Radwa M. Abd-El Aal, O. Taha, M. Elprince, Eslam Albayadi, Asmaa M. Elgedawy
{"title":"Association Between Cesarean Scar Length and Postoperative Pain","authors":"Radwa M. Abd-El Aal, O. Taha, M. Elprince, Eslam Albayadi, Asmaa M. Elgedawy","doi":"10.1891/ijc-2022-0095","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1891/ijc-2022-0095","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":43300,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Childbirth","volume":"100 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2023-12-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138998695","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
INTRODUCTION: Investigating the correlations between external pelvimetry variables and actual birth canal dimensions has important implications for clinical practice, especially for predicting dystocia. This validation study tests external and internal pelvimetry correlations. METHODS: This single-centered retrospective study included 142 women with records of computed tomography pelvimetry. The correlations between four internal variables (obstetric conjugate, transverse diameters of inlet, midplane, and outlet) and five external variables (intertrochanteric, inter anterosuperior iliac spines, external conjugate, transverse diagonal, and prepubic) were first studied individually. Then, the correlations between each internal variable and the seven external variables were jointly evaluated after adjusting for body mass index. RESULTS: As expected, the external conjugate correlated with the obstetric conjugate ( r = .65; p < .01) but only weakly with the transverse outlet ( r = .21; p < .05). In the simple correlation analysis, the intertrochanteric measure is also correlated with the transverse inlet (TRi), midplane (TRm), and outlet (TRo; r = .542–.672). The transverse diagonal measure marginally correlated with the TRi ( r = .29; p < .01). In the multiple regression models, the intertrochanteric measure is associated with the TRi, TRm, and TRo, while the transverse diagonal is associated with the TRi ( B = .27; p = .01). The prepubic diameter was not a predictor of birth canal dimensions in either simple or multiple regression models. CONCLUSION: Our study confirms that the reduction of the birth canal in some dimensions (i.e., obstetric conjugate and transverse diameters) is predictable with external, accessible pelvic diameters (e.g., external conjugate, transverse diagonal, and intertrochanteric).
{"title":"Interval Versus External Pelvimetry: A Validation Study With Clinical Implications","authors":"Pierre Frémondière, Estelle Servat","doi":"10.1891/ijc-2023-0023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1891/ijc-2023-0023","url":null,"abstract":"INTRODUCTION: Investigating the correlations between external pelvimetry variables and actual birth canal dimensions has important implications for clinical practice, especially for predicting dystocia. This validation study tests external and internal pelvimetry correlations. METHODS: This single-centered retrospective study included 142 women with records of computed tomography pelvimetry. The correlations between four internal variables (obstetric conjugate, transverse diameters of inlet, midplane, and outlet) and five external variables (intertrochanteric, inter anterosuperior iliac spines, external conjugate, transverse diagonal, and prepubic) were first studied individually. Then, the correlations between each internal variable and the seven external variables were jointly evaluated after adjusting for body mass index. RESULTS: As expected, the external conjugate correlated with the obstetric conjugate ( r = .65; p < .01) but only weakly with the transverse outlet ( r = .21; p < .05). In the simple correlation analysis, the intertrochanteric measure is also correlated with the transverse inlet (TRi), midplane (TRm), and outlet (TRo; r = .542–.672). The transverse diagonal measure marginally correlated with the TRi ( r = .29; p < .01). In the multiple regression models, the intertrochanteric measure is associated with the TRi, TRm, and TRo, while the transverse diagonal is associated with the TRi ( B = .27; p = .01). The prepubic diameter was not a predictor of birth canal dimensions in either simple or multiple regression models. CONCLUSION: Our study confirms that the reduction of the birth canal in some dimensions (i.e., obstetric conjugate and transverse diameters) is predictable with external, accessible pelvic diameters (e.g., external conjugate, transverse diagonal, and intertrochanteric).","PeriodicalId":43300,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Childbirth","volume":" 7","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135241683","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
