Personal Infant Feeding Experiences of Postpartum Nurses Affect How They Provide Breastfeeding Support

Objective

To describe the experiences of postpartum nurses when feeding their own infants and explore how these experiences influence the breastfeeding support they provide to new mothers.

Scoping Review of Racial and Ethnic Representation of Participants in Mental Health Research Conducted in the Perinatal Period During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ObjectiveTo identify the racial and ethnic representation of participants in mental health research conducted in the perinatal period during the COVID-19 pandemic.Data SourcesMEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science.Study SelectionWe included peer-reviewed research articles in which researchers reported mental health outcomes of women during the perinatal period who were living in the United States or Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. We included 25 articles in the final review.Data ExtractionWe extracted the citation, publication date, design, aim, country of origin, participant characteristics, sampling method, method of measurement of race and ethnicity, and mental health outcome(s).Data SynthesisThe combined racial and ethnic representation of the 16,841 participants in the included studies was White (76.5%), Black (9.8%), other/multiracial (6.2%), Asian (3.9%), Hispanic/Latina (2.6%), Indigenous or Ethnic Minority Canadian (0.9%), and Native American or Alaska Native (0.1%). Most studies were conducted in the United States, used a cross-sectional design, and incorporated social media platforms to recruit participants. Depression, anxiety, and stress were the most frequently assessed mental health outcomes.ConclusionRelatively few women of color who were pregnant or in the postpartum period during the pandemic participated in mental health research studies. Future studies should develop intentional recruitment strategies to increase participation of women of color. Researchers should use updated guidance on reporting race and ethnicity to accurately represent every participant, minimize misclassification of women of color, and report meaningful results.     

Predictors and Outcomes of Postpartum Mothers' Perceptions of Readiness for Discharge after Birth

Objective: To identify predictors and outcomes of postpartum mothers' perceptions of their readiness for hospital discharge.
Design: A correlational design with path analyses was used to explore predictive relationships among transition theory-related variables.
Setting: Midwestern tertiary perinatal center.
Participants: One hundred and forty-one mixed-parity postpartum mothers who had experienced vaginal birth or Cesarean delivery of normal healthy infants.
Methods: Before hospital discharge, patients completed questionnaires about sociodemographic characteristics, hospitalization factors, quality of discharge teaching, and readiness for discharge. Three weeks postdischarge, mothers were contacted by telephone to collect coping difficulty and health care utilization data.
Main Outcome Measures: Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale, Post-Discharge Coping Difficulty Scale, Utilization of postdischarge services.
Results: Quality of discharge teaching, specifically the relative difference in the amount of informational content needed and received and the skills of nurses in delivering discharge teaching, explained 38% of the variance in postpartum mothers' perceptions of discharge readiness. Readiness for discharge scores explained 22% of the variance in postdischarge coping difficulty scores. Nurses' skills in delivery of discharge teaching, coping difficulty, patient characteristics, and birth hospitalization factors were predictive of utilization of family support and postdischarge health care services.
Conclusion: A trajectory of influence was evident in the sequential relationships of quality of discharge teaching, readiness for discharge, postdischarge coping, and utilization of family support and health care services. Transitions theory provided a useful framework for conceptualizing and investigating the transition home after childbirth.     

How Are Effective Breastfeeding Technique and Pacifier Use Related to Breastfeeding Problems and Breastfeeding Duration?

