'It was horrible to watch, horrible to be a part of': Midwives' perspectives of obstetric violence.

BACKGROUND: Obstetric violence, including unconsented interventions, coercion and disrespect, violates human rights; impacting the physical and psychosocial health of women. The perspective and experience of midwives related to obstetric violence have been explored in low and middle-income countries, with limited research into the experience of midwives in high income nations. AIM: To explore Australian midwives' perspectives of obstetric violence. METHODS: Thematic analysis of qualitative in-depth interviews with 15 midwives experienced in supporting women during birth. Critical feminist theory underpinned each stage of the research. FINDINGS: Interviews with 15 Australian midwives from diverse care settings were analysed thematically. Four key themes were developed from the data: 'the operationalisation of obstetric violence', 'the impact of obstetric violence' 'the historical and situational context' and 'hope for the future'. Midwives considered entrenched patriarchal structures and gender inequity as fundamental to the occurrence of obstetric violence. This societal scaffold is intensified within health care systems where power imbalances facilitate maternal mistreatment through coercion and grooming women for compliance in the antenatal period. Fragmented care models expose women to mistreatment with continuity models being protective only to a point. Midwives experience their own trauma, as a result of what they have witnessed, and due to the lack of support they receive when advocating for women. CONCLUSIONS: Obstetric violence occurs in Australian maternity systems with unconsented interventions, overmedicalisation, coercion, and disrespect observed by midwives. Care-related trauma impacts on the mental health of midwives, raising workforce concerns for policy makers, consumer advocates and professional bodies.

Model of perinatal care but not prenatal stress exposure is associated with birthweight and gestational age at Birth: The Australian birth in the time of COVID (BITTOC) study.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to understand, relative to standard care, whether continuity of care models (private midwifery, continuity of care with a private doctor, continuity of care with a public midwife), and women's experience of maternity care provision, during the perinatal period buffered the association between prenatal maternal stress (PNMS) and infant birth outcomes (gestational age [GA], birth weight [BW] and birth weight for gestational age [BW for GA]). METHODS: 2207 women who were pregnant in Australia while COVID-19 restrictions were in place reported on their COVID-19 related objective hardship and subjective distress during pregnancy and provided information on their model of maternity care. Infant birth outcomes (BW, GA) were reported on at 2-months postpartum. RESULTS: Multiple linear regressions showed no relationship between PNMS and infant BW, GA or BW for GA, and neither experienced continuity of care, nor model of maternity care moderated this relationship. However, compared with all other models of care, women enrolled in private midwifery care reported the highest levels of experienced continuity of care and birthed infants at higher GA. BW and BW for GA were higher in private midwifery care, relative to standard care. CONCLUSION: Enrollment in continuous models of perinatal care may be a better predictor of infant birth outcomes than degree of PNMS exposure. These results highlight the possibility that increased, continuous support to women during pregnancy may play an important role in ensuring positive infant birth outcomes during future pandemics.

Midwives' experiences with PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic: The Birth in the Time of COVID (BITTOC) study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in rapid changes aimed at reducing disease transmission in maternity services in Australia. An increase in personal protective equipment (PPE) in the clinical and community setting was a key strategy. There was variation in the type of PPE and when it was to be worn in clincial practice. AIM: This paper reports on Australian midwives' experiences of PPE during the pandemic. METHODS: This sequential mixed methods study was part of the Birth in the Time of COVID-19 (BITTOC 2020) study. Data were obtained from in-depth semi-structured interviews with midwives in 2020 followed by a national survey undertaken at two time points (2020 and 2021). Qualitative open-text survey responses and interview data were analysed using content analysis. FINDINGS: 16 midwives were interviewed and 687 midwives provided survey responses (2020 n = 477, 2021 n = 210). Whilst midwives largley understood the need for increased PPE, and were mainly happy with this, as it was protective, they reported a number of concerns. These included: inconsistency with PPE type, use, availability, quality, fit and policy; the impact of PPE on the physical and psychological comfort of midwives; and the barriers PPE use placed on communication and woman centred care. This at times resulted in midwives working outside of policy. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the need for future comprehensive pandemic preparedness that ensures policy and procedure recommendations are consistent and PPE is available, of approriate quality, and individually fitted in order to ensure that Australian maternity services are well placed to manage future pandemics.

The sustainability of midwifery group practice: A cross-sectional study of midwives and managers.

