Barriers and facilitators to cord blood banking among pregnant women at a university obstetric clinic.

BACKGROUND: Cord blood (CB) is a cell source for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In 2019, the percentage of births with CB collected for banking was only 3% nationally and 0.05% in our state. To increase CB donations, we need to understand pregnant women's awareness and knowledge of, plus barriers and facilitators to, CB banking (CBB). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We recruited 289 women in their third trimester from an academic obstetric clinic between October 2020 and May 2021. Women attending this clinic come from all parts of the state in addition to local city residents. After agreeing to participate, participants completed a survey using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap). Data were analyzed using SAS version 9.4. RESULTS: Exactly 58.9% of participants had heard of CBB, but only 26.53% understood its purpose; 10.03% indicated someone had discussed CBB with them, and 61.3% were undecided about it. The preferred source of information was the clinic provider (82.1%), followed by CB bank staff (36.8%). The requested mode for receiving information was face-to-face with their provider, including written materials. Income, education, and marital status did not have a significant influence on information preferences. DISCUSSION: Lack of knowledge continues to be a major barrier to CBB. Developing educational interventions based on womens' preferences may increase understanding of CBB. Study participants preferred that the healthcare provider deliver this information. This study was done in a primarily rural, southern state, while previous studies were in larger metropolitan areas, yet results are comparable.

Motherhood Together: Effects of an Adapted Prenatal Curriculum on Mother and Infant Outcomes.

Background: Research shows that pregnant women experiencing housing insecurity are more likely to face barriers to prenatal care that can lead to negative health outcomes for both mother and infant. Previous studies have also shown that prenatal education programs provide pregnant mothers with the knowledge and resources that increase the likelihood of positive health outcomes. An interprofessional healthcare team in Central Arkansas modified an existing prenatal education program to create Motherhood Together, a program specifically tailored for pregnant women facing house insecurity. Methods: The purpose of this initial evaluation of the Motherhood Together program was to identify the feasibility of the program and preliminary outcomes. This evaluation sought to better understand the demographic composition of the population participating in Motherhood Together (n = 19), as well as the effect of the program on infant outcomes, health literacy, and maternal self-care. The overall participant experience and feedback to enhance the program was also obtained. Results: The average age of participants was 24.6 years old and 77.8% reported high school as their highest level of educational attainment. The majority of participants identified as Black/African American (77.8%) and 22.2% identified as White. Participants scored the experience of Motherhood Together sessions positively with an overall score of 3.75/4.00. Participants reported an average gestational age at delivery being 36.9 weeks with 25% reporting preterm births following the program. Multivitamins were reported as being taken by 100% of participants following participation. Conclusion: Tailoring the pre-existing educational program to create the Motherhood Together program was clearly feasible and continues to serve as a critical resource for improving equity in infant and maternal outcomes in central Arkansas.

The development and implementation of an advanced practice registered nurse-led prenatal education program for housing insecure women.

ABSTRACT: Housing insecurity has been shown to have an impact on the health care system due to negative maternal and neonatal outcomes. Housing insecurity is associated with the social determinants of health under the umbrella of economic stability and neighborhood/physical environments. Research shows that educational programs and support resources can help alleviate this strain for women who are pregnant. This article discusses the development and implementation of an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)-led, prenatal education group for women facing housing insecurity who are pregnant and high risk. The curriculum was revised and based on a March of Dimes Becoming a Mom with alignment to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. The 10-week prenatal education program was created and implemented by a group of APRNs and registered nurses to aid pregnant women facing housing insecurity with coping strategies and education regarding their pregnancy.