Managing the first period at home with a newborn: a grounded theory study of mothers’ experiences

Aim: The article aims to present a theoretical account of mothers’ first period at home with their newborn in Norway. Background: Mothers’ well‐being affects their babies and is therefore an important priority for public health. Early discharge after childbirth is common in many countries. In Norway, this has been practised for 5–10 years but without any distinct agreement between maternity hospitals and the community health services and without documented follow‐up care. Knowledge is lacking in how mothers deal with the first period at home with the baby. Method: Seven focus group discussions were conducted with 26 mothers who had babies 1.5–3 months old. The grounded theory method was used to gather and analyse data. Results: The mothers were strongly concerned about preserving their control and integrity in the new situation. This main concern was resolved by the strategy of prioritizing newborn care. The strategy encompassed a process of developing competence as a mother, changing focus in relationships, stretching to the critical level and seeking recognition. These parallel processes were inter‐related, sometimes mutually supportive and sometimes conflicting. When conflicts occurred, prioritizing newborn care guided mothers in finding solutions. Breaches of the implied conditions in health care tended to increase mothers’ level of strain and uncertainty and to influence their efficacy in breastfeeding the baby. Conclusion: Being a mother to a newborn is a dynamic and extensive process. Succeeding in breastfeeding seems especially sensitive and essential in motherhood. The idea that giving birth is a simple and normal situation may obscure the importance of seamless health care and the need for professional support and information.     

Multi-Center Analysis of Liver Transplantation for Combined Hepatocellular Carcinoma-Cholangiocarcinoma Liver Tumors

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A randomized,triple‐blind,placebo‐controlled clinical trial,evaluating the sesamin supplement effects on proteolytic enzymes,inflammatory markers,and clinical indices in women with rheumatoid arthritis

Inflammation is one of the main characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis. Based on the antiinflammatory properties of sesame, this study was conducted to evaluate the sesamin supplement effects on serum levels of some proteolytic enzymes, inflammatory biomarkers, and clinical indices in women with rheumatoid arthritis. In this randomized, triple‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial, 44 patients were randomly divided in intervention and control groups. Patients received 200‐mg/day sesamin supplement or placebo in the intervention and control group for 6 weeks. Serum levels of proteolytic enzymes (hyaluronidase, aggrecanase, and matrix metalloproteinases‐3) and inflammatory biomarkers (hs‐CRP, IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and cyclooxygenase‐2) were measured with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method at the beginning and end of the study. After intervention, serum levels of hyaluronidase and matrix metalloproteinases‐3 decreased significantly in sesamin group. Also, serum levels of hs‐CRP, TNF‐α, and cyclooxygenase‐2 in intervention group were significantly decreased in intervention group compared with placebo group. Sesamin supplementation also caused a significant reduction in the number of tender joints and severity of pain in these patients. According to the results, it seems that the sesamin by reducing inflammatory mediators can relieve clinical symptoms and pathological changes that caused by inflammatory impairment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.     

Literacy-Free 12 Step Expressive Arts Curriculum Enhances Engagement and Treatment Outcomes for Dually Diagnosed Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the efficacy of the Literacy-Free 12 Step Expressive Arts Therapy© curriculum in enhancing personal change and treatment outcomes for populations dually diagnosed with substance use and mental health disorders. It supplemented standard rehabilitation treatment for 47 individuals in a U.S. facility by incorporating 12 Step guidelines, cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, and expressive arts activities. Pre-session and post-session participant ratings revealed positive increases for commitment to recovery, attitude toward making lifestyle changes, and hopefulness. Compared to 101 inpatients at the same facility, curriculum participants evidenced less drop-out, higher treatment completion, and greater personal investment in recovery.