PROBLEM: Although there is robust evidence for the benefits of midwifery group practice (MGP) caseload care, there are limited opportunities for women to access this model in Australia. There is also limited knowledge on how to sustain these services. BACKGROUND: MGP can benefit childbearing women and babies and improve satisfaction for women and midwives. However, sustainability of the model is challenging. While MGPs are often supported and celebrated, in Australia some services have closed, while others struggle to adequately staff MGPs. AIM: To investigate midwives and managers opinions on the management, culture, and sustainability of MGP. METHODS: A national survey of MGP midwives and managers was distributed (2021 and 2022). Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. RESULTS: A total of 579 midwives and 90 managers completed the survey. The findings suggest that many MGPs do not support new graduates and students to work in MGP. Over half (59.8%) the participants (midwives and managers) reported that the women and families were the best aspect about working in MGP, while 44.3% said the effects on midwives' lifestyle and families were the worst aspect. DISCUSSION: The relationship with women remains the major motivator for providing MGP care. However, work-life imbalance is a deterrent, exacerbated by staffing shortages. Staffing might be improved by adequate renumeration, strengthening orientation, and attracting new graduates and students through experience in MGP. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to attract midwives to MGP and improve work-life balance and sustainability.

Midwifery group practice workforce in Australia: A cross-sectional survey of midwives and managers.

BACKGROUND: Despite robust evidence on the benefits of midwifery group practice (MGP), there remains difficulties with implementing and sustaining the model. However, contemporary data on the MGP workforce and how each model has been operationalised are limited. This constrains an understanding of the factors that help or hinder implementation and sustainability of MGP. AIM: To describe the characteristics of Australian MGPs and the factors that help or hinder sustainability. METHODS: A national cross-sectional survey was undertaken in Australia between March 2021 and July 2022, inclusive. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive analysis while qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. FINDINGS: Of 669 survey responses, 579 were midwives and 90 were managers. The mean years of experience for clinical midwives was eight years, and 47.8% (almost twice the national average) completed a Bachelor of Midwifery (BMid). Half (50.2%) the models provided care for women of all risk. Midwives resigned from MGP because of the MGP work conditions (30%) and how the service was managed or supported (12.7%). Managers resigned from MGP because of role changes, conflict with their manager, and limited support. Almost half (42.6%) of MGP managers also managed other areas, leading to heavy workloads, competing demands, and burnout. CONCLUSION: The BMid appears to be a common educational pathway for MGP midwives, and many MGP services are providing care to women with complexities. Flexible practice agreements, organisational support and appropriate workloads are vital for recruitment, retention, and sustainability of MGP.

Incorporating co-design principles and social media strategies to enhance cross-sectional online survey participation: The Birth Experience Study.

AIM: To use co-design principles to design a nationwide maternity experiences survey and to distribute the survey through social media. DESIGN: A co-designed, cross sectional, and national online survey. METHODS: Using co-design principles from study design and throughout the research process a cross-sectional, online, national survey of Australian women's experiences of maternity care was designed. Four validated survey instruments were included in the survey design. RESULTS: An extensive social media strategy was utilized, which included paid advertising, resulting in 8804 surveys for analysis and 54,896 comments responding to open text questions. DISCUSSION: The inclusion of co-design principles contributed to a well-designed survey and consumer involvement in distribution and support of the online survey. The social media distribution strategy contributed to high participation rates with overall low marketing costs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Maternity services should be designed to provide woman-centered, individualized care. This survey was co-designed with maternity users and maternity organizations to explore women's recent experiences of maternity care in Australia. The outcomes of this study will highlight the factors that contribute to positive and negative experiences in maternity services. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: As a co-designed study, there was consumer engagement from the design of the study, throughout the research process.

Women's experiences of being assisted by two midwives during the active second stage of labour: Secondary outcomes from the Oneplus trial.

BACKGROUND: 'Collegial Midwifery Assistance' (CMA) is a clinical practice aiming to reduce severe perineal trauma (SPT) during childbirth. This practice involves two midwives being present during the active second stage of labour rather than one, which is the case in standard care. The effectiveness of CMA was evaluated in the Oneplus trial and a 30% reduction in SPT was shown. AIM: The aim was to investigate the experience of women who received the CMA intervention in the trial and to explore factors influencing their experiences. METHODS: A cohort study using data from the Oneplus trial and a one-month postpartum follow-up questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 1050 women who received the CMA intervention responded to the questionnaire. Of these, 35.8% reported that they strongly agreed with feeling safe during the second stage of labour and 42.6% were inclined to have an additional midwife present at a subsequent birth. The intervention was favourably received by women who experienced fear of birth, who were non-native Swedish speakers, and had lower educational attainment. Furthermore, women were more positive towards CMA the longer the intervention lasted. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the CMA intervention is accepted well by women and can be safely implemented into standard care. The duration of the CMA intervention was an important factor that influenced women's experiences and should be used to guide future practice.