Abstract: Background: Inconsistent findings leave uncertainty about the impact of pacifier use on effective breastfeeding technique. The purpose of this study was to investigate how breastfeeding technique and pacifier use were related to breastfeeding problems and duration of breastfeeding. Methods: Data were collected from the intervention group of a randomized trial in which health visitors followed up with mothers for 6 months after childbirth. The health visitors classified the breastfeeding technique at approximately 1 week after birth and repeated the observation if a correction was necessary. Effective technique included positioning, latch, sucking, and milk transfer. Data on breastfeeding problems and pacifier use were obtained from self‐reported questionnaires. The study population included 570 mother‐baby pairs with complete information on breastfeeding technique and pacifier use. The primary outcome was duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Results: One‐half of the mothers showed ineffective breastfeeding technique at the first\ observation, most frequently ineffective position (61%) and latch (52%). In the unadjusted analysis, only sucking and milk transfer were associated with breastfeeding duration. In the adjusted analysis, ineffective technique was significantly associated with mothers reporting early breastfeeding problems, which thereby influenced the breastfeeding duration. Pacifier use had an independent negative impact on duration of breastfeeding. A single correction of the breastfeeding technique was not associated with duration or occurrence of problems. Conclusions: Observation of breastfeeding technique may help mothers in the stage of when they are establishing breastfeeding to avoid early and later problems, but breastfeeding technique is less useful in predicting breastfeeding duration. Use of a pacifier should be avoided in the first weeks after birth. (BIRTH 36:1 March 2009)     

Scoping Review of Education for Women About Return to Driving After Abdominal Surgery

ObjectiveTo conduct a scoping review to examine the evidence on education provided to women about when to return to driving after abdominal surgery and to assess variation in this education by type of abdominal surgery and source of education.Data SourcesWe searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Scopus, and CINAHL for peer-reviewed articles. We searched the publications of professional associations, clinical guidelines, driver’s licensing agencies, and clinical trial registries for gray literature. Searches generated 2,908 peer-reviewed titles and abstracts and 20 documents in the gray literature.Study SelectionWe included articles and documents published in English in which authors reported education, advice, counseling, or recommendations about return to driving after abdominal surgery for women ages 16 to 50 years.Data ExtractionWe identified 16 peer-reviewed articles and eight documents in the gray literature. We extracted data including the title, authors, country of origin, study design, study purpose, sample size, type of abdominal surgery, education about return to driving, source of evidence to support the education, source of education, outcomes, and relevance to the review question.Data SynthesisWe found that recommendations about when to return to driving after abdominal surgery ranged from 1 to 10 weeks after surgery, and 6 weeks after surgery was the most common. Recommended times were shorter for laparoscopic surgeries and longer for nonlaparoscopic surgeries, including cesarean. Most recommendations were provided by health care providers, and some recommendations were provided in leaflets. Evidence to support these recommendations was limited, and they were based on common sense, traditional practice, perceptions of insurance policies, a women’s comfort level, or her ability to deploy the emergency brake.ConclusionEducation provided to women about return to driving after abdominal surgery varies substantially and has a weak evidence base.     

Systematic Review of the Literature on Postpartum Care: Effectiveness of Postpartum Support to Improve Maternal Parenting,Mental Health,Quality of Life,and Physical Health

Abstract: Background: Postpartum support is recommended to prevent infant and maternal morbidity. This review examined the published evidence of the effectiveness of postpartum support programs to improve maternal knowledge, attitudes, and skills related to parenting, maternal mental health, maternal quality of life, and maternal physical health. Methods: MEDLINE, Cinahl, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials of interventions initiated from immediately after birth to 1 year in postnatal women. The initial literature search was done in 1999 and was enhanced in 2003 and 2005. Studies were categorized based on the the above outcomes. Data were extracted in a systematic manner, and the quality of each study was reviewed. Results: In the 1999 search, 9 studies met the inclusion criteria. The 2003 and 2005 searches identified 13 additional trials for a total of 22 trials. Universal postpartum support to unselected women at low risk did not result in statistically significant improvements for any outcomes examined. Educational visits to a pediatrician showed statistically significant improvements in maternal‐infant parenting skills in low‐income primiparous women. In women at high risk for family dysfunction and child abuse, nurse home visits combined with case conferencing produced a statistically significant improvement in home environment quality using the HOME (Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment) program. Similarly, in women at high risk for either family dysfunction or postpartum depression, home visitation or peer support, respectively, produced a statistically significant reduction in Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores (difference ‐ 2.23, 95% CI –3.72 to –0.74, p= 0.004; and 15.0% vs 52.4%, OR 6.23, 95% CI 1.40 to 27.84, p= 0.01, respectively). Educational programs reduced repeat unplanned pregnancies (12.0% vs 28.3%, p= 0.003) and increased effective contraceptive use (RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.68, p= 0.007). Maternal satisfaction was higher with home visitation programs. Conclusions: No randomized controlled trial evidence was found to endorse universal provision of postpartum support to improve parenting, maternal mental health, maternal quality of life, or maternal physical health. There is some evidence that high‐risk populations may benefit from postpartum support. (BIRTH 33:3 September 2006)     

