Inpatient midwifery staffing levels and postpartum readmissions: a retrospective multicentre longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Preventing readmission to hospital after giving birth is a key priority, as rates have been rising along with associated costs. There are many contributing factors to readmission, and some are thought to be preventable. Nurse and midwife understaffing has been linked to deficits in care quality. This study explores the relationship between staffing levels and readmission rates in maternity settings. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective longitudinal study using routinely collected individual patient data in three maternity services in England from 2015 to 2020. Data on admissions, discharges and case-mix were extracted from hospital administration systems. Staffing and workload were calculated in Hours Per Patient day per shift in the first two 12-hour shifts of the index (birth) admission. Postpartum readmissions and staffing exposures for all birthing admissions were entered into a hierarchical multivariable logistic regression model to estimate the odds of readmission when staffing was below the mean level for the maternity service. RESULTS: 64 250 maternal admissions resulted in birth and 2903 mothers were readmitted within 30 days of discharge (4.5%). Absolute levels of staffing ranged between 2.3 and 4.1 individuals per midwife in the three services. Below average midwifery staffing was associated with higher rates of postpartum readmissions within 7 days of discharge (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.108, 95% CI 1.003 to 1.223). The effect was smaller and not statistically significant for readmissions within 30 days of discharge (aOR 1.080, 95% CI 0.994 to 1.174). Below average maternity assistant staffing was associated with lower rates of postpartum readmissions (7 days, aOR 0.957, 95% CI 0.867 to 1.057; 30 days aOR 0.965, 95% CI 0.887 to 1.049, both not statistically significant). CONCLUSION: We found evidence that lower than expected midwifery staffing levels is associated with more postpartum readmissions. The nature of the relationship requires further investigation including examining potential mediating factors and reasons for readmission in maternity populations.

Characteristics and treatment for severe postpartum haemorrhage in different midwifery hospitals in one district of Beijing in China: an institution-based, retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the characteristics and treatment approaches for patients with severe postpartum haemorrhage (SPPH) in various midwifery institutions in one district in Beijing, especially those without identifiable antenatal PPH high-risk factors, to improve regional SPPH rescue capacity. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: This study was conducted at 9 tertiary-level hospitals and 10 secondary-level hospitals in Haidian district of Beijing from January 2019 to December 2022. PARTICIPANTS: The major inclusion criterion was SPPH with blood loss ≥1500 mL or needing a packed blood product transfusion ≥1000 mL within 24 hours after birth. A total of 324 mothers with SPPH were reported to the Regional Obstetric Quality Control Office from 19 midwifery hospitals. OUTCOME MEASURES: The pregnancy characteristics collected included age at delivery, gestational weeks at delivery, height, parity, delivery mode, antenatal PPH high-risk factors, aetiology of PPH, bleeding amount, PPH complications, transfusion volume and PPH management. SPPH characteristics were compared between two levels of midwifery hospitals and their association with antenatal PPH high-risk factors was determined. RESULTS: SPPH was observed in 324 mothers out of 106 697 mothers in the 4 years. There were 74.4% and 23.9% cases of SPPH without detectable antenatal PPH high-risk factors in secondary and tertiary midwifery hospitals, respectively. Primary uterine atony was the leading cause of SPPH in secondary midwifery hospitals, whereas placental-associated disorders were the leading causes in tertiary institutions. Rates of red blood cell transfusion over 10 units, unscheduled returns to the operating room and adverse PPH complications were higher in patients without antenatal PPH high-risk factors. Secondary hospitals had significantly higher rates of trauma compared with tertiary institutions. CONCLUSION: Examining SPPH cases at various institutional levels offers a more comprehensive view of regional SPPH management and enhances targeted training in this area.

Auricular Acupressure on Breast Pain Among Breastfeeding Mothers Receiving Gentle Hand Techniques: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Sham-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Auricular acupressure influences pain reduction in patients with diseases. However, study results on its influence on breast pain, common among breastfeeding mothers, are insufficient. RESEARCH AIM: This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of auricular acupressure on breast pain among breastfeeding mothers who also received a standard gentle hand technique. METHODS: This was a placebo-controlled study wherein auricular acupressure was provided for 4 weeks to 52 breastfeeding mothers consulting a local breastfeeding clinic. In the intervention group, auricular acupressure was applied to specific acupoints, including Shenmen, central rim, breast, and endocrine, which are related to breast pain and postpartum lactation. For the placebo control group, auricular acupressure was applied to acupoints not related to breast pain. The degree of breast pain was assessed using a numeric rating scale and a pressure algometer. RESULTS: After 4 weeks of auricular acupressure, numeric rating scale pain scores did not show a significant change. However, the pressure pain threshold for the upper left (Z = -2.202, p = .028) and upper right (t = 2.613, p = .012) areas of the right breast increased significantly in the intervention group. CONCLUSION: This study employed subjective and objective measurements to evaluate the efficacy of auricular acupressure in alleviating breast pain. The intervention shows potential as a nursing measure. Further research is required to determine the optimal intervention duration and frequency, particularly for breastfeeding parents with severe pain, and to evaluate long-term outcomes.