Investigation of Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal Axis and Oxytocinergic System Changes in a Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial of Acupuncture for Antenatal Depression.

Background: Antenatal depression is common and associated with detrimental impacts on women and their families. Disrupted neuroendocrine functioning is reported in women experiencing perinatal mental health disturbances. Preliminary randomized controlled trial (RCT) evidence suggests acupuncture may provide a safe and effective adjunct treatment; however, underlying mechanisms of effect are unclear. We conducted an RCT examination of acupuncture for the management of antenatal depressive symptomologies, which included oxytocinergic and hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis system evaluations. This article reports postintervention changes to cortisol: dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) ratios, and oxytocin (OT) hormone concentrations. Methods: Fifty-seven women with Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores ≥13 were randomized to receive individually tailored depressed specific acupuncture, progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) attention comparator, or treatment as usual (TAU). Weekly 1-h sessions were conducted for 8 weeks (24-31 of pregnancy). Preintervention and postintervention saliva samples were collected. Results: Postintervention mean cortisol: DHEA ratio differences were not significantly predicted by group allocation (n = 46, p = 0.065). Two-group comparisons demonstrated cortisol: DHEA ratios were significantly increased and predicted by group allocation when acupuncture was compared to TAU (p = 0.039); however, not between acupuncture and PMR (p = 0.179), or PMR and TAU (p = 0.421). Postintervention OT concentrations were not significantly predicted by group allocation. Limitations: Small sample size and posthoc analysis Conclusion: Findings suggest positive regulation of the HPA axis may be an underlying mechanism by which acupuncture provided the significant improvements to antenatal depression, stress, and distress observed in this cohort. Trial Registration: Registered on March 19, 2015, with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12615000250538).

A content analysis of women's experiences of different models of maternity care: the Birth Experience Study (BESt).

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood are significant life experiences impacting women and their families. Growing evidence suggests models of maternity care impact clinical outcomes and birth experiences. The aim of this study was to explore the strengths and limitations of different maternity models of care accessed by women in Australia who had given birth in the past 5 years. METHODS: The data analysed and presented in this paper is from the Australian Birth Experience Study (BESt), an online national survey of 133 questions that received 8,804 completed responses. There were 2,909 open-ended comments in response to the question on health care provider/s. The data was analysed using content analysis and descriptive statistics. RESULTS: In models of fragmented care, including standard public hospital care (SC), high-risk care (HRC), and GP Shared care (GPS), women reported feelings of frustration in being unknown and unheard by their health care providers (HCP) that included themes of exhaustion in having to repeat personal history and the difficulty in navigating conflicting medical advice. Women in continuity of care (CoC) models, including Midwifery Group Practice (MGP), Private Obstetric (POB), and Privately Practising Midwifery (PPM), reported positive experiences of healing past birth trauma and care extending for multiple births. Compared across models of care in private and public settings, comments in HRC contained the lowest percentage of strengths (11.94%) and the highest percentage of limitations (88.06%) while comments in PPM revealed the highest percentage of strengths (95.93%) and the lowest percentage of limitations (4.07%). CONCLUSIONS: Women across models of care in public and private settings desire relational maternity care founded on their unique needs, wishes, and values. The strengths of continuity of care, specifically private midwifery, should be recognised and the limitations for women in high risk maternity care investigated and prioritised by policy makers and managers in health services. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study is part of a larger project that has been retrospectively registered with OSF Registries Registration DOI https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/4KQXP .

What women want if they were to have another baby: the Australian Birth Experience Study (BESt) cross-sectional national survey.

