Women and Birth最新文献

{"title":"“When it works well, it’s great!”: Midwives perspectives on the beltless non-invasive fetal electrocardiogram for women in larger bodies in labour","authors":"Madeline Hawke ,&nbsp;Kathleen Baird ,&nbsp;Vanessa Scarf ,&nbsp;Elizabeth Pickup ,&nbsp;Deborah Fox","doi":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102150","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102150","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Problem</h3><div>Higher body weight is linked to an increased risk of certain perinatal complications, hence continuous electronic fetal monitoring in labour is often recommended. Most available devices constrain midwives’ ability to optimise women’s physiological processes.</div></div><div><h3>Background</h3><div>Options for fetal monitoring in labour for women in larger bodies are limited. Evidence demonstrates non-invasive fetal electrocardiography monitors fetal wellbeing more effectively than cardiotocogram. Literature about midwives’ experiences of fetal monitoring when caring for women in larger bodies is limited.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To understand the views and experiences of midwives using the beltless non-invasive fetal electrocardiogram when caring for women with BMI≥ 35 kg/m² in labour.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Findings are derived from a clinical trial that included an implementation study. This article reports on the thematic analysis of focus group and interview data from eighteen midwives (M1–18) across three hospital sites in Australia.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Three themes were identified; <em>Optimising the experience for larger bodied women</em>; <em>Time pressures and troubleshooting</em>; and, <em>Excited for change.</em></div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>The beltless design of the non-invasive fetal electrocardiogram was welcomed. Adoption was hampered by challenges related to consistency in fetal heart rate signals. Uterine contraction measurement was perceived as superior to traditional options.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Midwives are motivated to support women in larger bodies to have positive birth experiences, and they accept that maturing new technologies takes time. While the non-invasive fetal electrocardiogram does not yet fulfil the need for certainty in fetal heart rate connection, midwives responded positively to its beltless design and the reliability of uterine contraction measurement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48868,"journal":{"name":"Women and Birth","volume":"39 1","pages":"Article 102150"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145758954","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Parallel journeys: Exploring the lived experience of pregnant women with alcohol/substance use problems in Scotland","authors":"Samantha Ross ,&nbsp;Ruth H. Brown ,&nbsp;Stewart McDougall ,&nbsp;Suzanne O’Rourke","doi":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102148","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102148","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The impact of prenatal alcohol and/or substance use on fetal development is well established. While past research has sought to better understand the experiences of individuals affected by such fetal exposures, less is known about the experiences of pregnant women themselves. The current study therefore aimed to examine their lived experiences of accessing services, perceptions of risk, stigma, and how women make sense of this journey as they transition into motherhood.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six pregnant women, engaged with a specialist substance misuse midwifery service in Scotland. Data were analyzed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), finding three super-ordinate themes and associated subthemes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Participants discussed complex life histories, including trauma, domestic violence, and mental health challenges. Cultural norms surrounding alcohol and substance use were highlighted as complicating recovery and, for some, exacerbated prenatal substance use. Pregnancy was however considered a turning point; a circumstance that enabled sustained engagement with services and provided motivation for initiating recovery. For those continuing to use, their experiences were often characterised by feelings of guilt, worry, and disappointment. All participants described experiencing stigma and judgement, which in turn increased mistrust and created barriers to recovery, accessing care, and recovery.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Findings underpin the importance of non-judgmental and trusting relationships with professionals in promoting service engagement. Recommendations include integrating care models and improving access to recovery resources tailored for the pregnancy period. Addressing societal stigma remains critical to improve the outcomes for pregnant women with substance use dependencies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48868,"journal":{"name":"Women and Birth","volume":"39 1","pages":"Article 102148"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145688860","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of antenatal education and midwifery-led care on maternal anxiety, depression, and birth outcomes: A meta-analysis of clinical trials","authors":"Yang Xu ,&nbsp;Yingying Han ,&nbsp;Li Wang ,&nbsp;Hui Xue ,&nbsp;Yue Liu ,&nbsp;Yanyan Men ,&nbsp;Yinxin Chen ,&nbsp;Xiaoyun Zhou ,&nbsp;Qianqian Li","doi":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102138","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102138","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Psychological distress during pregnancy—including anxiety, depression, and fear of childbirth can adversely affect maternal well-being and obstetric outcomes. Midwifery-led care, which integrates antenatal education and psychosocial support, has been increasingly recognized as an effective approach to enhance maternal mental health and birth experiences. However, evidence from clinical trials remains fragmented and inconsistent.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following the PRISMA 2020 and Cochrane guidelines. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of midwifery-led interventions, including psychoeducation, counselling, mindfulness, continuity of care, and group prenatal care—on maternal psychological and obstetric outcomes were identified through PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and CINAHL up to January 2024. Pooled effect sizes were calculated via random-effects models (REMLs) with standardized mean differences (SMDs) or risk ratios (RRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 18 RCTs involving 7462 women were included. Compared with standard or routine care, midwifery-led interventions significantly reduced maternal anxiety (SMD = –0.51, 95 % CI –0.62 to –0.39), depression (SMD = –0.61, 95 % CI –0.77 to –0.45), and fear of childbirth (SMD = –0.77, 95 % CI –1.06 to –0.49) while enhancing maternal satisfaction and self-efficacy (SMD = 0.46, 95 % CI 0.36–0.57).