Integrative Review of the Experiences of Registered Nurses Who Support Breastfeeding Women

ObjectiveTo describe the experiences of registered nurses (RNs) who support breastfeeding women and to understand the factors that they believe affect practices that support breastfeeding.Data SourcesWe conducted an online search using five databases: Scopus, MEDLINE, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Joanna Briggs Institute of Systematic Reviews.Study SelectionWe included original research articles on the experiences of RNs who support breastfeeding women that were published in 2009 or after and were available in English. After title and abstract review of 785 articles, we included 22 articles for full text review. Nine articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review.Data ExtractionWe used Whittemore and Knafl’s five-step framework and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines to guide this integrative review. Three authors reviewed and appraised the articles independently.Data SynthesisWe categorized the findings into three themes: Workplace Issues, Personal Experiences, and Breastfeeding Knowledge and Education. Workplace Issues included the subthemes Lack of Time and Workload and Infant Health Stability. Personal Experiences included the subthemes Attitudes, Individual Experiences With Breastfeeding, and The Experiences of Family and Friends. Breastfeeding Knowledge and Education included the subthemes Prelicensure Education and Workplace Education and Training. Most researchers identified deficits in knowledge and education among RNs. The concept of confidence was influenced by all the other themes. Participants in the included studies reported that they developed confidence after learning from lactation consultants and having role models who supported the development of their knowledge and skills.ConclusionDespite the heterogeneity among the studies, findings highlighted the need for an increased focus on the preparation of RNs to support women to effectively breastfeed within health care organizations. Multitargeted efforts, such as orientation programs and in-depth breastfeeding education using role modeling, mentorship, and role playing with practical scenarios, may improve RNs’ abilities and confidence to support breastfeeding women.     

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Prevalence of the Maternity Blues in the Postpartum Period

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of maternity blues among women in the postpartum period.Data SourcesWe conducted our systematic review and meta-analysis by searching the literature for relevant articles published in three international databases, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, from date of inception through December 11, 2019, using the keywords prevalence, incidence, maternity blues, and baby blues.Study SelectionFrom 336 articles initially screened, we included 26 articles in the systematic review and meta-analysis.Data ExtractionTwo independent reviewers used a standardized form to extract data from eligible articles. We evaluated the quality of individual studies and the overall evidence according to Hoy et al.’s risk of bias tool.Data SynthesisThe prevalence of maternity blues in the 26 included studies was 13.7% to 76.0%. Based on the results of the random effects model, the prevalence of maternity blues in 5,667 women was 39.0% (95% confidence interval [32.3, 45.6]; I² = 96.6%). The prevalence of maternity blues among women in Africa was greatest at 49.6%.ConclusionConsidering the great prevalence of maternity blues in women after childbirth, paying attention to the key symptoms of maternity blues and implementing educational programs for health care providers and mothers after childbirth are essential.     