An exploration of the contraceptive counselling practices of midwives who provide postpartum care in Australia.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to explore and describe midwives' attitudes and practices relating to their provision of postpartum contraception counselling. DESIGN: We used an exploratory cross-sectional design. Recruitment used an anonymous online survey using electronic communication platforms of professional, and special-interest organisations, over six months . Descriptive and quantitative analysis was used. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Australian Midwives who provide postpartum care. MEANING AND FINDINGS: A total of 289 complete responses were included. Findings from this national survey of midwives showed that almost 75% of Australian midwives reported providing some contraceptive advice to women. Those working in continuity of care models were significantly more likely to fulfil this responsibility. More than half (67%) indicated they had not received any formal contraception education or training. Those working in private obstetric-led settings were significantly less likely to have received education compared to midwives in community settings. Systems barriers preventing the provision of contraceptive counselling included: clinical workload; lack of management support; lack of education; and models of care. KEY CONCLUSIONS: Most midwives (82%) wanted to provide postpartum contraception counselling as part of their role. They cited barriers from within the health system, ambiguity about roles and responsibilities and offered solutions to improve the provision of postnatal contraception counselling. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Recommendations include the development of education programs for midwives. Continuity of care models provided the time, autonomy and opportunity for midwives to undertake contraceptive counselling and fulfil this part of their professional scope. Consideration should be given to expanding access and provision of continuity of midwifery care. An urgent investment in the education and skills of midwives is recommended to ensure all women across acute and community services benefit from improved outcomes associated with pregnancy spacing.

Risk Factors and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Chinese Women with Postpartum Diastasis Recti Abdominis: An Observational Study.

Purpose: Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is a condition in which the linea alba is stretched and widened, and the abdominal muscles are separated from each other. DRA typically occurs in pregnant and postpartum women. We aimed to determine the risk factors and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of DRA in Chinese postpartum women. Methods: This observational study was conducted in Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and involved 534 women who filled out the following risk-factor and PRO questionnaires: SF-MPQ-2, SF-ICIQ, LDQ, EPDS, MBIS, HerQles, and SF-36 (all Chinese versions). The inter-recti distance was measured by palpation. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v25.0 software and the Mann-Whitney U-test, chi-square test, binary logistic regression analysis (for risk factors of DRA), and the Kendall and Spearman tests (for correlation analysis). Results: After childbirth, 78.1% (417/534) of the enrolled women had DRA. Abdominal surgery (P = 0.002), number of pregnancies (P = 0.035), parity (P = 0.012), number of births (P = 0.02), fetal birth weight (P = 0.014), and waist-to-hip ratio in the supine position (P = 0.045) significantly differed between the DRA and non-DRA groups. Caesarean delivery was an independent risk factor for DRA. The PROs were significantly worse in the DRA group than in the non-DRA group. Conclusion: Caesarean delivery was an independent risk factor for DRA. Women with DRA are more likely to have limited physical activity or function after childbirth, lower self-confidence, and a decreased quality of life.

Perinatal Telehealth: Meeting Patients Where They Are.

INTRODUCTION: Prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, studies of innovative telehealth perinatal care models showed similar clinical outcomes and perceived quality of care between groups receiving a combination of virtual video and in-person visits. However, these studies included primarily White, English-speaking participants, excluding those who were economically disenfranchised or did not speak English. The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe perinatal patients' and providers' experiences with telehealth during and after the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic to inform future utilization of telehealth to drive the delivery of high-quality, accessible, and equitable perinatal care to diverse communities. METHODS: This descriptive qualitative study included a purposive sample of 14 patients and 17 providers who received or provided perinatal care via telehealth in either a certified nurse-midwifery practice or the nurse-family partnership care model between March 2020 and April 2022. Maximum variation sampling offered a diverse population based on race, ethnicity, and rurality. Researchers conducted 2 rounds of semistructured interviews with a focus on understanding social and geographic context. RESULTS: Six themes were identified through inductive analysis: (1) unexpected advantages of telehealth, (2) patient empowerment, (3) providers' fear of adverse outcomes, (4) concern for equitable care, (5) strategies to enhance the telehealth experience, and (6) strategies to address access to perinatal telehealth. Patients appreciated the increased ease and reduced cost of accessing visits, which led to fewer missed appointments. Health care providers saw great opportunity in telehealth but expressed concerns about accessibility for patients with language barriers or limited resources. DISCUSSION: This study provides insight into priorities for continued telehealth utilization focused on providing equitable access to perinatal care. Rather than returning to practices from before the COVID-19 pandemic formed from longstanding routines and perceived limitations, providers are encouraged to capitalize on the rapid innovations in telehealth to build a more effective, equitable, and patient-centered approach to perinatal care.

A Systematic Review of Interventions for Prevention and Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Following Childbirth.

Objective: Postpartum women can develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in response to complicated, traumatic childbirth; prevalence of these events remains high in the U.S. Currently, there is no recommended treatment approach in routine peripartum care for preventing maternal childbirth-related PTSD (CB-PTSD) and lessening its severity. Here, we provide a systematic review of available clinical trials testing interventions for the prevention and indication of CB-PTSD. Data Sources: We conducted a systematic review of PsycInfo, PsycArticles, PubMed (MEDLINE), ClinicalTrials.gov, CINAHL, ProQuest, Sociological Abstracts, Google Scholar, Embase, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Scopus through December 2022 to identify clinical trials involving CB-PTSD prevention and treatment. Study Eligibility Criteria: Trials were included if they were interventional, evaluated CB-PTSD preventive strategies or treatments, and reported outcomes assessing CB-PTSD symptoms. Duplicate studies, case reports, protocols, active clinical trials, and studies of CB-PTSD following stillbirth were excluded. Study Appraisal and Synthesis Methods: Two independent coders evaluated trials using a modified Downs and Black methodological quality assessment checklist. Sample characteristics and related intervention information were extracted via an Excel-based form. Results: A total of 33 studies, including 25 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 8 non-RCTs, were included. Trial quality ranged from Poor to Excellent. Trials tested psychological therapies most often delivered as secondary prevention against CB-PTSD onset (n=21); some examined primary (n=3) and tertiary (n=9) therapies. Positive treatment effects were found for early interventions employing conventional trauma-focused therapies, psychological counseling, and mother-infant dyadic focused strategies. Therapies' utility to aid women with severe acute traumatic stress symptoms or reduce incidence of CB-PTSD diagnosis is unclear, as is whether they are effective as tertiary intervention. Educational birth plan-focused interventions during pregnancy may improve maternal health outcomes, but studies remain scarce. Conclusions: An array of early psychological therapies delivered in response to traumatic childbirth, rather than universally, in the first postpartum days and weeks, may potentially buffer CB-PTSD development. Rather than one treatment being suitable for all, effective therapy should consider individual-specific factors. As additional RCTs generate critical information and guide recommendations for first-line preventive treatments for CB-PTSD, the psychiatric consequences associated with traumatic childbirth could be lessened.