BACKGROUND: Maternal morbidity and mortality remain high in developing regions due to the consequences of pregnancy and childbirth. There is evidence that antenatal care (ANC) is one of the most effective strategies for reducing maternal mortality in a global context. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate ANC service utilization among Somali women and the effects of general and pregnancy-related characteristics of women, healthcare facility accessibility, and the decision-making status of women on ANC services utilization. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 255 Somali women, aged 15–49 years, living in Somalia, who have been married and have a history of childbirth using a convenience sampling procedure through an online survey. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science 28 and frequency, percentage, chi-square, and Fisher’s exact test were conducted. RESULTS: About 89.9% of participants had a history of ANC utilization. The educational level of the woman (χ² = 8.901, p = .003), their working status (χ² = 5.452, p = .020), husband’s educational level (χ² = 8.539, p = .003), monthly household income (χ² = 25.870, p < .001), and distance to health facilities (χ² = 18.738, p < .001) showed statistically significant differences in the ANC service utilization among participants. CONCLUSION: Women with secondary or higher educational levels who are working, with educated husbands, have a good household income, and live near the health facility indicated a higher proportion of ANC service utilization. Thus, the study suggests that educating women, supporting the Somali households’ socioeconomic status, increasing the availability of different types of health facilities, and dispatching health workers to areas where health facilities are sparse are equally needed.
背景:在发展中地区,由于怀孕和分娩的后果,产妇发病率和死亡率仍然很高。有证据表明,产前保健是在全球范围内降低孕产妇死亡率的最有效战略之一。因此,本研究旨在评估索马里妇女对非分娩服务的利用情况,以及妇女的一般特征和与怀孕有关的特征、卫生保健设施的可及性和妇女的决策地位对非分娩服务利用的影响。方法:对255名年龄在15-49岁、已婚、有生育史的索马里妇女进行描述性横断面研究,采用方便的抽样程序,通过在线调查。使用Statistical Package for Social Science 28对数据进行分析,并进行频率检验、百分比检验、卡方检验和Fisher精确检验。结果:约89.9%的参与者有ANC使用史。女性受教育程度(χ²= 8.901,p = 0.003)、工作状况(χ²= 5.452,p = 0.020)、丈夫受教育程度(χ²= 8.539,p = 0.003)、家庭月收入(χ²= 25.870,p <.001),以及到卫生设施的距离(χ 2 = 18.738, p <.001)显示参与者在ANC服务利用方面的差异有统计学意义。结论:有工作、丈夫受过教育、家庭收入良好、住在卫生设施附近的中等或高等教育程度的妇女,利用非分娩服务的比例较高。因此,研究表明,同样需要教育妇女、支持索马里家庭的社会经济地位、增加不同类型保健设施的可用性以及向保健设施稀少的地区派遣保健工作者。
{"title":"Antenatal Care Service Utilization and Its Associated Factors Among Somali Women","authors":"Mana Yonis Muse, Sook Jung Kang","doi":"10.1891/ijc-2022-0104","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1891/ijc-2022-0104","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUND: Maternal morbidity and mortality remain high in developing regions due to the consequences of pregnancy and childbirth. There is evidence that antenatal care (ANC) is one of the most effective strategies for reducing maternal mortality in a global context. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate ANC service utilization among Somali women and the effects of general and pregnancy-related characteristics of women, healthcare facility accessibility, and the decision-making status of women on ANC services utilization. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 255 Somali women, aged 15–49 years, living in Somalia, who have been married and have a history of childbirth using a convenience sampling procedure through an online survey. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science 28 and frequency, percentage, chi-square, and Fisher’s exact test were conducted. RESULTS: About 89.9% of participants had a history of ANC utilization. The educational level of the woman (χ² = 8.901, p = .003), their working status (χ² = 5.452, p = .020), husband’s educational level (χ² = 8.539, p = .003), monthly household income (χ² = 25.870, p < .001), and distance to health facilities (χ² = 18.738, p < .001) showed statistically significant differences in the ANC service utilization among participants. CONCLUSION: Women with secondary or higher educational levels who are working, with educated husbands, have a good household income, and live near the health facility indicated a higher proportion of ANC service utilization. Thus, the study suggests that educating women, supporting the Somali households’ socioeconomic status, increasing the availability of different types of health facilities, and dispatching health workers to areas where health facilities are sparse are equally needed.","PeriodicalId":43300,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Childbirth","volume":" 48","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135240969","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mohamed K. Etman, Ghada M. Abd El-Hafeez, Mohamed S. Bakry, Sahar MY. El-Baradie