Discovering the Holy Grail in Postpartum Uterine Involution

Abstract: A Swiss study attempted to establish normal values for the uterine involution expected during the first 5 days postpartum. Two methods were used, apparently independently and without validation. One, named the finger method, consisted of estimating the height of the uterine fundus in finger breadths above or below the umbilicus. The other, the tape method, consisted of marking the distance between the uterine fundus and the pubic symphysis on a blank tape, which was subsequently read in centimeters against a measuring tape. The authors contend that normal uterine involution postpartum is governed by different factors according to whether it is measured by fingers or by tape. Thus, gestational age affected uterine involution when measured with fingers, but not when measured with a tape, whereas maternal age did the reverse. Apart from being based on a study population that defies any criteria of normality, a comparison of the results from finger and tape methods shows data that are incompatible with the anatomy of human fingers and the uterus postpartum. Yet, the authors suggest that these data should be used to differentiate electronically between normal and abnormal uterine involution, without considering what the consequences of such nonvalidated programming might be. (BIRTH 38:1 March 2011)     

Understanding and Meeting the Needs of Women in the Postpartum Period: The Perinatal Maternal Health Promotion Model

A new model for the care of women in the postpartum focuses on the development of life skills that promote complete well‐being. The year following childbirth is a time of significant transition for women. In addition to the physiologic changes associated with the postpartum period, a woman undergoes marked psychosocial changes as she transitions into a motherhood role, reestablishes relationships, and works to meet the physical and emotional needs of her infant and other family members. It is a time when women are vulnerable to health problems directly related to childbirth and to compromised self‐care, which can manifest in the development or reestablishment of unhealthy behaviors such as smoking and a sedentary lifestyle. In addition to long‐term implications for women, compromised maternal health in the postpartum period is associated with suboptimal health and developmental outcomes for infants. Maternal health experts have called for a change in how care is provided for women in the postpartum period. This article presents the rationale for a health promotion approach to meeting the needs of women in the postpartum period and introduces the Perinatal Maternal Health Promotion Model. This conceptual framework is built around a definition of maternal well‐being that asserts that health goes beyond merely the absence of medical complications. In the model, the core elements of a healthy postpartum are identified and include not only physical recovery but also the ability to meet individual needs and successfully transition into motherhood. These goals can best be achieved by helping women develop or strengthen 4 key individual health‐promoting skills: the ability to mobilize social support, self‐efficacy, positive coping strategies, and realistic expectations. While the model focuses on the woman, the health promotion approach takes into account that maternal health in this critical period affects and is affected by her family, social network, and community. Clinical implications of the model are addressed, including specific health promotion strategies that clinicians can readily incorporate into antepartum and postpartum care.     

Systematic Review of the Literature on Postpartum Care: Effectiveness of Interventions for Smoking Relapse Prevention,Cessation, and Reduction in Postpartum Women

ABSTRACT: Background: Many women stop smoking during pregnancy and relapse again either later in the pregnancy or in the postpartum period. Smoking is harmful to mothers, and environmental tobacco smoke is harmful for children. This systematic review examined the published evidence for the effectiveness of postpartum interventions that prevent relapse (current persons who have stopped but start smoking again), improve cessation rates (current smokers who stop smoking), and reduce smoking (number of cigarettes smoked per day) in postpartum women. Methods: MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials of interventions initiated from immediately after birth to 1 year in postpartum women. The initial literature search was done in 1999 and enhanced in 2003 and 2005. Randomized controlled trials that examined relapse prevention, smoking cessation, or smoking reduction interventions in the postpartum period were reviewed in this report. Data were extracted in a systematic manner, and the quality of each study was reviewed. Results: Five papers were published based on three trials for which data were extracted and summarized. Our review of these trials showed no statistically significant benefits of advice materials and counseling interventions in hospital (Vancouver), pediatricians’ offices (Portland), or child health centers (Stockholm) on relapse prevention, cessation rates, or smoking reduction in the postpartum period. Although the interventions had little effect on the major smoking outcomes, some positive attitudinal and knowledge changes were reported. Conclusion: This review found no evidence from the randomized controlled trial literature to date to support implementing postpartum smoking cessation interventions, such as providing advice materials and counseling, insofar as they were delivered in the trials reviewed. (BIRTH 34:4 December 2007)     