Experiências de puerpério hospitalar imediato na pandemia de Covid-19: histórias contadas pelas mulheres / Experiences of immediate hospital postpartum during the Covid-19 pandemic: stories told by women

Resumo: A pandemia de covid-19 impôs alterações à sociedade, impactando na assistência prestada ao parto, nascimento e puerpério, refletindo na experiência das mulheres. Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever a experiência de puerpério imediato de mulheres na pandemia da covid-19 em maternidade pública de Curitiba- PR, sul do Brasil". De abordagem qualitativa seguindo o método História Oral Temática, segundo Meihy e Holanda (2017), à luz do referencial teórico dos paradigmas de assistência ao parto e nascimento conforme Robbie Davis Floyd (2001). O estudo ocorreu em uma maternidade de ensino pública de Curitiba- Paraná. O recrutamento das participantes se deu por convite verbal individual com a coleta de dados orientada por entrevista semiestruturada audiogravada dos relatos. Cada entrevista ocorreu em sala reservada na maternidade entre os meses de outubro a dezembro de 2021 e iniciou após aprovação pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da instituição. Houve devolutiva do texto para conferência e autorização de cada participante. A análise das entrevistas seguiu as orientações do método que compreende as etapas de transcrição absoluta, textualização e transcriação com a elaboração da versão final dos textos, que foram lidos de forma flutuante para uma aproximação com seu conteúdo. Depois, foram lidos inúmeras vezes a fim de elencar temas convergentes entre elas. Assim, emergiram das narrativas quatro Temas Relevantes. Houve triangulação da leitura das entrevistas por duas outras pesquisadoras que corroboraram os temas. Como resultados, participaram nove mulheres no puerpério imediato, com profissões variadas e idade entre 25 e 34 anos. Os Temas Relevantes foram "Maternar num contexto de risco" que fala sobre o medo e preocupação com características próprias da pandemia, tais como a contaminação pelo vírus, vacinação e alterações nas rotinas da maternidade; "Percepções físicas e simbólicas do aleitamento materno" que inclui a experiência de aleitamento materno e o valor que as participantes atribuem à esta prática; "Conseguir: verbo transitivo direto e indireto" em que as participantes trouxeram sobre o poder de parturição e "Nuances do cuidar" que aborda mais diretamente aspectos dos modelos assistenciais tecnocrático e humanístico. Com a pesquisa considera-se que a experiência de puerpério imediato teve a pandemia como elemento causador de medo e preocupação. Evidenciou-se características do modelo assistencial tecnocrático e do humanístico com aspectos tais como a escolha informada e o acolhimento e escuta da mulher a serem fomentados na assistência obstétrica. Considera-se que a experiência de puerpério imediato está fortemente conectada a todo caminho anterior percorrido pela mulher na gestação e no parto, tendo esse ciclo um caráter imanente, experiência excelsa que propulsiona a mulher para outro momento de vida.

Abstract: The covid-19 pandemic imposed changes on society, affecting the assistance provided to labor, birth, and the postpartum period, reflecting on women's experience. This study aimed to describe the experience of the immediate postpartum period of women during the covid-19 pandemic in a public maternity hospital in Curitiba-PR, southern Brazil. Of qualitative approach follows the Thematic Oral History method, according to Meihy and Holanda (2017), in the light of the theoretical referential of the paradigms of assistance to labor and birth according to Robbie Davis-Floyd (2001). The study was conducted in a public teaching maternity hospital in Curitiba-Paraná. The recruitment of the participants took place by individual verbal invitation with data collection guided by semi-structured audiorecorded interviews of the reports. Each interview occurred in a reserved room in the maternity hospital between October and December 2021 and began after approval by the Research Ethics Committee of the institution. The text was returned to each participant for checking and authorization. The analysis of the interviews followed the guidelines of the method that comprises the steps of absolute transcription, textualization, and transcription with the elaboration of the final version of the texts, which were read in a floating manner for an approximation of their content. Then, they were read several times to list the convergent themes among them. Thus, four Relevant Themes emerged from the narratives. There was a triangulation of the reading of the interviews by two other researchers who corroborated the themes. As a result, nine women participated in the immediate puerperium, with varied professions and ages between 25 and 34 years. The Relevant Themes were "Mothering in a context of risk" which talks about the fear and concern with characteristics of the pandemic, such as contamination by the virus, vaccination, and changes in the routines of motherhood; "Physical and symbolic perceptions of breastfeeding" which includes the experience of breastfeeding and the value that the participants attribute to this practice; "To achieve: the direct and indirect transitive verb" in which the participants brought about the power of parturition and "Nuances of care" which more directly addresses aspects of the technocratic and humanistic care models. The research considered that the experience of the immediate puerperium had the pandemic as a causative element of fear and concern. Characteristics of the technocratic and humanistic models of care were evidenced, with aspects such as informed choice and welcoming and listening to the woman to be promoted in obstetric care. The experience of the immediate postpartum period is connected in a strong way to all the previous paths taken by the woman during pregnancy and childbirth, with this cycle having an immanent character. This sublime experience propels the woman to another moment of life.