OBJECTIVES: To explore if Australian women would do anything differently if they were to have another baby. DESIGN AND SETTING: The Birth Experience Study (BESt) online survey explored pregnancy, birth and postnatal experiences for women who had given birth during 2016-2021 in Australia. PARTICIPANTS: In 2021, 8804 women responded to the BESt survey and 6101 responses to the open text responses to the survey question 'Would you do anything different if you were to have another baby?' were analysed using inductive content analysis. RESULTS: A total of 6101 women provided comments in response to the open text question, resulting in 10 089 items of coding. Six categories were found: 'Next time I'll be ready' (3958, 39.2%) described how women reflected on their previous experience, feeling the need to better advocate for themselves in the future to receive the care or experience they wanted; 'I want a specific birth experience' (2872, 28.5%) and 'I want a specific model of care' (1796, 17.8%) highlighted the types of birth and health provider women would choose for their next pregnancy. 'I want better access' (294, 2.9%) identified financial and/or geographical constraints women experience trying to make choices for birth. Two categories included comments from women who said 'I don't want to change anything' (1027, 10.2%) and 'I don't want another pregnancy' (142, 1.4%). Most women birthed in hospital (82.9%) and had a vaginal birth (59.2%) and 26.7% had a caesarean. CONCLUSION: Over 85% of comments left by women in Australia were related to making different decisions regarding their next birth choices. Most concerningly women often blamed themselves for not being more informed. Women realised the benefits of continuity of care with a midwife. Many women also desired a vaginal birth as well as better access to birthing at home.

Feeling anxious'- women's experiences of having a baby in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic using the Voqual real time app.

PURPOSE: Internationally, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted maternity services. In Australia, this included changes to antenatal appointments and the reduction of support people during labour and birth. For women pregnant during the pandemic there were increased stressors of infection in the community and in hospitals along with increased periods of isolation from friends and families during lockdown periods. The aim of this study was to explore the real-time experiences of women who were pregnant and had a baby during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. METHODS: This study followed seven women throughout their pregnancy and early parenthood. Women created audio or video recordings in real time using the Voqual app and were followed up by in-depth interviews after they gave birth. RESULTS: Using narrative analysis their individual stories were compared and an overarching theme of 'feeling anxious' was found which was underpinned by the two themes 'model of care' and 'environment'. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the protective impact midwifery continuity of care has on reducing anxiety in women during the pandemic, and that the home environment can either be secure and safe or a place of isolation.

Primary midwives' experiences of collegial midwifery assistance during the active second stage of labor: Data from the Oneplus trial.

BACKGROUND: Collegial midwifery assistance during the active second stage of labor that involves a second midwife being present has been shown to reduce severe perineal trauma (SPT) by 30%. The aim of this study was to investigate primary midwives' experiences of collegial midwifery assistance with the purpose of preventing SPT during the active second stage of labor. METHODS: This study uses an observational design with data from a multicenter randomized controlled trial (Oneplus). Data consist of clinical registration forms completed by the midwives after birth. Descriptive statistics as well as univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The majority of the primary midwives felt confident (61%) and were positive (56%) toward the practice. Midwives with less than 2 years' work experience were more likely to completely agree they felt confident (aOR 9.18, 95% CI: 6.28-13.41) and experience the intervention as positive (aOR 4.04, 95% CI: 2.83-5.78) than those with over 20 years' work experience. Factors such as duration of time spent in the birthing room by the second midwife, opportunity for planning and if the second midwife provided support were further associated with the primary midwife's experience of the practice as being positive. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that having a second midwife present during the active second stage of labor was an accepted practice, with the majority of primary midwives feeling confident and positive toward the intervention. This was especially pronounced among midwives with less than 2 years' work experience.

How Do Anxiety and Relationship Factors Influence the Application of Childbirth Education Strategies During Labor and Birth: A Bowen Family Systems Perspective.

The effectiveness of childbirth education (CBE) has long been debated with studies showing contradictory outcomes for mothers and babies. Understanding how what is learned in CBE is translated into practice during labor and birth is an area that requires investigation as this may be a mediating factor in its effectiveness. Bowen family system theory's concept of differentiation of self, the ability to be guided by and to act from one's beliefs and values, is an organizing principle that may affect how relational factors affect the use and application of CBE at the time of birth. The ability to act with emotional maturity when faced with a stressor, such as childbirth, depends on an individual's capability to separate thoughts from the more reactive feeling process. Recognizing how one's level of differentiation interacts with the anxious responses of others may assist pregnant women and birth partners to make decisions more objectively about how they want to manage the birthing process. For the health professional, understanding the interplay of relationship variables, physiological stress, anxiety and individual reactivity may allow for the provision of more thoughtful evidence-based practice, which may increase objectivity, and aid communication and decision-making for women during birth. Bowen theory, as a comprehensive systems-based approach to understanding human functioning under stress, offers a novel approach to exploring the application of CBE during birth.