Systematic Review of the Effect of Technology-Mediated Education Intervention on Maternal Outcomes in the First Year After Birth

ObjectiveTo synthesize the findings on the effect of technology-mediated education intervention in the first year after birth on maternal health outcomes and to evaluate interventions for participant perspectives and health equity.Data SourcesWe conducted a systematic review of the literature using the electronic databases PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL for articles published between 2010 and 2020. The search strategy was developed by a health sciences librarian.Study SelectionWe included articles if the following criteria were met: they reported studies conducted in the United States or a resource-similar nation on the evaluation of a technology-mediated education intervention within the first year after birth and they included the assessment of at least one maternal health outcome.Data ExtractionThe lead author extracted data from the full-text articles and entered them into Microsoft Excel. We assessed the quality and risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for examining the potential risk of bias.Data SynthesisWe identified 21 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Videos were the most commonly reported technology-mediated education intervention, followed by text messages, phone calls, and websites. Maternal health outcomes addressed in the included articles were mental health, weight loss, breastfeeding, general postpartum education, perineal care, and substance use. Technology-mediated education interventions positively affected mental health, weight loss, and breastfeeding outcomes.ConclusionThe current evidence suggests that technology-mediated education intervention is beneficial for the physical and mental health outcomes of women during the first year after birth. Future work may benefit from more attention to health equity and design in collaboration with women to gain a better understanding of the information needs and desired technology features.     

Systematic Review of Lifestyle Interventions for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period

ObjectiveTo examine the characteristics and effectiveness of lifestyle interventions for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in pregnancy and the postpartum period to prevent Type 2 diabetes.Data SourcesWe conducted searches in seven databases, including Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, Ovid Embase, Cochrane Central, Web of Science, Ovid PsycInfo, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses for articles published from inception to January 2021.Study SelectionWe included articles on controlled intervention studies in which researchers evaluated a lifestyle intervention provided during pregnancy and the postpartum period for women with or at risk for GDM that were published in English.Data ExtractionTwelve articles that were reports of seven studies met the inclusion criteria. In some cases, more than one article was selected from the same study. For example, articles reported different outcomes from the same study. We extracted data with the use of a data collection form and compared and synthesized data on study design, purpose, sample, intervention characteristics, recruitment and retention, and outcomes.Data SynthesisAll seven studies focused on weight management and/or healthy lifestyle behaviors (diet and physical activity). Outcomes included glucose regulation, weight, lifestyle behaviors, and knowledge. The interventions varied in duration/dosage, strategies, and modes of delivery. In four studies, researchers reported interventions that had significant effects on improving glucose regulation and/or weight change. Some characteristics from the four effective interventions included goal setting, individualized care, and good retention rates. In the other three studies, limitations included low rates of participant retention, lack of personalized interventions, and limited population diversity or lack of culturally sensitive care.ConclusionLifestyle interventions provided during and after pregnancy to reduce the risk associated with GDM have the potential to improve outcomes. Health care counseling to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors related to the prevention of Type 2 diabetes is needed at different stages of maternity care for women with GDM. Additional high-quality studies are needed to address the limitations of current studies.     

Parents’ Experiences With a Model of Integrated Maternity and Neonatal Care Designed to Empower Parents