Resumen: La pandemia del covid-19 impuso cambios en la sociedad, impactando la asistencia ofrecida durante el parto, nacimiento y puerperio, reflejándose en la experiencia de las mujeres. Este estudio objetivó describir la experiencia del puerperio inmediato en mujeres durante la pandemia de covid-19 en una maternidad pública en Curitiba-PR, al sur de Brasil". Este estudio posee un enfoque cualitativo, siguiendo el método de la Historia Oral Temática, bajo preceptos de Meihy y Holanda (2017), y a la luz del marco teórico de los paradigmas de atención al parto y nacimiento según Robbie Davis-Floyd (2001). El local de investigación fue una maternidad pública de CuritibaParaná. Los participantes fueron reclutados por invitación verbal individual, con la recolección de datos guiada por una entrevista semiestructurada grabada en audio. Cada entrevista se llevó a cabo en una habitación privada dentro de la maternidad una vez recibida la aprobación del Comité de Ética en Investigación de la institución, siendo el periodo de e recolecta especifico entre octubre y diciembre de 2021. Una vez transcrito cada audio el texto fue devuelto para conferencia y autorización de cada participante. El análisis de las entrevistas siguió los lineamientos del método que comprende las etapas de transcripción absoluta, textualización y transcreación con la elaboración de la versión final de los textos, los cuales fueron leídos de forma fluctuante para una aproximación con su contenido. Posteriormente, fueron leídos repetidas con la finalidad de identificar los temas convergentes entre ellos. De esta manera, surgieron cuatro Temas Relevantes de las narraciones. Se realizó una triangulación de la lectura de las entrevistas por otros tres investigadores que corroboraron los temas. Como resultado participaron nueve mujeres en puerperio inmediato, con variadas profesiones y con edades entre 25 y 34 años. Los Temas Relevantes fueron "Maternidad en un contexto de riesgo", que describe el miedo y la preocupación por las características de la pandemia, como la contaminación con el virus, la vacunación y los cambios en las rutinas de la maternidad; "Percepciones físicas y simbólicas de la lactancia materna", trayendo la experiencia de amamantar y el valor que los participantes le atribuyen a esta práctica; "Conseguir: verbo transitivo directo e indirecto" en el que los participantes incidieron en el poder del parto y "Matices del cuidar" abordando de manera más directa aspectos de los modelos tecnocráticos y humanísticos del cuidado. Mediante esta investigación, se llegó a la consideración de que la experiencia del posparto inmediato tuvo a la pandemia como un elemento que generador de miedo y preocupación. Se evidenciaron características de los modelos de atención tecnocráticos y humanísticos, con aspectos como la elección informada, la acogida y la escucha activa de estas mujeres lo cual debe ser fomentado en la atención obstétrica. Se considera que la experiencia del puerperio inmediato está fuertemente ligada a todo el camino previo recorrido por la mujer durante el embarazo y el parto, teniendo este ciclo un carácter inmanente, una experiencia sublime que impulsa a la mujer a otro momento de la vida.

Antenatal perineal massage - risk of perineal injuries, pain, urinary incontinence and dyspereunia - a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Natural childbirth is associated with the risk of damage to the perineum - a tears or a episiotomy. Adequate preparation of the woman for childbirth is essential to minimize the occurrence of perinatal injuries. AIM: The aim of the review is to assess and analyze the impact of APM (antental perineal massage) on perinatal perineal injuries and the development of pelvic pain and other complications in postpartum women, such as dyspareunia, urinary (UI), gas (GI), and fecal incontinence (FI). METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase were searched. Three authors independently searched databases and selected articles for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Next one author did Risk of Bias 2 and ROBINS 1 analyze. FINDINGS: Of 711 articles, 18 publications were left for the review. All 18 studies examined the risk of perineal injuries (tearing and episiotomy), 7 pain in postpartum period, 6 postpartum urinary, gas/fecal incontinence and 2 described dyspareunia. Most authors described APM from 34 weeks of pregnancy until delivery. There were different techniques and times for doing APM procedures. DISCUSSION: APM has many benefits for women during labor and the postpartum period (e.g. lower rate of perineal injuries and pain). However, it can be observed that individual publications differ from each other in the time of massage, the period and frequency of its performance, the form of obtaining instruction and control of patients. These components may affect the results obtained. CONCLUSION: APM can protects the perineum from injuries during labor. It also reduces risk of fecal and gas incontinence in postpartum period.