</div><div>Regarding obstetric outcomes, pooled analyses indicated lower risks of preterm birth (RR = 0.74, 95 % CI 0.63–0.88) and cesarean section (RR = 0.81, 95 % CI 0.76–0.86), with a modest increase in birthweight (+0.11 kg, 95 % CI –0.09–0.30). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the results across intervention formats (in-person, group, or digital), regions, and measurement tools.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Compared with standard care, midwifery-led psychological and educational interventions significantly improved maternal mental health and obstetric outcomes. The incorporation of structured midwife-led programs into routine antenatal services may enhance childbirth preparation, reduce intervention rates, and promote positive maternal experiences. These findings support midwifery-led care as a safe, effective, and woman-centered clinical model for optimizing perinatal outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48868,"journal":{"name":"Women and Birth","volume":"39 1","pages":"Article 102138"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145679901","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating a midwifery student employment model in Aotearoa New Zealand: A national cross-sectional survey of students and midwives","authors":"Caitlin Woods ,&nbsp;Robin Cronin ,&nbsp;Vanessa Jordan ,&nbsp;Dianne Wihone ,&nbsp;Shekinah Gafa ,&nbsp;Katie Groom","doi":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102145","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102145","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Problem</h3><div>The Maternity Care Assistant (MCA) role was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide midwifery workforce support in Aotearoa-New Zealand, but its broader impact remains unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Background</h3><div>The MCA role offers casual paid employment to Bachelor of Midwifery students. While designed to support the workforce, its impact has not been formally evaluated, particularly for Māori and Pacific students.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To evaluate the MCA role and its impact on the transition to practice.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A national cross-sectional survey was distributed through midwifery networks using Qualtrics®. Final-year student midwives, early-career midwives, and senior midwives were invited to participate, including those without MCA experience to allow comparison between groups. Survey items were guided by <em>Te Mauri o Rongo</em> (2023 New Zealand Health Charter). Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney U tests; qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Of 150 responses, MCA students (n = 42) reported significantly greater belonging (p &lt; .001), preparedness for professional relationships (p &lt; .001), and comfort seeking support (p = .008) than non-MCA peers (n = 21). Early-career midwives with prior MCA experience (n = 25) reported stronger belonging (p = .006), feeling valued (p = .004), and confidence entering practice (p = .042). Senior midwives (n = 50) supported the role but noted unclear scope of practice limited student development and workforce contributions. Māori and Pacific participants emphasised the value of whanaungatanga (relationships) fostered by the MCA role.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>The MCA role enhances relationships, belonging, confidence, and readiness but lacks consistent definition, limiting its full potential.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Clearer governance is needed to strengthen the MCA role and improve its contributions to workforce development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48868,"journal":{"name":"Women and Birth","volume":"39 1","pages":"Article 102145"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145673308","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"“This is really going to help our wonderful mothers”: A qualitative analysis of midwife perspectives on implementing a triage phone line to support home blood pressure monitoring in Ghana","authors":"Betty A. Nartey ,&nbsp;Sanaya Irani ,&nbsp;Clara Buxton ,&nbsp;Titus K. Beyuo ,&nbsp;Jody R. Lori ,&nbsp;Cheryl A. Moyer ,&nbsp;Samuel A. Oppong ,&nbsp;Emma R. Lawrence","doi":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102140","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102140","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Problem</h3><div>Preeclampsia and eclampsia are a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in low-resource settings.</div></div><div><h3>Background</h3><div>Diagnosis of preeclampsia is based on the new development of elevated blood pressures after 20 weeks of gestation, with or without proteinuria, or with signs or symptoms of end-organ involvement (ACOG Practice Bulletin 222, 2020/2023). Home BP monitoring is an important strategy to detect elevated BPs for early intervention and management.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To explore midwives’ perspectives on implementation of a midwife-led triage phone line to support home BP monitoring in Ghana.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Participants were 21 midwives trained to staff an on-call phone line and provide clinical advice to pregnant women calling from home with high BPs. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews about perceived benefits, challenges, and experiences were conducted, audio-recorded, transcribed, coded, and thematically analysed.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Thematic analysis demonstrated high overall acceptability and feasibility of the phone line. Participants reported confidence and comfort collecting BP information and giving advice over the phone. Midwife-perceived benefits included patients’ ability to communicate with midwives between antenatal visits and report elevated BPs early, and that patients were willing to follow clinical advice given over the phone. Challenges included patient-level and systems-level logistical issues, including bad phone connections, divided opinions on integrating the phone line into normal duties, and desire for extra compensation.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Despite challenges, midwives had an overarching positive perception of the phone line and recommended expanding this model across Ghana.