BACKGROUND: Cervical length measurement and fetal fibronectin (FFN) are widely used to estimate the risk of preterm birth. Another potential predictor of preterm birth is the uterocervical angle, and this additional measurement may improve the risk assessment. This study aimed to predict the onset of labor in women who present with preterm labor through cervical length, uterocervical angle, and FFN. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was carried out on 90 symptomatic women at high risk of preterm labor attending the Gynecology and Obstetrics department at Fayoum University Hospital. FFN in the cervicovaginal fluid was assessed by ELISA technique. The uterocervical angle and cervical length were measured by transvaginal ultrasound. Maternal history and pregnancy data were recorded. Delivery data were subsequently collected. RESULTS: The average age was 21.79 ± 3.3 years, and the average body mass index (BMI) was 24.6 ± 5.8 kg/m 2 . The mean gestational age (GA) was 32.83 ± 2.3 weeks. Twelve women in our cohort reported previous preterm labor. The cervical length and FFN showed better sensitivity and specificity compared with the uterocervical angle in predicting preterm birth. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that preterm birth depended only on the cervical length and quantitative FFN. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of FFN and cervical length could improve preterm birth prediction accuracy.
{"title":"Role of Uterocervical Angle, Cervical Length, and Cervicovaginal Fetal Fibronectin in the Prediction of Preterm Birth","authors":"Mohamed K. Etman, Ghada M. Abd El-Hafeez, Mohamed S. Bakry, Sahar MY. El-Baradie","doi":"10.1891/ijc-2023-0025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1891/ijc-2023-0025","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUND: Cervical length measurement and fetal fibronectin (FFN) are widely used to estimate the risk of preterm birth. Another potential predictor of preterm birth is the uterocervical angle, and this additional measurement may improve the risk assessment. This study aimed to predict the onset of labor in women who present with preterm labor through cervical length, uterocervical angle, and FFN. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was carried out on 90 symptomatic women at high risk of preterm labor attending the Gynecology and Obstetrics department at Fayoum University Hospital. FFN in the cervicovaginal fluid was assessed by ELISA technique. The uterocervical angle and cervical length were measured by transvaginal ultrasound. Maternal history and pregnancy data were recorded. Delivery data were subsequently collected. RESULTS: The average age was 21.79 ± 3.3 years, and the average body mass index (BMI) was 24.6 ± 5.8 kg/m 2 . The mean gestational age (GA) was 32.83 ± 2.3 weeks. Twelve women in our cohort reported previous preterm labor. The cervical length and FFN showed better sensitivity and specificity compared with the uterocervical angle in predicting preterm birth. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that preterm birth depended only on the cervical length and quantitative FFN. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of FFN and cervical length could improve preterm birth prediction accuracy.","PeriodicalId":43300,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Childbirth","volume":"20 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136067703","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Life in the Village: Cultural Values and Maternal Health","authors":"Barbara A. Anderson","doi":"10.1891/ijc-2023-0056","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1891/ijc-2023-0056","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":43300,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Childbirth","volume":"4 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136067883","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hanan M. Ghoneim, Omima T. Taha, Asmaa M. Elgedawy
BACKGROUND: Childbirth is a significant event with a great impact on maternal physical and psychological health. Childbirth abuse has been reported in different countries with variable rates. This study aims to determine the prevalence of childbirth abuse during labor in a governmental hospital in Egypt. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2020 to December 2021. We recruited 190 women. Patients were asked to fill in the Arabic-validated childbirth verbal abuse and neglect questionnaire immediately after delivery. The questionnaire consisted of four parts enquiring about personal data and childbirth history, the occurrence of physical violence, and other elements of satisfaction. RESULTS: Fifty (26.3%) patients were neglected during childbirth. Verbal abuse was reported by 25.8%. Two women (1.1%) were slapped (physical abuse) during childbirth. Women reported being satisfied and strongly satisfied at 57.9% and 37.9%, respectively. Multiparity ( p -value .02), patient ignorance about the childbirth process ( p -value .004), their rights ( p -value .0001), and lack of participation in decision-making ( p -value .0001) were associated with exposure to neglect. Verbal abuse was associated with the delivery time in addition ( p -value .004). CONCLUSION: Neglect and abuse occurred significantly at the current facility.