The Impact of Mode of Birth, and Episiotomy, on Postpartum Sexual Function in the Medium- and Longer-Term: An Integrative Systematic Review.

(1) Background: Sexual function can be affected up to and beyond 18 months postpartum, with some studies suggesting that spontaneous vaginal birth results in less sexual dysfunction. This review examined the impact of mode of birth on sexual function in the medium- (≥6 months and <12 months postpartum) and longer-term (≥12 months postpartum). (2) Methods: Literature published after January 2000 were identified in PubMed, Embase and CINAHL. Studies that compared at least two modes of birth and used valid sexual function measures were included. Systematic reviews, unpublished articles, protocols and articles not written in English were excluded. Quality was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. (3) Results: In the medium-term, assisted vaginal birth and vaginal birth with episiotomy were associated with worse sexual function, compared to caesarean section. In the longer-term, assisted vaginal birth was associated with worse sexual function, compared with spontaneous vaginal birth and caesarean section; and planned caesarean section was associated with worse sexual function in several domains, compared to spontaneous vaginal birth. (4) Conclusions: Sexual function, in the medium- and longer-term, can be affected by mode of birth. Women should be encouraged to seek support should their sexual function be affected after birth.

Vaccine intention and hesitancy among Australian women who are currently pregnant or have recently given birth: the Birth in the Time of COVID-19 (BITTOC) national online survey.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccination, and factors associated with vaccination intention and hesitancy in pregnant and postnatal women in Australia. DESIGN AND SETTING: A national online survey was conducted over 6 months between 31 August 2021 and 1 March 2022 and responses to vaccination status were categorised as: 'vaccinated', 'vaccine intended' and 'vaccine hesitant'. The data were weighted to reflect the proportion of women of reproductive age. Potential confounding variables were examined using multinomial logistic regression analyses, and all comparisons were made against vaccinated pregnant and postnatal women. PARTICIPANTS: 2140 women responded to the survey (838 pregnant; 1302 recently post partum). RESULTS: Amongst pregnant women, 586 (69.9%) were vaccinated, 166 (19.8%) indicated intention and 86 (10.3%) were hesitant. In postnatal women, this was 1060 (81.4%), 143 (11.0%) and 99 (7.6%), respectively. Only 52 (6.2%) of pregnant women stated never wanting a COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine hesitancy increased over time, and for pregnant women was associated with: living in a state other than New South Wales (NSW) (Adjusted Relative Risk (ARR) 2.77, 95%CI: 1.68-4.56 for vaccine intention and ARR=3.31, 95%CI: 1.52-7.20 for vaccine hesitancy), younger age <30 years, not having a university education, income <80K AUD, gestation <28 weeks, having no pregnancy risk factors, and being less satisfied with life (ARR=2.20, 95%CI: 1.04-4.65 for vaccine intention and ARR=2.53, 95%CI: 1.02-6.25 for vaccine hesitancy) . For postnatal women: living in a state other than NSW or Victoria, income <80K AUD and having private obstetric care (ARR=2.06, 95%CI: 1.23-3.46) were significantly associated with vaccine hesitancy. CONCLUSIONS: Around 1 in 10 pregnant women and just over 1 in 13 postnatal women reported vaccine hesitancy in this Australian survey, and hesitancy was higher in the latter 3-month period. Tailored messages to younger mothers and those from lower-middle socioeconomic groups, alongside advice from midwives and obstetricians, could help to reduce hesitancy among pregnant and postnatal women. Financial incentives may help to facilitate COVID-19 vaccine uptake. A real-time surveillance system and additional pregnancy fields added to the Australian immunisation register would support the safety monitoring of multiple vaccines in pregnancy and may build confidence.

Prenatal maternal stress was not associated with birthweight or gestational age at birth during COVID-19 restrictions in Australia: The BITTOC longitudinal cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Various forms of prenatal maternal stress (PNMS) have been reported to increase risk for preterm birth and low birthweight. However, the associations between specific components of stress - namely objective hardship and subjective distress - and birth outcomes are not well understood. AIMS: Here, we aimed to determine the relationship between birthweight and gestational age at birth and specific prenatal factors (infant gender and COVID-19 pandemic-related objective hardship, subjective distress, change in diet), and to determine whether effects of hardship are moderated by maternal subjective distress, change in diet, or infant gender. MATERIALS AND METHODS: As part of the Birth in the Time of COVID (BITTOC study), women (N = 2285) who delivered in Australia during the pandemic were recruited online between August 2020 and February 2021. We assessed objective hardship and subjective distress related to the COVID pandemic and restrictions, and birth outcomes through questionnaires that were completed at recruitment and two months post-partum. Analyses included hierarchical multiple regressions. RESULTS: No associations between maternal objective hardship or subjective distress and gestational age at birth or birthweight were identified. Lower birthweight was significantly associated with female gender (adjusted ß = 0.083, P < 0.001) and with self-reported improvement in maternal diet (adjusted ß = 0.059, P = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: In a socioeconomically advantaged sample, neither objective hardship nor subjective distress related to COVID-19 were associated with birth outcomes. Further research is warranted to understand how other individual factors influence susceptibility to PNMS and how these findings are applicable to women with lower socioeconomic status.