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Additional education is needed to recognise and integrate this initiative into standard midwifery care. Expanding midwife-led triage phone lines has great potential to enhance home BP monitoring in Ghana and other low-resource settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48868,"journal":{"name":"Women and Birth","volume":"39 1","pages":"Article 102140"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145673337","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A systematic review and thematic synthesis of women’s coping strategies for early to late miscarriage","authors":"Jayde M.Y. Lee ,&nbsp;Claire Feeley ,&nbsp;David Wyatt","doi":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102144","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102144","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Miscarriage is a common adverse pregnancy outcome that can have long-term negative impacts on women. Coping strategies can indicate how someone attempts to manage their response to a stressor and may provide an indication of how to support them after a traumatic event. Despite emerging qualitative research on miscarriage experiences, there has been no comprehensive synthesis focusing on how women cope with miscarriage.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This study aims to explore women’s experiences of coping with a miscarriage without a known cause occurring up to 24 weeks gestation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A double-blinded systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative papers was conducted. A search of seven databases, supplemented with a manual search was carried out. Articles published in academic journals between 2014 and 2024 were included. Papers were critically appraised using two tools, analysed thematically and critically discussed through a thematic synthesis.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Nine studies conducted across eight countries published between 2016 and 2024 were included. Four themes were identified: Denying or Commemorating the Lost Child, Changed Outlook after the Loss, Seeking a Cause or Meaning, and Social Interactions as a Source of Support or Pain. These themes demonstrate that women cope with miscarriage in diverse ways but with some similarities across different contexts.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The impact of miscarriage is felt by women cross-culturally. Coping strategies after miscarriage are both highly individualised and deeply interconnected with social attitudes. Maternity and healthcare professionals should consider how their support and response has the potential to empower or further impact the experience of miscarriage.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48868,"journal":{"name":"Women and Birth","volume":"39 1","pages":"Article 102144"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145624573","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"\"Running in circles\": Breastfeeding experiences in women who have had bariatric surgery before pregnancy: A qualitative study","authors":"Seyedeh Samira Mokhlesi ,&nbsp;Vidanka Vasilevski ,&nbsp;Linda Sweet","doi":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102146","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102146","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Women with a history of bariatric surgery tend to have lower breastfeeding rates compared to non-obese women without bariatric surgery. The evidence on breastfeeding after bariatric surgery is limited, and the breastfeeding experiences of these women are not fully understood.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To explore the breastfeeding experiences of women who have undergone bariatric surgery before pregnancy.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This descriptive qualitative study included interviews with 20 women from across Australia who had experienced breastfeeding following bariatric surgery. Participants were recruited through social media. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom and analysed using thematic analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Twenty women aged 25–44 participated. Three key themes emerged: <em>bariatric surgery-related challenges for breastfeeding and coping strategies</em>, p<em>ost-surgery physical changes and weight-related issues,</em> and <em>inadequate and fragmented healthcare support systems</em>. The first theme highlighted the specific challenges that women faced when trying to breastfeed after bariatric surgery, as well as the strategies they employed to manage these difficulties. The second theme explored how physical and weight-related changes following bariatric surgery influenced women’s breastfeeding experiences and decisions. The third theme focused on how women with a history of bariatric surgery experienced healthcare support systems for breastfeeding.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Breastfeeding after bariatric surgery presents unique challenges that are often not addressed by current healthcare systems. The findings emphasise the need for tailored and specialised resources and education for both women and their healthcare teams to help these women successfully navigate breastfeeding.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48868,"journal":{"name":"Women and Birth","volume":"39 1","pages":"Article 102146"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145624575","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Women's experience and acceptability of elective late-term induction of labour: A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies using GRADE CERQual","authors":"Jeanett Friis Rohde ,&nbsp;Anja Ussing ,&nbsp;Mina Nicole Händel ,&nbsp;Jeppe Bennekou Schroll ,&nbsp;Birgitte Holm Petersen ,&nbsp;Simon Tarp ,&nbsp;Merete Bjerrum","doi":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102141","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102141","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Systematic reviews of patient perspectives are crucial in the evidence to decision process when developing clinical guidelines.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To identify and synthesise qualitative evidence of women's experiences of late-term induction of labour.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>A prespecified protocol in Danish was registered at the Danish Health Authority homepage, 2020. Several databases including Medline, EMBASE and CINAHL were searched from inception until May 2023. Study quality was appraised using JBI checklists and findings were extracted and synthesised in accordance with the meta-aggregation approach. Certainty in the evidence was evaluated using GRADE-CERQual.