{"title":"Prevalence of Neglect and Abuse During Labor and Delivery in a Tertiary Hospital","authors":"Hanan M. Ghoneim, Omima T. Taha, Asmaa M. Elgedawy","doi":"10.1891/ijc-2023-0024","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1891/ijc-2023-0024","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUND: Childbirth is a significant event with a great impact on maternal physical and psychological health. Childbirth abuse has been reported in different countries with variable rates. This study aims to determine the prevalence of childbirth abuse during labor in a governmental hospital in Egypt. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2020 to December 2021. We recruited 190 women. Patients were asked to fill in the Arabic-validated childbirth verbal abuse and neglect questionnaire immediately after delivery. The questionnaire consisted of four parts enquiring about personal data and childbirth history, the occurrence of physical violence, and other elements of satisfaction. RESULTS: Fifty (26.3%) patients were neglected during childbirth. Verbal abuse was reported by 25.8%. Two women (1.1%) were slapped (physical abuse) during childbirth. Women reported being satisfied and strongly satisfied at 57.9% and 37.9%, respectively. Multiparity ( p -value .02), patient ignorance about the childbirth process ( p -value .004), their rights ( p -value .0001), and lack of participation in decision-making ( p -value .0001) were associated with exposure to neglect. Verbal abuse was associated with the delivery time in addition ( p -value .004). CONCLUSION: Neglect and abuse occurred significantly at the current facility.","PeriodicalId":43300,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Childbirth","volume":"49 4","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135366315","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tajera Tageza Ilala, Gudeta Teku Ayano, Megersa Kelbesa Olika
BACKGROUND: Recently, the rate of cesarean sections has increased, addressing the concern of anesthesia for cesarean sections in a similar manner. Physiological changes during pregnancy, such as increased cardiac output, heart rate, and oxygen consumption, decreased lung compliance and capacity, immune modulation (an altered response of the cell-mediated immunity), and increased risk of thromboembolic disease reduce maternal compensation during stress and certain pathological conditions like infections. Importantly, the provision of anesthesia for a pregnant mother is perceived as a challenging situation because of the attendant physiological, anatomical, and pharmacological changes in pregnancy. This culminates in the modification and dosage adjustment for certain medications, especially sedative-hypnotics and delivery, as well as the management of anesthetic techniques, to optimize and ensure maternal organ function and fetal well-being. Certain perioperative factors, such as COVID-19 infection, comorbid disease, and obstetric complications, increase the risk of maternal morbidity and mortality with a subsequent fetal compromise during the perioperative state, besides the aforementioned anesthetic challenges. Moreover, COVID-19 infection increases the perils of complicating pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes, including maternal artificial ventilation and intensive care admission, preterm labor, fetal distress, neonatal intensive care admission, and fetal and maternal deaths. CONCLUSION: Preventive strategies toward the spread of the COVID-19 infection, vaccines, and the proper use of personnel protective equipment by healthcare providers reduce the spread and severity of the COVID-19 infection and improve obstetric and pregnancy outcomes.
