Shift length and working practices in UK hospital settings: an online survey of Heads of Midwifery

There is currently a lack of data that records how midwives are expected to work in hospital settings. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of 12-hour shifts and current working practices of hospital-based midwives.

Satisfaction of Slovak Women with Psychosocial Aspects of Care during Childbirth

The objective of the study is to find out and assess satisfaction of Slovak women with psychosocial aspects of perinatal care.

Assessing mental health during pregnancy: an exploratory qualitative study of midwives’ perceptions

: Mental health disorders are estimated to affect between 10% and 20% of women who access maternity services and can be defined as a public health issue due to the potential consequences for women, children and families. Detecting problems early in pregnancy can significantly improve outcomes for women and their families. However, mental health problems are not being consistently identified in routine midwifery practice and little is known from current literature about midwives’ practice in relation to current national guidelines or the impact models of care have on assessing maternal mental health.

The impact of psychosocial factors on breastfeeding duration in the BaBi-Study. Analysis of a birth cohort study in Germany

Breastfeeding is beneficial for both mother and child. A breastfed child can benefit from improved mental developments, protection against infectious diseases and infectious disease mortality, and a decreased risk of overweight and obesity(Whalen and Cramton 2010) (Regional Office for Europe (World Health Organisation) 2019). Furthermore, there is evidence on protection against type 1 and 2 diabetes, allergic rhinitis, asthma or wheezing, atopic dermatitis, childhood leukemia, hypercholesterolemia later in life, sudden infant death syndrome (Whalen and Cramton 2010) and malocclusion (Victora et al.

FIRST ASSESSED CERVICAL DILATATION: IS IT ASSOCIATED WITH OXYTOCIN AUGMENTATION DURING LABOUR? A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY IN A UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL IN SWITZERLAND.

The primary objective of this study was to examine the association between the first assessed cervical dilatation in a labourward and the use of oxytocin augmentation during labour. Further analysis was performed by examining the actual stage of labour at the point oxytocin was first administered to those women.

Somali women's experiences of antenatal care: A qualitative interview study

To explore Somali women's experiences of antenatal care in Norway.

The impact of human trafficking in relation to maternity care: A literature review

Human trafficking is an international crime and violation of human rights defined as the recruitment and movement of people for the purposes of exploitation – using coercion, deception, and abuse of vulnerability (PROTECT Report for the Department of Health Policy Research Programme, 2015). Trafficking falls under the umbrella term of ‘Modern Slavery’ which additionally encompasses slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour (Department of Justice, 2019). In 2013, there were an estimated 10,000–13,000 potential victims of modern slavery in the UK (Department of Justice, 2019); its scale is gradually increasing due a number of social and economic factors (Wheaton et al., 2010).

The provision of midwife-led care in low-and middle-income countries: An integrative review

Addressing preventable maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity are major issues globally with low- and lower middle-income countries (LMICS) having the highest rates (Graham et al. 2016; UNFPA, WHO & ICM 2014; WHO, UNICEF & UNFPA 2014). Each day, approximately 830 women die from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth (Alkema et al. 2016). In addition, approximately 2.5 million newborn babies die each year (UN 2018) and a further 2.6 million are stillborn (Lawn et al. 2011). Most deaths are from LMICS which account for 95% of maternal and 90% of all child deaths globally (Boerma et al.

How are decisions made to access a planned epidural in labour? Midwife-woman interactions in antenatal consultations

The purpose of this study was to examine the ways in the decision to access a planned epidural in labour was topicalised and negotiated between pregnant women and midwives.

Improvisation and harm avoidance: An ethnographic study of adherence to postnatal care protocols in two hospitals in Southern Ghana

Postnatal care (PNC) is the skilled care given to mothers and babies immediately after delivery and for six weeks thereafter (WHO, 2013). The aim is to detect, manage or refer maternal and newborn health problems and life-threatening complications. (Ronsmans and Graham, 2006; Nadisauskiene et al., 2014; Singh et al., 2014; WHO and UNICEF, 2014). Protocols and guidelines are “statements to assist healthcare practitioners to make appropriate decisions about the right care in specific conditions and circumstances” (Woolf et al., 1999:527).

The characteristics and prevalence of phobias in pregnancy

The primary objective was to estimate the population prevalence of specific phobias (including pregnancy related specific phobias) and associated mental disorders. The secondary objective was to investigate the effectiveness of routinely collected screening tools (depression and anxiety screens, Whooley and GAD-2 respectively) in identifying specific phobias. Specific phobias are the most common anxiety disorder to occur during pregnancy, but studies on prevalence and clinical correlates of specific phobias, including pregnancy related specific phobias are lacking.

Evaluation of women's worries in different strategies for the prevention of early onset group B streptococcal disease in neonates

: Early onset group B streptococcal (EOGBS) disease is an important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. EOGBS preventive strategies aim to reduce the risk of neonatal complications. Two new strategies to prevent EOGBS were implemented in two regions in the Netherlands: a risk-based and a combination strategy and were compared to the Dutch strategy in a third region. Little is known how women feel about preventive EOGBS strategies, the consequences for management during labour, side effects such as harm caused by over prescribing of antibiotics or anxiety caused by screening.

The association between breastfeeding and attachment: A systematic review

Breastfeeding has multiple positive outcomes on child health, including benefits for the immune system, protection against sudden infant death, and prevention of early infections, diseases and obesity (Dieterich et al., 2013; Duijts et al., 2009; Hoddinott et al., 2008; Xanthou, 1998). The World Health Organization therefore recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life (World Health Organization, 2011). While the majority of research has focused on the physiological benefits of breastfeeding, potential psychological benefits have been studied less often (Else-Quest et al., 2003; Schmied et al., 2001).

WITHDRAWN: Post-traumatic stress disorder-related perinatal factors after the first postpartum year

This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.