"You are either with me on this or not": A meta-ethnography of the influence birth partners and care-providers have on coping strategies learned in childbirth education and used by women during labour.

BACKGROUND: Childbirth education, which includes providing information and practical techniques to help manage childbirth, aims to support women and their birth partners. It is unknown how birth partners and care providers influence the utilisation of childbirth education information and techniques during women's labour and birth. AIM: To explore the literature that investigates the influence that birth partners and care-providers have on the application of childbirth education information and techniques used by women during childbirth. METHODS: A meta-ethnography was performed using a systematic synthesis of reciprocal translation and refutational investigation. There were 22 papers included in the final synthesis. Quality appraisal was undertaken using the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (JBIQARI) quality appraisal tool for qualitative studies. FINDINGS: An over-arching theme of 'you are either with me on this or not' emerged from the data, which expressed the positive and negative influences on the use of childbirth education information and techniques during labour and birth. The influence of birth partners was captured in the themes 'stepping up to their full potential' and 'a spare part'. The themes 'in alignment with the woman' and 'managed by another' were conceptualised from the data in relation to care-providers' influence. A theme, 'the right fit', described organisational and contextual influences. CONCLUSION: Birth partners and care-providers who are present during a woman's labour have significant potential to influence her use of childbirth education strategies in labour, which provides important insights for translation of evidence into practice.

Breastfeeding grief after chest masculinisation mastectomy and detransition: A case report with lessons about unanticipated harm.

An increasing number of young females are undergoing chest masculinsation mastectomy to affirm a gender identity and/or to relieve gender dysphoria. Some desist in their transgender identification and/or become reconciled with their sex, and then revert (or detransition). To the best of our knowledge, this report presents the first published case of a woman who had chest masculinisation surgery to affirm a gender identity as a trans man, but who later detransitioned, became pregnant and grieved her inability to breastfeed. She described a lack of understanding by maternity health providers of her experience and the importance she placed on breastfeeding. Subsequent poor maternity care contributed to her distress. The absence of breast function as a consideration in transgender surgical literature is highlighted. That breastfeeding is missing in counselling and consent guidelines for chest masculinisation mastectomy is also described as is the poor quality of existing research on detransition rates and benefit or otherwise of chest masculinising mastectomy. Recommendations are made for improving maternity care for detransitioned women. Increasing numbers of chest masculinsation mastectomies will likely be followed by more new mothers without functioning breasts who will require honest, knowledgeable, and compassionate support.

Model of care matters: An integrative review.

BACKGROUND: Pregnant women are entitled to quality care during pregnancy. Some health districts offer a variety of maternity care models but, not all women are aware of what is available and there is limited research on the experiences of women within their chosen or allocated model of care. AIM: The aim of this integrative review is to explore the available literature on women's experiences of the model of care accessed during pregnancy. METHOD: A database search of CINAHL, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, OVID, JBI and Cochrane Database was conducted to identify original research articles published in English between 2011 and 2021. In total, 20 articles met the inclusion criteria. FINDINGS: The included papers came from nine different countries and reported on eight different models of care. Following analysis of the articles one overarching theme 'Model of care matters', and six sub themes were identified: 1.'Choosing a model', 2.'Learning about pregnancy and birth', 3.'Being known', 4.'Making social and emotional connections', 5.'Receiving enabling or disabling care' and 6.'Integrated care is best'. Some women disclosed that they had no choice in the model they were allocated, while others stated they were not provided with information about all available models of care. CONCLUSION: A lack of integrated care between medical and midwifery models led to feelings of dissatisfaction and distress during pregnancy. Positive experiences were reported when women developed a connection with the care provider. The development of a well-informed decision aid could alleviate deficits of information, and clarify the subtle differences that occur within various models.