Pregnancy and postpartum experiences of women undergoing hemodialysis: a qualitative study / Experiências de gravidez e puerpério de mulheres em hemodiálise: um estudo qualitativo

ABSTRACT Introduction: There are particularities of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in women and their treatment. The biology of women exposes them to greater risk factors for CKD and both pregnancy and the postpartum period place an additional burden on renal health. Pregnancy complications may cause or worsen CKD. Objective: To explore the experiences of women with CKD undergoing hemodialysis in relation to their reproductive history. Methods: This study consisted of clinical-qualitative design with semi-structured individual interviews and open-ended questions. The sample selection was intentional and according to the theoretical saturation criterion. The data analysis was carried out based on the seven steps of the clinical-qualitative content analysis and validated by Nvivo11. This study was conducted in a public hemodialysis clinic of the Brazilian National Health System. Results: Twelve women undergoing hemodialysis were interviewed. The results from the analysis revealed three categories: 1) Association of pregnancy with CKD; 2) Nebulosity in relation to diagnosis and reproductive history 3) Being a woman undergoing hemodialysis. Conclusion: Our study showed the importance of considering the specificities of CKD in women, suggesting that these issues are important for diagnosis and treatment adherence. Consideration of reproductive life history allows the health of women undergoing hemodialysis to be promoted holistically, including aspects of mental health.

Resumo Introdução: Existem particularidades da doença renal crônica (DRC) em mulheres e seu tratamento. A biologia das mulheres as expõe a fatores de risco mais elevados para DRC e tanto a gravidez quanto o puerpério implicam um ônus adicional à saúde renal. Complicações na gestação podem causar ou piorar a DRC. Objetivo: Explorar as experiências de mulheres com DRC submetidas à hemodiálise em relação ao seu histórico reprodutivo. Métodos: Este estudo consistiu em desenho clínico-qualitativo com entrevistas individuais semiestruturadas e questões abertas. A seleção da amostra foi intencional e de acordo com o critério de saturação teórica. A análise de dados foi realizada com base nos sete passos da análise clínico-qualitativa de conteúdo e validada pelo Nvivo11. Este estudo foi realizado em uma clínica pública de hemodiálise do Sistema Único de Saúde brasileiro. Resultados: Foram entrevistadas 12 mulheres em hemodiálise. Os resultados da análise revelaram três categorias: 1) Associação da gravidez com DRC; 2) Nebulosidade em relação ao diagnóstico e à história reprodutiva; 3) Ser mulher e fazer hemodiálise. Conclusões: Nosso estudo mostrou a importância de considerar as especificidades da DRC em mulheres, sugerindo que estas questões são importantes para o diagnóstico e a adesão ao tratamento. A consideração do histórico de vida reprodutiva permite promover de forma holística a saúde das mulheres submetidas à hemodiálise, incluindo aspectos de saúde mental.

Effect of antenatal omega-3 supplementation on maternal depressive symptoms from pregnancy to 6 months postpartum: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted with sixty pregnant women to evaluate the effect of antenatal omega-3 supplementation on maternal depressive symptoms from pregnancy to 6 months postpartum. METHODS: Participants with gestational age between 22 and 24 weeks were randomized in placebo (olive oil; n = 30) or omega-3 (fish oil; n = 30) groups and supplemented until childbirth. Fish oil capsules provided 1440 mg/day of docosahexaenoic acid. Depressive symptoms were evaluated during the gestational period: (G1) 22-24 weeks; (G2) 26-28 weeks; (G3) 30-32 weeks; (G4) 34-36 weeks; and postpartum: (P1) second week; (P2) first month; (P3) fourth month; and (P4) sixth month, using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses were performed using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE). RESULTS: Comparison between groups showed no differences in the EPDS score at any time during pregnancy or postpartum, in both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis (p > 0.05). Both groups presented a reduction in the EPDS score over time. According to intention-to-treat analysis, when comparing to the baseline, the placebo group showed a reduction in the EPDS score at P1 and P4, while the omega-3 group showed a reduction at all times from G4 to P4. In per-protocol analysis, the placebo group showed a reduction in the EPDS score at P3, while the omega-3 group showed a reduction at all times from G2 to P4. CONCLUSIONS: The supplementation with omega-3 did not promote significant differences between groups. However, an earlier reduction in the EPDS score was observed in the omega-3 group, which may indicate a benefit of antenatal omega-3 supplementation.

Relationship Between Location of Pregnancy-Related and Postpartum-Related Back Pain and Limitations of Daily Activities and Work Participation.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to (1) examine if the location of pregnancy-related back pain impacts activities of daily living and absence from work and (2) determine which types of pain were more likely to persist postpartum. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of data from an observational cohort study. Data were collected in Ontario between 2013 and 2014. Four pain location groups were identified, including low back pain (LBP), pelvic girdle pain (PGP), combined pain, and mixed pain. Logistic regression models were used to examine the impact of pain location on activity and absence from work. Descriptive analyses explored the association between pregnancy pain location and postpartum pain patterns. RESULTS: We surveyed 305 pregnant participants and followed up with 80 of these participants up to 6 months postpartum. Data analysis showed approximately a 2-fold increase in interference with employment (outside the home) and self-grooming for those with combined pain compared to those only experiencing LBP. Respondents with PGP and combined PGP and LBP had approximately a 5-fold increased likelihood of absence from work compared to respondents with only LBP; those with a mixture of LBP and PGP had a 13-fold increase in likelihood. Approximately 50% of respondents reported being pain-free, 16% experienced lingering pain, and 38% experienced persistent pain within 6 months postpartum. Those with combined pain during pregnancy continued to have persistent pain up to 6 months postpartum. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the location of pregnancy-related back pain is associated with interference in daily activities, an increase in absence from work, and the persistence of postpartum pain. For this cohort, back pain did not always resolve after delivery, and those experiencing pregnancy-related combined pain continued to experience symptoms postpartum.