{"title":"A Case Report on the Unique Challenges of COVID-19 Infection During Perioperative Anesthesia Care for a Laboring COVID-19-Infected Mother in a Low-Resource Area","authors":"Tajera Tageza Ilala, Gudeta Teku Ayano, Megersa Kelbesa Olika","doi":"10.1891/ijc-2023-0012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1891/ijc-2023-0012","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUND: Recently, the rate of cesarean sections has increased, addressing the concern of anesthesia for cesarean sections in a similar manner. Physiological changes during pregnancy, such as increased cardiac output, heart rate, and oxygen consumption, decreased lung compliance and capacity, immune modulation (an altered response of the cell-mediated immunity), and increased risk of thromboembolic disease reduce maternal compensation during stress and certain pathological conditions like infections. Importantly, the provision of anesthesia for a pregnant mother is perceived as a challenging situation because of the attendant physiological, anatomical, and pharmacological changes in pregnancy. This culminates in the modification and dosage adjustment for certain medications, especially sedative-hypnotics and delivery, as well as the management of anesthetic techniques, to optimize and ensure maternal organ function and fetal well-being. Certain perioperative factors, such as COVID-19 infection, comorbid disease, and obstetric complications, increase the risk of maternal morbidity and mortality with a subsequent fetal compromise during the perioperative state, besides the aforementioned anesthetic challenges. Moreover, COVID-19 infection increases the perils of complicating pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes, including maternal artificial ventilation and intensive care admission, preterm labor, fetal distress, neonatal intensive care admission, and fetal and maternal deaths. CONCLUSION: Preventive strategies toward the spread of the COVID-19 infection, vaccines, and the proper use of personnel protective equipment by healthcare providers reduce the spread and severity of the COVID-19 infection and improve obstetric and pregnancy outcomes.","PeriodicalId":43300,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Childbirth","volume":"7 6","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135366316","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Resmiye Kaya Odabaş, Yasemin Sökmen, Seren Doğru, Ayten Taşpınar
INTRODUCTION: Assessment of mothers’ breastfeeding attitudes during the COVID-19 pandemic can aid healthcare professionals in planning appropriate breastfeeding counseling. The aim of our study is to assess the breastfeeding attitudes of puerperal women during the COVID-19 pandemic and the related factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 470 postpartum women who delivered in a state hospital in Turkey in 2022. Participants were selected through simple random sampling. RESULTS: The mean score on the Breastfeeding Attitude Evaluation Scale was 101.11 ± 19.79 (scores range from 0 to 184). Factors that positively influenced breastfeeding attitude included initiating breastfeeding in the first hour after birth ( p = .043), planning exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months ( p = .004), intending to breastfeed for 24 months or more ( p = .008), giving breast milk as the baby’s first food ( p = .017), believing that a COVID-19-infected mother should breastfeed her baby ( p = .000), and not separating a COVID-19-positive mother from her baby ( p = .014). Conversely, being a primiparous mother ( p = .011) and not believing that breast milk protects the baby from COVID-19 ( p = .011) negatively impacted the breastfeeding attitude. CONCLUSION: This study found that postpartum women had positive breastfeeding attitudes during the COVID-19 pandemic, and certain factors influenced these attitudes.
