Midwifery

Technology-supported lifestyle interventions to improve maternal-fetal outcomes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: A meta-analysis

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as abnormal glucose tolerance during pregnancy (ACOG Practice Bulletin, 2018). As one of the most common obstetric complications, GDM affects 6%-8% of pregnant women globally according to recent reports and its incidence continues to rise (Iftikhar et al., 2019, Lee et al., 2018), making GDM a major public health problem (Al Wattar, 2019). Multiple studies have confirmed that gestational diabetes is associated with adverse maternal and infant outcomes including preeclampsia, miscarriage, cesarean delivery, shoulder dystocia, macrosomia, neonatal hypoglycemia, and birth trauma (2018, Al Wattar, 2019, Blumberg et al., 2018, Schiavone et al., 2016).

Midwifery

‘Supporting a first-time mother’ Assessment of success of a breastfeeding promotion programme

The benefits of breastfeeding to both mother and baby have been extensively reported (Amitay & Keinan-Boker, 2015; Beral 2002; Chowdhury et al., 2015; Horta, 2015; Kramer et al, 2007; Slusser, 2007) . Some examples are the significant reduction of hospital admissions and childhood infections in breastfed children, the reduction of ovarian and breast cancer in mothers who breastfeed (Victora et al., 2016) and the risk of hip fractures (Bjørnerem et al., 2011), as reviewed by United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF, 2011). The economic cost of promoting breastfeeding against its significant beneficial effects on both maternal and children's health, makes breastfeeding very valuable as a health promotion strategy (WHO, 2018; Grummer-Strawn, et al.

Midwifery

Cultural beliefs and Health-Seeking Practices: Rural Zambians' Views on Maternal-Newborn Care

In Zambia, the newborn mortality rate is 34 per 1,000 live births (UNICEF, 2017) and the infant mortality rate is 44 per 1,000 live births (UNICEF, 2018). To promote improved newborn health outcomes in rural Zambia, new knowledge is needed to enhance our understanding of newborn care and cultural factors influencing the ways mothers seek newborn care. Several studies from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) show cultural beliefs strongly influence behavior during pregnancy, childbirth, and care-seeking (Lang-Baldé & Amerson, 2018; Lori & Boyle, 2011; Maimbolwa, Yamba, Diwan, & Ransjö-Arvidson, 2003; Raman, Nicholls, Ritchie, Razee, & Shafiee, 2016).

Midwifery

A community of practice in a midwifery led unit. How the culture and environment shape the learning experience of student midwives

: to explore the teaching and learning experience of midwifery mentors and student midwives in a midwifery led unit. The aim of this paper is to discuss how a conceptual framework emerged from the findings of the study.

Midwifery

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.

Midwifery

Changing behaviour in pregnant women: a scoping review

Improving health and wellbeing is a major goal in healthcare all over the world (WHO, 2015). Midwives and other healthcare professionals play a key role in educating women about healthy pregnancies (WHO, 2013a). During the course of pregnancy, women may experience a variety of psychological changes, including developing the motivation to change their lifestyle habits (Lindqvist et al., 2017). To support “behaviour change through a life-course approach” and to implement the WHO strategy for strengthening nursing and midwifery towards the achievement of the “Health 2020” goals (WHO, 2015, p.4), it is important for healthcare professionals to increase their knowledge of behaviour change programmes (BCPs) during pregnancy.

Midwifery

The development of Midwifery Unit Standards for Europe

The WHO Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents’ Health 2016-2030 emphasises the importance of maternity services in preventing illness and promoting optimal clinical outcomes (Every Woman Every Child, 2015). Midwifery has been recognised as having huge potential for transformation; worldwide, over 50 health outcomes could be improved by expanding provision and access to quality midwifery care (Renfrew, et al., 2014). Midwifery care is also associated with efficient use of resources (Renfrew, et al., 2014).

Midwifery

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

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

Midwifery

The initiation of Dutch newly qualified hospital-based midwives in practice, a qualitative study

In the Netherlands, a percentage of newly qualified midwives start work in maternity care as a hospital-based midwife, although prepared particularly for working autonomously in the community.

Midwifery

Why do community members believe mothers and babies are dying? Behavioral versus situational attribution in rural northern Ghana

Rates of maternal and neonatal death remain high in the Global South, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, indicators vary significantly by geography. This study aimed to understand what communities in northern Ghana with frequent maternal and newborn deaths or near deaths (near-misses) perceive to be the causes. As part of a larger study, four communities in Ghana's Northern Region were identified as areas with high concentrations of deaths and near-misses of mothers and babies.

