having the best possible chance of achieving these three shared human goals? Good pregnancies, thriving children and successful parents are, in fact, the likely outcomes of implementing the UN’s human rights agenda; for example the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

many groups who do not see themselves as being about ‘parenting’ at all actually can help prepare and support the next generation of parents

Unfortunately, these three ‘basics’ remain as unrealised aspirations for many prospective parents across Scotland. That is both an old shame and a new chance for our society. Not all of the thousands of adverse outcomes that occur during pregnancy, childbirth and the early years - from miscarriages to maltreatment - were preventable. But, many of these undesired results experienced by Scottish women, men and children could have been avoided. And, while it is certainly true that terrible inequalities exist in relation to these outcomes, these adversities do not respect economic or geographic boundaries. Why this is the case, and what to do about it, are the focus of two new independent, national reports I have written on preconception health, education and care. The main one is a 40-page primer Missed Periods, while the other is a 10-page taster entitled Prepared for Pregnancy? There are three messages of particular relevance to Scotland’s voluntary sector. First, preconception health, education and care should be as much of a priority for communities and third sector organisations, as for public agencies and health professionals. Scotland needs nothing short of  ‘all hands on deck’ collective action here. Second, many groups who do not see themselves as being about ‘parenting’ at all actually can help prepare and support the next generation of parents. From encouraging good nutrition/exercise through preventing tobacco, alcohol and drug use to promoting nonviolent conflict resolution, Scotland’s voluntary sector can contribute powerfully to preconception health and wellbeing in previously unrecognised ways. Third, in keeping with the Christie Commission’s analysis and recommendations for the public sector, the pressing need is take preventative action, rather than waiting to ‘clean up messes’. While closing gaps is great, preventing them from opening in the first place is far better. My call here is not to toss aside the wonderful work already underway and start over from scratch. Rather, my hope is that Scotland’s remarkable voluntary sector will keep doing its successful work, while adding earlier, preconception-relevant arrows to their quivers. Such noteworthy organisations as Aberlour and Circle Scotland are moving in this direction, especially in relation to helping parents prepare better for their next child. Glasgow-based Mellow Parenting is a prime example of what could and should be done across Scotland’s third sector. Its original work was with mothers of young children. This ‘progressed backwards’ to Mellow Babies and then earlier still to Mellow Bumps & Mellow Dads-To-Be during the antenatal period. Now, they are piloting a preconception version (Mellow Ready) that is off to a promising start. A safe pregnancy, a healthy baby and a rewarding parenthood. Even if not officially ‘human rights’, more fully achieving these common human ambitions are well within the power and wisdom of Scotland’s voluntary sector. The keys are: to keep the preconception period in mind; and, to help prospective parents actively prepare for the positive outcomes they already so deeply desire. We can, and must, do better than leaving these fundamental human goals to chance or at the mercy of current social, education, health and wealth inequalities. Dr Jonathan Sher is an independent consultant based in Edinburgh. He was Director of Research, Policy and Programmes at Children in Scotland; principal author of NHS Education Scotland’s on-line course/resource on fetal alcohol harm; Scotland Director of WAVE Trust; and, the initial coordinator of the coalition behind Social Justice Begins With Babies. He can be reached at: jonathan@deltaforce.net