Journal of Perinatal Education最新文献

Most women experience childbirth with a positive outlook. However, some women have perceptions of trauma, invasive exams, loss of control, and violation of privacy in childbirth, leading to disgust, aversion, and fear. Severe fear of childbirth (FOC) is called tokophobia, which can profoundly affect the experience and outcomes of pregnancy, childbirth, and mothering. This article will raise awareness of FOC/tokophobia by reviewing its presentation and predisposing characteristics, recognizing its impacts and outcomes, and encouraging referrals to medical/psychological caregivers for early diagnosis and treatment. It will review ways childbirth educators can support those women with this condition, give realistic expectations of childbirth, and promote a safe and secure atmosphere to allay fear and support them through this stressful experience.

We examined the stressors of mothers between 2 and 22 months postpartum, the association of stressors with social factors, and when stressors were heightened. Surveys of 372 women covered social factors and postpartum stressors (Overload, Changes after pregnancy, Baby care, Working mother concerns, Low support, and Isolation). Overload was the most frequent stressor compared to the other stressors, p < .001. Full-time employment and number of children were the social factors most frequently associated with stressors. Overall, social factors were most highly associated with Working mother concerns. Findings indicate that full-time employed mothers could benefit from workplace and community support. In particular, guidance from health care professionals and childbirth educators about managing stress could aid mothers, especially those with first children.

This qualitative study examines the impact of working for SisterWeb San Francisco Community Doula Network, a community-based doula organization, on Black and Pacific Islander doulas who provide culturally congruent support to individuals before, during, and after childbirth. We interviewed eight doulas at three timepoints (2020, 2021, and 2022). Participants described how their confidence as doulas grew while working at SisterWeb, partially due to gaining more experience as birth workers within a supportive learning environment. Attending professional development sessions and receiving informational and emotional support from mentors and peers facilitated participants' growth. Participants recognized that SisterWeb's culture and infrastructure enabled them to provide doula support to their communities while being compensated. Finally, participants described how SisterWeb helped them evolve as birth workers by supporting future goals.

Racial and ethnic disparities continue to affect maternal mortality, morbidity, and birth outcomes. Historically marginalized communities currently face higher rates of cesarean surgery, preterm birth, low birth weight, and infant mortality. Increased accessibility to culturally congruent doula services can help bridge disparities in maternal mortality, morbidity, and birth outcomes. This feasibility study aimed to characterize the need for doula care among patients of two large academic hospitals to inform the creation of a hospital-based doula program. In partnership with community-based midwives and doulas, we created an institutional review board-approved, anonymous, cross-sectional survey of consenting patients from two large academic health-care centers, one of which is a large safety-net hospital. Inclusion criteria included patients between the ages of 18 and 49 years who have had previous pregnancies, are currently pregnant, are thinking about becoming pregnant, or are not currently considering pregnancy. Surveys were offered in English, Spanish, and Haitian Kreyol. A total of 176 patients participated in and completed our survey study. Patients with an annual household income between $25,000 and $50,000 (Odds Ratio = 4.87, 95% confidence interval [1.02, 23.36]) were almost five times more likely than those with an annual household income below $25,000 to express interest in doula care. Among patients who expressed interest in doula care, there was a statistically significant association between the ability to pay for doula care and race (X ² [8, N = 148] = 19.25, p = .01). Results illustrated an increased need for doula care, especially among patients from low-income and historically marginalized groups. More research is needed to understand why differences among demographic groups exist in our patient population. At the same time, other health-care systems nationwide are further encouraged to evaluate doula support needs within their community.