{"title":"Breastfeedıng Attitudes of Puerperal Women and Influencing Factors During the COVID-19 Pandemic","authors":"Resmiye Kaya Odabaş, Yasemin Sökmen, Seren Doğru, Ayten Taşpınar","doi":"10.1891/ijc-2022-0108","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1891/ijc-2022-0108","url":null,"abstract":"INTRODUCTION: Assessment of mothers’ breastfeeding attitudes during the COVID-19 pandemic can aid healthcare professionals in planning appropriate breastfeeding counseling. The aim of our study is to assess the breastfeeding attitudes of puerperal women during the COVID-19 pandemic and the related factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 470 postpartum women who delivered in a state hospital in Turkey in 2022. Participants were selected through simple random sampling. RESULTS: The mean score on the Breastfeeding Attitude Evaluation Scale was 101.11 ± 19.79 (scores range from 0 to 184). Factors that positively influenced breastfeeding attitude included initiating breastfeeding in the first hour after birth ( p = .043), planning exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months ( p = .004), intending to breastfeed for 24 months or more ( p = .008), giving breast milk as the baby’s first food ( p = .017), believing that a COVID-19-infected mother should breastfeed her baby ( p = .000), and not separating a COVID-19-positive mother from her baby ( p = .014). Conversely, being a primiparous mother ( p = .011) and not believing that breast milk protects the baby from COVID-19 ( p = .011) negatively impacted the breastfeeding attitude. CONCLUSION: This study found that postpartum women had positive breastfeeding attitudes during the COVID-19 pandemic, and certain factors influenced these attitudes.","PeriodicalId":43300,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Childbirth","volume":"R-19 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135366320","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Berbel Emmens, Caroline J. Hollins Martin, Jenny Patterson, Colin R. Martin
BACKGROUND: Around one-third of women experience childbirth trauma, with 3%–15% developing postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder (PP-PTSD). AIM: Explore birth satisfaction and health perception across two groups of postnatal women with either high or low trauma scores. METHOD: Forty postnatal women were divided into groups dependent upon Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5) scores: high severity ( n = 20; range 25–57) or low severity ( n = 20; range 0–7). Semi-structured interviews explored women’s childbirth experiences related to birth satisfaction and reports of postnatal health. Thematic analysis was performed. FINDINGS: Narrative content differed appreciably between high (A) and low (B) scoring groups. Group A narratives were more negative (A1: Overall, a negative recall), referencing lack of autonomy, support, or being heard (A2: Missing needs) and negative influences (A3: Disrupting my bubble). Group B recalled more birth satisfaction (B1: Mostly positive recall) associated with (B2: Autonomy; B3: Being cared for; B4: Intuition, instinct, and primal force). Group A narratives focused strongly on mental health (A4: Reduced awareness; A6: Experiencing PTSD; A7: Needing help), with some focus on physical health (A5: How I feel physically); Group B spoke less about health (B5:My health). DISCUSSION: High-quality psychological care during labor, with continuity, choice, support, and control, alongside postnatal health follow-up may improve birth satisfaction and reduce the incidence of PP-PTSD. CONCLUSION: To increase birth satisfaction and reduce trauma, maternity care providers must be supported to prioritize high-quality psychological care to women during labor, providing choice, control, and continuity within trusting relationships. Trusting relationships are key to ongoing conversations regarding health and seeking/receiving help. Routine birth satisfaction screening and education for care providers about signs of trauma are important.
{"title":"A Thematic Analysis of Narratives About Birth Satisfaction and Health Awareness From Postnatal Women Who Have High and Low Trauma Scores on the<i>Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist</i>","authors":"Berbel Emmens, Caroline J. Hollins Martin, Jenny Patterson, Colin R. Martin","doi":"10.1891/ijc-2022-0036","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1891/ijc-2022-0036","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUND: Around one-third of women experience childbirth trauma, with 3%–15% developing postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder (PP-PTSD). AIM: Explore birth satisfaction and health perception across two groups of postnatal women with either high or low trauma scores. METHOD: Forty postnatal women were divided into groups dependent upon Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5) scores: high severity ( n = 20; range 25–57) or low severity ( n = 20; range 0–7). Semi-structured interviews explored women’s childbirth experiences related to birth satisfaction and reports of postnatal health. Thematic analysis was performed. FINDINGS: Narrative content differed appreciably between high (A) and low (B) scoring groups. Group A narratives were more negative (A1: Overall, a negative recall), referencing lack of autonomy, support, or being heard (A2: Missing needs) and negative influences (A3: Disrupting my bubble). Group B