Prácticas culturales de cuidado en el binomio madre-hijo durante el puerperio: Revisión integrativa / Cultural practices of care in the binomial mother-child during the puerperium: Integrative review / Práticas culturais de cuidado no binômio mãe-filho durante o puerpério: Revisão integrativa

Resumen Objetivo: identificar en la literatura las prácticas culturales de cuidado postnatal que realizan las mujeres y su familia durante el puerperio. Metodología: se realizó una revisión integrativa a través de búsqueda en las bases de datos: Gale Cengage Learning, Scielo, Redalyc, Dialnet, EBSCO, Proquest, Science Direct, PubMed y Medigraphic en idiomas inglés, español y portugués entre 2014 y 2019, utilizando los términos: prácticas de cuidado cultural, cuidado en el puerperio, cuidado al recién nacido y cuidado de enfermería materno perinatal; los datos se analizaron a partir de la construcción de una matriz en Excel. Resultados: se obtuvieron 70 artículos, de los cuales emergieron cuatro categorías temáticas de prácticas de cuidado cultural: cuidado de la mujer consigo misma, cuidado del neonato por la madre/familia, cuidado institucional de la puérpera y del neonato, siendo la lactancia materna el factor común entre las ellas. Conclusiones: la identificación de diversas prácticas de cuidado postnatal en el ámbito hospitalario y ambulatorio varían por aspectos sociales, económicos y culturales, pero la mayoría de ellas favorecen el vínculo con el neonato. Es difícil establecer prácticas culturales generalizadas y estáticas en Colombia, debido a la diversidad cultural dentro de cada país.

Abstract Objective: To identify in the literature the cultural practices of postnatal care carried out by women and their families during the puerperium. Methodology: an integrative review was carried out through a search in the Gale Cengage Learning, Scielo, Redalyc, Dialnet, EBSCO, Proquest, Science Direct, PubMed and Medigraphic databases in English, Spanish and Portuguese between 2014 and 2019, using the terms: cultural care practices, puerperium care, newborn care and maternal and perinatal nursing care. The data were analyzed from the construction of a matrix in Excel. Results: A total of 70 articles were obtained, from which four thematic categories of cultural care practices emerged: self-care of the woman, care of the newborn by the mother/family, institutional care of the puerperal woman and the newborn, with breastfeeding being the common factor among them. Conclusions: the identification of different postnatal care practices in the hospital and outpatient settings varies according to social, economic and cultural aspects, but most of them favor bonding with the newborn. It is difficult to establish generalized and static cultural practices in Colombia due to the cultural diversity within each country.

Resumo Objetivo: identificar na literatura as práticas culturais de cuidado post natal que realizam as mulheres e sua família durante o puerpério. Metodologia: Realizou-se uma revisão integrativa a través de busca nas bases de dados: Gale Cengage Learning, Scielo, Redalyc, Dialnet, EBSCO, Proquest, Science Direct, PubMed e Medigraphic em idiomas inglês, espanhol e português entre 2014 e 2019, utilizando os termos: práticas de cuidado cultural, cuidado no puerpério, cuidado ao recém-nascido e cuidado de enfermaria materna perinatal; os dados se analisaram a partir da construção de uma matriz em Excel. Resultados: obtiveram-se 70 artigos, dos quais emergiram quatro categorias temáticas de práticas de cuidado cultural: cuidado da mulher consigo mesma, cuidado do neonato pela mãe/família, cuidado institucional da puérpera e do neonato, sendo a lactância materna o fator comum entre elas. Conclusões: a identificação de diversas práticas de cuidado pós-natal no âmbito hospitalário e ambulatório variam por aspeitos sociais, econômicos e culturais, mas a maioria de elas favorece o vínculo com o neonato. É difícil estabelecer práticas culturais generalizadas e estáticas na Colômbia, devido à diversidade cultural dentro de cada país.

Dyadic Care Mobile Units: A Collaborative Midwifery and Pediatric Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Often dubbed the fourth trimester, the first 6 weeks of the postpartum period is a critical time that sets the stage for future health outcomes for both women and children. Leading maternal and child health advocates agree that intervention in the first 6 weeks of life is crucial. Although most new parents prioritize their newborn's well-care, many postpartum patients do not attend appointments for themselves, missing critical opportunities for identification and treatment of leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. Racial disparities in rates of postpartum complications highlight the increased importance of close postpartum follow-up for women of color. Barriers to attending routine postpartum visits were exacerbated by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Additionally, in traditional models of care, maternal-infant dyads experience fragmented care across multiple departments and patient care settings and only 1 to 2 routine visits for the postpartum patient. To address the challenges of providing in-person postpartum care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Boston, the Midwifery Service, and the Pediatrics Department of Boston Medical Center partnered to launch a mobile postpartum clinic that provided comprehensive, high-touch, dyadic care to postpartum patients and newborns in the first 6 weeks of life. Integrative mobile visits catered to the interplay of maternal and newborn health in the early postpartum period, providing an average of 3 visits to each dyad. This novel clinic concept addresses structural inequities by decreasing barriers to care and reimagines an ideal state of postpartum dyadic care with frequent visits addressing the complete needs of each postpartum patient and newborn. For more than 2 decades, maternal health advocates have been calling for change from health care birth systems to improve health care outcomes. This collaborative, interdepartmental initiative-conceived in the context of a pandemic-is an answer to that call.

A Web-Based, Mindful, and Compassionate Parenting Training for Mothers Experiencing Parenting Stress: Results from a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of the Mindful Moment Program.