</div></div><div><h3>Result</h3><div>Out of 1421 records, 11 qualitative studies were included. The study population consisted of 521 nulliparous or multiparous women who were scheduled for or experienced induction of labour. The 94 findings were aggregated into six findings: 1) Induction of labour can be difficult to handle, 2) The decision to start induction of labour leads to a shift in birth expectations, 3) During birth, the safety of the baby is prioritised over the woman’s personal expectations and experiences, 4) Information about the induction of labour process is important for women’s experience of the process, 5) Attention from healthcare professionals is important for the women’s experience of having their needs seen and heard, 6) Women experience induction of labour as a fixed procedure which cannot be deviated from. The GRADE CERQual assessment showed moderate to high confidence in all findings.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This meta-synthesis highlights that women undergoing induction of labour prioritise their baby’s safety and often accept the procedure despite discomfort or limited autonomy. The review suggests that healthcare providers should adopt a personalised approach.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48868,"journal":{"name":"Women and Birth","volume":"39 1","pages":"Article 102141"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145624574","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Midwifery as a career choice for school leavers: A scoping review of the international literature","authors":"Tanya Capper ,&nbsp;Terri Downer","doi":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102142","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102142","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Problem</h3><div>Applications to study midwifery are declining despite the need to grow the workforce. With school leavers traditionally comprising a significant proportion of applicants, understanding how they view midwifery as a career choice is important.</div></div><div><h3>Background</h3><div>A steady pipeline of new graduates is essential for midwifery workforce growth. While mature students and registered nurses represent a significant portion of applicants, it is important to explore how school leavers view midwifery as a career.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To identify and synthesise what is known about midwifery as a career choice for school leavers.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>PubMed, CINAHL Ultimate, Web of Science, MIDIRS, Joanna Briggs Institute EBP, ProQuest Nursing and Allied Health and Scopus databases were searched for literature exploring midwifery as a career choice for school leavers. Data from seven documents were charted and thematically analysed.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Five themes were identified: ‘Family and social influences’, ‘Career guidance and information’, ‘Career motivation: vocational vs economic drivers’, ‘Perceptions and professional identity’ and ‘Barriers and challenges.’ These highlight how school leavers decisions about midwifery are influenced by an interplay of social, economic, informational, and systemic factors.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>School leavers’ interest in midwifery is shaped by social influences, especially family opinions, television, internet and media portrayals. To support workforce growth, early promotion through improved career guidance and accurate information is essential.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Understanding the factors that influence school leavers’ career choices is vital to promoting midwifery as a rewarding profession. By providing accurate information, guidance, and support, the profession can be positioned as a fulfilling career path.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48868,"journal":{"name":"Women and Birth","volume":"39 1","pages":"Article 102142"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145624572","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating two childbirth education programs for improving birth outcomes and consumer satisfaction with their birth experience: A quasi-experimental study.","authors":"Linda Sweet ,&nbsp;Margie McCormick ,&nbsp;Sally Miller ,&nbsp;Alemayehu Mekonnen ,&nbsp;Lucy Gladwell ,&nbsp;Shannon Lambert ,&nbsp;Alanah Hillier ,&nbsp;Cathy Craggs ,&nbsp;Kathleen Murphy ,&nbsp;Vidanka Vasilevski","doi":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102139","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102139","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Childbirth education aims to inform women about labour and birth physiology, prepare them for parenting, promote health, and build support networks. However, evidence of its impact is mixed, necessitating further research.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This study investigated the effects of two childbirth education programs: a complementary therapies-based program (CTP) and a traditional model (EmpowerEd), on clinical outcomes and consumer’s preparation, knowledge, and confidence related to labour and birth.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A quasi-experimental study was conducted with primiparous women from October 2023 to May 2024. Participants were randomly allocated to one of two antenatal education programs and were case-matched to controls who did not attend education at the health service. Clinical outcomes were extracted from hospital records. Surveys assessed satisfaction, knowledge, and confidence about birth and early parenting over three time points.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>There was n = 179 women in CTP and n = 187 in EmpowerEd, with the same number of matched controls. No significant differences were found in caesarean section rates and most other clinical outcomes between the education groups and their controls. Significantly fewer women in the EmpowerEd group used epidurals (43.9 %(n = 75) vs. 55.3 %(n = 88), p &lt; 0.05) compared to the CTP group. EmpowerEd participants were more likely to value pain medication (p = 0.046), report adequate support for labour (p = 0.04), and have higher literacy in pregnancy, postnatal self-care, and newborn care (p &lt; 0.001). Satisfaction was high in both groups.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>While childbirth education showed limited effects on clinical outcomes, both programs improved women’s knowledge and confidence for labour and birth.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48868,"journal":{"name":"Women and Birth","volume":"39 1","pages":"Article 102139"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145624571","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}