recalled more birth satisfaction (B1: Mostly positive recall) associated with (B2: Autonomy; B3: Being cared for; B4: Intuition, instinct, and primal force). Group A narratives focused strongly on mental health (A4: Reduced awareness; A6: Experiencing PTSD; A7: Needing help), with some focus on physical health (A5: How I feel physically); Group B spoke less about health (B5:My health). DISCUSSION: High-quality psychological care during labor, with continuity, choice, support, and control, alongside postnatal health follow-up may improve birth satisfaction and reduce the incidence of PP-PTSD. CONCLUSION: To increase birth satisfaction and reduce trauma, maternity care providers must be supported to prioritize high-quality psychological care to women during labor, providing choice, control, and continuity within trusting relationships. Trusting relationships are key to ongoing conversations regarding health and seeking/receiving help. Routine birth satisfaction screening and education for care providers about signs of trauma are important.","PeriodicalId":43300,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Childbirth","volume":"19 11","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135366311","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
OBJECTIVE: Perinatal anxiety is a prevalent mental health issue with implications for the well-being of women and their children. There is a scarcity of research that considers perinatal anxiety as a standalone mental health issue or explores the lived experiences of women with perinatal anxiety. METHODS: In-depth interviews were carried out with nine mothers who had a lived experience of perinatal anxiety. The women were recruited from South East Queensland, Australia, and were either pregnant and/or parenting a child under the age of five. Data from the interviews were analyzed through a process of thematic analysis to identify key themes in the lived experiences of anxious mothers. Critical feminist theory informed all the aspects of the study. RESULTS: Analysis of the data revealed four key themes: Good Motherhood, Warning Signs, Mental Health Literacy, and Strengths and Support, and seven subthemes: The Birthing Experience, Irritable Infants, Sleep, Breastfeeding, Social Isolation, Barriers to Help Seeking, and Social Roles. Anxiety was found to complicate the experience of motherhood, with the pressure to present as a “good mother” resulting in a reluctance to seek help. Experiences such as birthing, feeding, and sleeping were risk factors for triggering or exacerbating anxiety. Experiences of perinatal anxiety were further complicated by poor mental health literacy and inconsistencies in the care provided by health professionals. Anxious mothers expressed a need for holistic, multidisciplinary mental healthcare, with residential options during times of struggle or crisis. CONCLUSION: Findings reveal the complex context of motherhood and mental illness and identify barriers and opportunities for the multidisciplinary mental healthcare of anxious mothers. A holistic, multidisciplinary response to perinatal anxiety is recommended.
{"title":"Women’s Experiences of Perinatal Anxiety: A Critical Feminist Approach","authors":"Zalia Powell, Nonie Harris, Abraham Francis","doi":"10.1891/ijc-2022-0096","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1891/ijc-2022-0096","url":null,"abstract":"OBJECTIVE: Perinatal anxiety is a prevalent mental health issue with implications for the well-being of women and their children. There is a scarcity of research that considers perinatal anxiety as a standalone mental health issue or explores the lived experiences of women with perinatal anxiety. METHODS: In-depth interviews were carried out with nine mothers who had a lived experience of perinatal anxiety. The women were recruited from South East Queensland, Australia, and were either pregnant and/or parenting a child under the age of five. Data from the interviews were analyzed through a process of thematic analysis to identify key themes in the lived experiences of anxious mothers. Critical feminist theory informed all the aspects of the study. RESULTS: Analysis of the data revealed four key themes: Good Motherhood, Warning Signs, Mental Health Literacy, and Strengths and Support, and seven subthemes: The Birthing Experience, Irritable Infants, Sleep, Breastfeeding, Social Isolation, Barriers to Help Seeking, and Social Roles. Anxiety was found to complicate the experience of motherhood, with the pressure to present as a “good mother” resulting in a reluctance to seek help. Experiences such as birthing, feeding, and sleeping were risk factors for triggering or exacerbating anxiety. Experiences of perinatal anxiety were further complicated by poor mental health literacy and inconsistencies in the care provided by health professionals. Anxious mothers expressed a need for holistic, multidisciplinary mental healthcare, with residential options during times of struggle or crisis. CONCLUSION: Findings reveal the complex context of motherhood and mental illness and identify barriers and opportunities for the multidisciplinary mental healthcare of anxious mothers. A holistic, multidisciplinary response to perinatal anxiety is recommended.","PeriodicalId":43300,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Childbirth","volume":"169 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135968720","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}