Objectives: Mindful Moment is a self-guided, web-based, mindful, and compassionate parenting training for postpartum mothers who experience parenting stress. We aimed to assess Mindful Moment's feasibility, acceptability, and usability, and to gather preliminary evidence of its effectiveness in reducing parenting stress and outcomes such as mindful parenting, self-compassion, depressive symptoms, anxious symptoms, dispositional mindfulness, mother's perception of infant temperament, and mother-infant bonding. Methods: This pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) was a two-arm trial and followed the CONSORT 2010, CONSORT-EHEALTH, and CONSORT-SPI 2018 extension guidelines. A total of 292 Portuguese mothers were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 146) or to the waiting list control group (n = 146) and completed baseline (T1) and postintervention (T2) self-reported assessments. Results: A total of 31 mothers (21.23%) completed the Mindful Moment intervention. Most mothers evaluated the program as good or excellent (90%), considered that Mindful Moment provided them the kind of help they expected or wanted (61%), were satisfied with the help provided by the program (74.6%), would recommend it to a friend in a similar situation (86.4%), and would use it again if needed (81.4%). Regarding the program's preliminary effectiveness, mothers in the intervention group presented a greater decrease in parenting stress, a greater increase in dispositional mindfulness, and a greater decrease in their perception of the difficult temperament of their infants from T1 to T2. Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence of the Mindful Moment's effectiveness and suggests that it is a feasible and acceptable program for postpartum mothers experiencing parenting stress. Further research is needed to confirm these results in a larger RCT. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04892082).

Detailed classification of second-degree perineal tears in the delivery ward: an inter-rater agreement study.

INTRODUCTION: Second-degree perineal tears can vary widely as to the extent of trauma, which may be relevant for women's pelvic floor health postpartum. However, the short- and long-term consequences of second-degree perineal tears are poorly understood, likely due to the lack of a detailed classification system. Such a classification system for second-degree tears has been suggested but the inter-rater agreement has not yet been assessed. The aim of this study was to assess the inter-rater agreement of the already established classification system for perineal tears recommended by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG classification) among midwives. Further, we aimed to assess the inter-rater agreement of a classification system that provides three sub-categories for second-degree perineal tears. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was an inter-rater agreement study, conducted at Akershus University Hospital in Norway from 31 August to 29 November 2020. All midwives working in the delivery ward participated in the study. Midwives classified the integrity of the perineum of all women delivering vaginally within the study period. During the first month of the study, tears were classified by two midwives who were blinded to each other's findings, and the agreement of the RCOG classification was assessed. The following month, the detailed classification system was introduced to the midwifery staff. The last month, perineal tears were classified by two midwives using the detailed classification system, and the agreement was assessed. Inter-rater agreement was measured using Fleiss multirater kappa (k) and Kendall's coefficient of concordance (KCCw ). RESULTS: The inter-rater agreement for the RCOG classification was good to very good, with k = 0.705 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62-0.79, P < 0.001), KCCw  = 0.928 (P < 0.001). The inter-rater agreement for the detailed classification system was good to very good, with k = 0.748 (95% CI 0.67-0.83, P < 0.001), KCCw  = 0.956 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The inter-rater agreement among midwives using both the RCOG classification and the detailed classification system among midwives was good to very good. The detailed classification system provides additional information about the extent of tissue trauma in second-degree tears, warranted for future research on women's pelvic floor health postpartum.

Self-compassion and mindful parenting among postpartum mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of depressive and anxious symptoms.

Self-compassion is an important psychological skill that may facilitate the adoption of a mindful way of parenting, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the association between these constructs may be explained by several variables, such as maternal psychopathological symptoms, with a well-established interference in parenting. This study aimed to compare mothers who experienced and mothers who did not experience a negative emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on self-compassion, mindful parenting, postpartum depressive symptoms (PPDS) and postpartum anxious symptoms (PPAS). We also explored whether mothers' self-compassion was associated with mindful parenting and whether this relationship may be mediated by PPDS and PPAS. A sample of 977 Portuguese mothers of infants aged between zero and six months completed an online survey between December 2020 and January 2021, a period of major pandemic-related restrictions. The survey included several self-report questionnaires that assessed sociodemographic, clinical, and COVID-19 information, self-compassion, mindful parenting, PPDS and PPAS. Mothers who reported having felt that the pandemic had a negative emotional impact during their postpartum period (79.5%) presented lower levels of self-compassion and mindful parenting, and higher levels of PPDS and PPAS. Regarding the mediation model, higher levels of self-compassion were related to higher levels of mindful parenting, and this association was mediated by lower levels of PPAS. These results highlight the relevance of mothers' self-compassion for helping them feel less anxious and to adopt a mindful way of parenting in the postpartum period, particularly during the pandemic. Compassion-based interventions may be particularly important in reducing PPAS and promoting mindful parenting and should be available to postpartum mothers, especially during, but also beyond the pandemic.