The postpartum period is a potentially challenging transitional life period with heightened vulnerability and compromised self-care. Mothers can struggle to acknowledge their needs when prioritizing baby care. The Alexander technique (AT) is a well-established psychophysical re-education method with a growing evidence base. It is traditionally taught in a 1:1 teaching context. The method has been shown to be effective in managing some mind-body tension issues and heightening self-efficacy and self-care. The AT has the potential to help compromised aspects of maternal well-being in the postpartum period. This small-scale study aimed to explore an online maternal self-care package based on the AT. The following was assessed: the appropriateness of the outcome measures, the design, recruitment, and adherence. Participant views on the acceptability and usability of the package, as well as barriers and facilitators to using it, were collected. This study employs a mixed-methods approach. Findings suggest the package positively impacted participants' psychophysical well-being; it was easy to use and acceptable to participants. Online self-care packages for women in the postpartum period based on the AT warrant further research. Online postpartum packages offer mothers easy access, merit further research, and could contribute to supporting maternal well-being.

As a childbirth educator (CBE), it is important to maintain an ethical, evidence-based practice. For the Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, this is guided by organizational documents in the form of the standards of practice and the code of ethics. However, these ethics and standards are universally relevant and should be used when considering a contemporary definition of professionalism for CBEs. This article examines professionalism and organizational standards and finishes with vignettes to further explore their application. For parent-centered antenatal education, professionalism should be seen as emphasizing ethics, evidence, and inclusion while moving toward a gold standard for antenatal education.

Childbirth preparedness is related to maternal health outcomes, especially those occurring in the early postpartum period. Women birthing in Ohio were recruited for a longitudinal cohort study to identify predictors of childbirth preparedness, examine associations between childbirth preparedness and experiences of discrimination, and determine effects of preparedness on satisfaction with birth. Childbirth preparedness, especially related to the patient-provider relationship, was associated with maternal race, insurance type, and experiences of discrimination. It was associated with overall satisfaction, autonomy in decision-making, and perceived respect. By understanding the relationships among childbirth preparedness, experiences of discrimination, and satisfaction with birth, interventions can be developed to decrease maternal morbidity and increase health equity.

The lead researcher surveyed certified childbirth educators (n = 266) using modified versions of the Attitudes Towards Implicit Bias Instrument (ATIBI) and the CPD-REACTION Questionnaire. Most study participants (73%) reported they have participated in implicit bias education (IBE). Using a hierarchal regression, the lead researcher evaluated if years as a childbirth educator, ATIBI scores, and participation in IBE were associated with the intention to incorporate self-monitoring of implicit bias into practice. The findings of this study show that IBE increases the intention to self-monitor in childbirth educators by way of improved attitudes toward implicit bias (adjusted R ² = .430, p < .05) and suggest requirements for childbirth educators are justified.

Embracing strength and compassion defined a transformative and unforgettable childbirth experience at University Hospital Rijeka on July 31, 2021. Guided by empathetic and skilled midwifery care, the journey was marked by moments of anticipation, intensity, and profound joy. Supportive guidance during every stage of labor, from managing contractions to making critical decisions, provided reassurance and empowerment during moments of uncertainty and pain. Despite unexpected challenges, such as the inability to receive an epidural, unwavering encouragement and adaptability helped transform a potentially overwhelming situation into one of profound joy. This story highlights the vital role of skilled and compassionate care in shaping a positive birthing experience.

Using a qualitative approach, this study examined disclosure patterns of women who have experienced symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD). PPD is a mental illness that new parents are at risk of developing. If left unresolved, PPD can have severe, negative impacts on the development of the baby and the well-being of the parent. Unfortunately, due to the stigmatized nature of the illness, parents are sometimes reluctant to bring up their struggles with this illness and seek help. Eighteen women who had experienced PPD within the past 5 years were recruited and participated in an interview where they were asked questions regarding their disclosure behaviors. Using communication privacy management theory, the data were examined to explain disclosure patterns. Findings were discovered using a thematic analysis. Themes of disclosure processes, disclosure considerations, boundary maintenance, and effects of disclosure were prompted by the theory, and several subthemes were discovered in the data. This study highlights the challenges that many mothers face when trying to disclose their mental health difficulties to others, like family members, coworkers, and health-care professionals in the postpartum stage.