Midwifery

A qualitative study of a sample of women participating in an Australian randomised controlled trial of intrapartum fetal surveillance

The STan Australian Randomised controlled Trial (START), the first of its kind in Australia, compares two techniques of intrapartum fetal surveillance (cardiotocographic electronic fetal monitoring (CTG) plus analysis of the ST segment of the fetal electrocardiogram (STan+CTG) with CTG alone) with the aim of reducing unnecessary obstetric intervention. It is also the first comprehensive intrapartum fetal surveillance (IFS) trial worldwide, including qualitative examination of psychosocial outcomes and cost-effectiveness.

Midwifery

“Are you doing your pelvic floor?” An ethnographic exploration of the interaction between women and midwives about pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFME) during pregnancy

Many women experience urinary incontinence (UI) during and after pregnancy. Pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFME) can prevent and reduce the symptoms of UI. The objective of the study was to explore challenges, opportunities and concerns for women and health care professionals (HCPs), related to the implementation of PFME training for women in current antenatal care.

Midwifery

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).

Midwifery

Evidence and guidelines for trauma-informed doula care

Although trauma and trauma-related health conditions are increasingly common among childbearing people (Sperlich et al., 2017; Vignato et al., 2017), there is a dearth of published evidence and guidance on trauma-informed doula care. Trauma refers to an event(s) or circumstances that are experienced as physically or emotionally harmful or life threatening and that have lasting adverse effects on wellbeing (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA, 2014)). This can include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and negative pregnancy-related outcomes such as substance use, prematurity, low birth weight, postpartum depression, difficulty bonding with the baby, children with PTSD, or even maternal and infant death (Sperlich et al., 2017; Kilpatrick 2017; Kendig et al., 2017).

Midwifery

Antenatal and postnatal depression – Are Polish midwives really ready for them?

Before January 2019, no established solutions regarding the screening, assessment, and treatment of patients suffering from perinatal depression existed in Poland. From 2019, a new standard of perinatal care has imposed the obligation to monitor the mental state of women during pregnancy and in the postpartum period on the healthcare providers (mainly on midwives). Thus, our study aimed to evaluate midwives’ knowledge about prenatal and postnatal mental health disorders in the first six months of implementing the new standard of perinatal care in Poland.

Midwifery

Development, psychometric assessment, and predictive validity of the comprehensive breastfeeding knowledge scale

To develop a breastfeeding knowledge scale that aligns with the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative and psychometrically test it among expectant parents.

Midwifery

Midwives experiences of providing midwifery care following their involvement in an obstetric emergency

A core aspect of midwifery practice is being ‘with woman’. This requires the midwife to be physically and emotionally invested in the care of the woman at all times (Carolan and Hodnett, 2007; Leinweber and Rowe, 2010). A review of international literature in relation to midwives experiences following obstetrical adverse events indicated a necessity for further study. Whilst, there have been numerous studies which have focused on the negative experiences of birthing from the woman's perspectives, midwives experiences of providing care following an obstetric emergency have received little investigation (Jeffers, 1987; Dahlen, 2010; Leinweber and Rowe, 2010; Ramvi, 2011; Handlezalts et al., 2015).

Midwifery

Perinatal contraceptive counselling: Effectiveness of a reinforcement intervention on top of standard clinical practice

To assess the effectiveness of supplemental perinatal contraceptive counselling in addition to standard Spanish postpartum contraceptive counselling with regard to contraceptive use and use of effective contraception up to 1 year postpartum. Women's satisfaction with counselling and the method chosen was also assessed.

Midwifery

Women's experiences with enhanced recovery after elective caesarean section with next day discharge: A qualitative study

A maternity service in Australia recently implemented an ‘Enhanced recovery after Elective Caesarean’ pathway, which includes antenatal preparation and facilitates an active role in postnatal recovery such as encouraging mobility and early cessation of fasting. The pathway includes next day discharge for women and their babies after elective caesarean section and safely transitions maternity care from hospital to home with community midwifery care. While enhanced recovery has been implemented in a number of surgical procedures to reduce hospital stay and to improve patient outcomes it has only been considered for elective caesarean sections in more recent years.

Midwifery

Your baby is so happy, active, uncooperative: How prenatal care providers contribute to parents’ mental representations of the baby

Parents’ prenatal mental representations (i.e., thoughts and expectations) of their future child and relationship to that child have been associated with parenting and parent-child relationships after birth.