Terapias complementares no enfrentamento do estresse no período puerperal: revisão integrativa da literatura / Terapias complementarias en el afrontamiento del estrés en el período puerperal: una revisión integrador de la literatura / Complementary therapies facing stress in the puerperal period: integrative literature review

Objetivo: Identificar evidências científicas na literatura sobre o uso de terapias complementares no enfrentamento do estresse no período puerperal. Método : A coleta de dados foi realizada de janeiro a março de 2021.Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, utilizou-se estratégia PICO para elaboração da pergunta de pesquisa: Quais são as evidências científicas encontradas na literatura sobre o uso de terapias complementares como benefício para enfretamento de estresse no período puerperal? Utilizou-se as bases de dados: SciELO; LILACS; MEDLINE; CINAHL e EMBASE. Os descritores utilizados segundo DESC/ MESH foram: Período Pós-Parto, Terapias Complementares, Estresse Emocional e Estresse Psicológico. Resultados: Encontrados 49 artigos, dos quais 6 selecionados, dentre as práticas utilizadas 6 terapias complementares distintas foram identificadas: biofeedback ou bioenergética; acupressão; reflexologia; musicoterapia e yoga. Conclusão: Os resultados dos estudos confirmaram a existência de evidências de que terapias complementares são benéficas para o enfrentamento do estresse no período puerperal.(AU)

To identify scientific evidence in the literature on the use of complementary therapies in coping with stress in the puerperal period. Method: Data collection was carried out from January to March 2021. This is an integrative literature review, using the PICO strategy to prepare the research question: What is the scientific evidence found in the literature on the use of therapies supplements as a benefit for coping with stress in the puerperal period? The following databases were used: SciELO; LILACS; MEDLINE; CINAHL and EMBASE. The descriptors used according to DESC/MESH were: Postpartum Period, Complementary Therapies, Emotional Stress and Psychological Stress. Results: 49 articles were found, 6 of which were selected, among the practices used, 6 distinct complementary therapies were identified: biofeedback or bioenergetics; acupressure; reflexology; music therapy and yoga. Conclusion: The results of the studies(AU)

Objetivo: Identificar evidencia científica en la literatura sobre el uso de terapias complementarias en el afrontamiento del estrés en el puerperio. Método: La recolección de datos se realizó de enero a marzo de 2021. Se trata de una revisión integradora de la literatura, utilizando la estrategia PICO para preparar la pregunta de investigación: ¿Cuál es la evidencia científica encontrada en la literatura sobre el uso de terapias complementarias como beneficio para el afrontamiento? con estrés en el puerperio? Se utilizaron las siguientes bases de datos: SciELO; LILACS; MEDLINE; CINAHL y EMBASE. Los descriptores utilizados según DESC / MESH fueron: Posparto, Terapias complementarias, Estrés emocional y Estrés psicológico. Resultados: se encontraron 49 artículos, de los cuales se seleccionaron 6, entre las prácticas utilizadas, se identificaron 6 terapias complementarias distintas: biofeedback o bioenergética; acupresión reflexología; musicoterapia y yoga. Conclusión: Los resultados de los estudios confirmaron la existencia de evidencia de que las terapias complementarias son beneficiosas para afrontar el estrés en el puerperio.(AU)

Associations between breast implants and postpartum lactational mastitis in breastfeeding women: retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the putative associations between breast implants and postpartum lactational mastitis. DESIGN: Observational retrospective study. SETTING: Digital database of Maccabi Healthcare Services, integrated health maintenance organisation in Israel. POPULATION: Breastfeeding mothers from 2003 to 2016 based on an initial health maintenance organisation data set of 28 383 singleton live births in Israel. METHODS: Multivariate analysis and propensity score matching were used to test the extent to which breast implants were associated with lactational mastitis during the 6-month postpartum period in breastfeeding mothers. Analyses for potential confounders were adjusted for socio-economic status, smoking and parity. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Lactational mastitis among breastfeeding women with breast implants compared with women without breast implants. RESULTS: Mothers with breast implants (n = 6099) were significantly (P < 0.001) more likely to be diagnosed with postpartum mastitis (8.3%) than mothers with no breast implants(n = 22 284) (6.6%) at an odds ratio of 1.22 (95% CI 1.09-1.35) after adjusting for confounders. CONCLUSION: Breast augmentation is associated with an increased risk of postpartum lactational mastitis in the 6-month postpartum period. In light of these findings, it is important for health professionals to instruct women who have undergone breast augmentation on correct breastfeeding techniques, ways to avoid risk factors, and to be alert to signs permitting the early detection of lactational mastitis. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: A study of over 28,000 breastfeeding women has shown that breast augmentation is associated with an increased risk of postpartum lactational mastitis in the six-month postpartum period.

"Whatsapping" the continuity of postpartum care in Switzerland: A socio-anthropological study.

BACKGROUND: Digital media such as Apps, Internet and social networks have become integral parts of the maternity experience for more than a decade. These media can support or undermine women's experiences as has been shown in digital sociology research. Using Immediate Messaging Applications to provide information and support to women during the perinatal period is an emerging practice. AIM: This article analyses how health and social care professionals - with a focus on community midwives - and women communicate between postpartum home visits through Immediate Message Applications in Switzerland. METHODS: A socio-anthropological study that relied on qualitative methods including semi-directed interviews with midwives and health and social care professionals (n = 30) and immigrant women (n = 20). FINDINGS: Since the introduction of Immediate Messaging Applications, women and their carer converse more regularly between post-partum home visits. Women send questions, pictures and videos to them, often allowing swift responses to their concerns. Midwives encounter difficulties answering women's questions when they cannot be solved through quick communication (e.g. infant crying). To them, texting frequency forms a clinical clue to women's mental health. Not all women contact their carer through digital messages; immigrant women are less likely to know and use this service. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Immediate Messaging Applications form a promising communication tool, complementary to home visits, and contribute to woman-centered care and continuity of care. As an emergent practice, it has not been framed by a guideline yet. Policy makers and practitioners should ensure that its use does not contribute to unequal access to care.