Social media influencers' impact during pregnancy and parenting: A qualitative descriptive study.

Pregnant people and parents engage with social media networking sites seeking support and information that is shared in a relatable way. Engaging with social media influencers (SMIs) and their followers, however, may have both affirming and harmful effects. SMIs can facilitate information-sharing, discussion, and supportive behaviors, but engaging with SMIs can lead to negative experiences and exposure to misinformation. To date, little is known about the impacts of following influencers during pregnancy and early parenthood. The aim of this study was to explore how engaging with SMIs impacts pregnant people and parents of children aged 5 or under in Australia. A qualitative descriptive approach was taken. Qualitative data from 85 anonymously completed online written surveys were thematically analyzed using Braun & Clarke's six-step process. Five overarching themes and two subthemes were identified. The first theme, "Comparisons of self," held two subthemes: "Unfavorable comparisons of self to SMIs" and "Favorable comparisons of self to SMIs." Additional themes were "A virtual community of inspiration and togetherness," "Sharing of information, opinions & experiences," "Gatekeeping self-efficacy," and "Credibility." The findings of the study indicated that discordance between influencer-mediated expectations of parenthood and a person's actual experience may affect well-being and perceptions of parental self-efficacy. Information sought from influencers may substitute for face-to-face education by clinicians. Health professionals who are also influencers may possess the ability to provide evidence-based information. This content, however, is not without risk for bias or incompleteness.

The impact of social media influencers on pregnancy, birth, and early parenting experiences: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Pregnant and new parents are increasingly engaging with social media. The impacts of engaging with social media 'influencers' and 'bloggers' during a time of heightened vulnerability to influence, in particular, merits exploration. AIM: To systematically review the literature to identify what is known about how following social media 'influencers' and 'bloggers' impacts pregnant and new parents' experiences and decision-making. METHODS: A search of CINAHL, World of Science, Medline, EMBASE and Google Scholar databases was undertaken in January 2023 to identify the literature focusing on the impacts of engaging with influencers or bloggers as pregnant or new parents. The reference lists of the included papers were hand-searched. Data were extracted from each paper, tabulated, and thematically analysed. The review was reported using the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. FINDINGS: Seventeen papers met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final synthesis. Thematic analysis revealed four overarching themes, which were 'sharing information', 'support', 'identity', and 'monetisation'. DISCUSSION: Social media influencers provide a network of peers amongst whom discussions, supportive behaviours, and information sharing take place. However, concern arises around the potential for combative interactions, the risk for transmission of misinformation, and the potential impacts of following influencers who are also qualified health professionals. CONCLUSION: Existing research suggests that engaging with social media influencers can be both beneficial and harmful for pregnant and new parents. At the current time, it is unclear how exposure to the benefits or harm impacts personal experiences and decision-making.

How is cultural safety understood and translated into midwifery practice? A scoping review and thematic analysis.

AIM: To identify and understand the scope of the literature published since January 2008 that explored Australian midwives understanding of cultural safety and how this is translated into their practice when caring for First Nations women and families. BACKGROUND: Recognition and understanding of First Nations peoples history and culture and the impact this has on the health and wellbeing of women and their families is essential if the midwife is to promote culturally safe and respectful maternity care. The role and responsibilities of the midwife in ensuring that their practice is culturally safe are now reflected in the Australian professional midwifery codes and standards. Whilst midwifery academics' awareness of cultural safety and how it is taught within midwifery education programs have previously been explored, at present, little is known about midwives' understanding of cultural safety, and how this translates into their clinical practice. METHODS: A Scoping Review was undertaken following Arksey and O'Malley's five step process. Reporting followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses - Scoping Review extension checklist. Twelve studies met the criteria for inclusion. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data and organise the results. RESULTS: Thematic analysis, guided by two predetermined review questions led to the identification of six overarching themes: 'Awareness of deficiencies', 'The importance of meeting women's diverse needs', 'Understanding relationships as a foundation for culturally safe care', 'Working in partnership with others', 'Providing individualised care' and 'Fostering effective relationships and communication'. One sub-theme of the first theme was identified, this was named 'Seeking an understanding of culture'. CONCLUSION: Australian midwives' level of understanding of cultural safety and how it is translated into their midwifery practice when caring for First Nations women and their families differ widely. Midwives across Australia require increased and equitable access to appropriate opportunities to improve their knowledge and understanding of cultural safety. Whilst theoretical learning on cultural safety has a place in all midwives annual mandatory training requirements, this should ideally be supplemented, where possible, with opportunities for immersive practice in communities. Immersion was considered the optimal way to gain rich knowledge and understanding to strengthen culturally safe midwifery practice. Continuity models of midwifery care which incorporate the principles of cultural safety should be consistently implemented across Australia. These models enable midwives, women, families, communities, and Aboriginal Support Workers to work in collaboration towards achieving optimal outcomes for mothers and babies. STUDY REGISTRATION: N/A.