ObjectiveTo explore the experiences of parents with an integrated maternity and neonatal ward designed to empower parents by providing family-integrated care (FICare) to mother–newborn couplets in single-family rooms.DesignA qualitative analysis with a contextual constructivist approach.SettingAn integrated maternity and neonatal level 2 ward designed to empower parents in a teaching hospital in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Maternity and neonatal care, up to and including highly complex care, is provided to mother–newborn couplets in single-family rooms according to the principles of FICare.ParticipantsTwenty-seven mothers and nine fathers of newborns who were hospitalized for at least 7 days.MethodsWe held four focus group discussions and eight semistructured interviews 1 to 3 months after discharge of the newborn to explore which experiences (mechanisms) facilitated or impeded aspects of parent empowerment (outcomes) under which specific conditions of the integrated infrastructure (contexts). We used the realist evaluation model to analyze the data.ResultsOur analysis revealed five themes of parent empowerment (outcomes): Feeling Respected, Gaining Self-Management Tools, Insights Into the Newborn’s Condition, Perceived Control, and Self-Efficacy. For each theme, participants reported facilitating and impeding experiences (mechanisms) that were initiated and influenced by the combination of single-family rooms, couplet care, rooming-in, and FICare (contexts). Unrestricted physical proximity to their newborns, 24 hours per day, in a safe private environment offered parents intensive learning experiences through active participation in care. It helped them to achieve independent parenthood at the time of discharge, but it also generated challenges such as power conflicts with the staff; prioritizing care for themselves, siblings, or the newborn; feelings of isolation; and lack of sleep.ConclusionProviding FICare to mother–newborn couplets in single-family rooms offers parents an intensive learning context for independent parenthood at the time of discharge. Health care professionals should be aware of the challenges and facilitators experienced by parents in the context of close physical proximity to their newborns 24 hours per day in single-family rooms. This awareness will allow them to better support parents in their empowerment process toward independent parenthood at the time of discharge.     

Impact of simulation and team training on postpartum hemorrhage management in non-academic centers

Objective: Prompt recognition and response to postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) are vital in preventing maternal morbidity and mortality. We conducted a multi-center study to evaluate in situ simulation and team training for PPH among experienced clinical teams in non-academic hospitals in urban and rural communities.

Methods: A longitudinal intervention study was performed in six Oregon community hospitals. All teams responded to an in situ simulated delivery and postpartum hemorrhage using trained actors and an obstetric birthing simulator, followed by a debriefing and training session. The simulation scenario was then repeated in 9–12?months. All sessions were digitally video recorded and independently reviewed by two obstetricians using a structured evaluation form. PPH management including clinical response times were compared before and after team training using Student’s paired t-test and McNemar’s test.

Results: Twenty-two teams completed paired case simulations. Team training significantly improved response times in the management of PPH, including the recognition of PPH, time to administer first medication, performance of uterine massage and time to administer second medication. Medical management (use of three indicated medications) improved after training from 27.3% to 63.6%, p?=?0.01.

Conclusions: Simulation and team training significantly improved postpartum hemorrhage response times among clinically experienced community labor and delivery teams.     

Integrative Review of Factors That Affect the Use of Postpartum Care Services in Developing Countries

Objective

To identify factors that affect the use of postpartum care services in developing countries.

A Review of the Effects of Physical Therapy on Self-Esteem in Postpartum Women With Lumbopelvic Dysfunction

This study sought to determine the impact of physical therapy for lumbopelvic dysfunction on self-esteem in postpartum women. Systematic searches were carried out in CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, Medline (OVID), Cochrane, and Web of Science by a health sciences librarian using various combinations of subject headings and key words. A dual review process was used first to assess titles and abstracts and then to examine the full text. Conflicts were resolved through discussion or a third reviewer as needed. Dual data extraction was completed using a standardized collection form. Pairs of reviewers met to discuss conflicts. Data quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias Tool, the Joanna Briggs Critical Appraisal Tool, and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Checklist. Thirteen articles were included in the review. None of the articles assessed self-esteem specifically; however, each article assessed aspects of self-esteem (self-concept, self-efficacy, self-worth, depression, quality of life, general well-being, or physical function). All articles reported improvements in the selected outcome measures compared with baseline; two studies that compared two different physical therapy interventions found no significant differences between the interventions. To our knowledge, there is no literature explicitly evaluating self-esteem in postpartum women following physical therapy intervention for lumbopelvic dysfunction. Low self-esteem is shown to predict depression and anxiety; therefore, interventions that increase self-esteem may be useful in reducing the risk of depression.