Autonomic function and inflammation in pregnant women participating in a randomized controlled study of Mindfulness Based Childbirth and Parenting.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy and childbirth are significant events in many women's lives, and the prevalence of depressive symptoms increases during this vulnerable period. Apart from well documented cognitive, affective, and somatic symptoms, stress and depression are associated with physiological changes, such as reduced heart-rate variability (HRV) and activation of the inflammatory response system. Mindfulness Based Interventions may potentially have an effect on both HRV, inflammatory biomarkers, and self-assessed mental health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of a Mindfulness Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) intervention on HRV, serum inflammatory marker levels, through an RCT study design with an active control group. METHODS: This study is a sub-study of a larger RCT, where significant intervention effects were found on perinatal depression (PND) and perceived stress. Participants were recruited through eight maternity health clinics in Stockholm, Sweden. In this sub-study, we included altogether 80 women with increased risk for PND, and blood samples and HRV measures were available from 60 of the participants (26 in the intervention and 34 in the control group). RESULTS: Participants who received MBCP reported a significantly larger reduction in perceived stress and a significantly larger increase in mindfulness, compared to participants who received the active control treatment. However, in this sub-study, the intervention had no significant effect on PND, inflammatory serum markers or measures of HRV. CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences were found regarding changes in HRV measures and biomarkers of inflammation, larger studies may be needed in the future. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID:  NCT02441595 . Registered 12 May 2015 - Retrospectively registered.

Short-term psychodynamic infant-parent interventions at Child health centers: Outcomes on parental depression and infant social-emotional functioning.

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrate efficacy of parent-infant psychotherapy, but its applicability and effectiveness in public health care are less known. The method followed is Naturalistic study evaluating Short-term Psychodynamic Infant-Parent Interventions at Child Health Centers (SPIPIC) in Stockholm, Sweden. One hundred distressed mothers with infants were recruited by supervised nurses. Six therapists provided 4.3 therapy sessions on average (SD = 3.3). Sessions typically included the mothers, often with the baby present, while fathers rarely attended sessions. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Ages and Stages Questionnaire: Social-Emotional (ASQ: SE) were distributed at baseline and at 3 and 9 months later. Data from a nonclinical group were collected simultaneously to provide norm data. Multilevel growth models on the mothers' questionnaire scores showed significant decreases over time on both measures. Nine months after baseline, 50% achieved a reliable change on the EPDS and 14% on the ASQ: SE. Prepost effect-sizes (d) were 0.70 and 0.40 for EPDS and ASQ: SE, figures that are comparable to results of other controlled studies. Psychotherapists integrated with public health care seem to achieve good results when supporting distressed mothers with brief interventions in the postnatal period. SPIPIC needs to be compared with other modalities and organizational frameworks.

Los ensayos controlados al azar demuestran lo eficaz de de la sicoterapia progenitor-infante, pero su aplicabilidad y efectividad en el cuidado de la salud pública menos conocidas. Método: Estudio naturalista de evaluación de la Intervención Sicodinámica a Corto Plazo entre Infante y Progenitor en Centros de Salud Infantil (SPIPIC) en Estocolmo, Suecia. Se reclutaron 100 madres afligidas con infantes a través de enfermeras supervisadas. Seis terapeutas proveyeron 4.3 sesiones de terapia en promedio (SD = 3.3). Las sesiones típicamente incluyeron a las madres, a menudo con su bebé presente, mientras que los papás raramente asistieron a las sesiones. Se distribuyeron la Escala de Depresión Postnatal de Edimburgo (EPDS) y el Cuestionario de Edades y Estados: Socio-emocional (ASQ: SE) al punto de partida inicial básico, y a los tres y nueve meses después. Simultáneamente se recogió información de un grupo no clínico con el fin de proveer información de la norma. Resultados: Modelos de crecimiento de niveles múltiples basados en los puntajes de cuestionarios de las madres mostraron significativas bajas a lo largo del tiempo en ambas medidas. Nueve meses después del punto de partida inicial básico, el 50% logró un cambio confiable en la EPDS y 14% en el ASQ; SE. Los tamaños del efecto anterior y posterior (d) fueron 0,70 y 0.40 para la EPDS y el ASQ: SE, lo cual es comparable con resultados estudios controlados. Conclusiones: Los sicoterapeutas integrados con el cuidado de salud pública parecen lograr buenos resultados cuando apoyan a madres afligidas con intervenciones breves perinatalmente. La SPIPIC necesita ser comparada con otras modalidades y marcos de trabajo organizacionales.

Les essais contrôlés randomisés démontrent l'efficacité de la psychothérapie parent-nourrisson mais son application et son efficacité pour le soin de santé publique sont moins connues. Méthode: étude naturelle évaluant l'Intervention Psychodynamique Nourrisson-Parent à Court Terme dans des Centres de Santé de l'Enfant (SPIPIC) à Stockholm en Suède. Cent mères en détresse avec des nourrissons ont été recrutées par des infirmières supervisées. Six thérapeutes ont offerts 4,3 séances thérapeutiques en moyenne (SD = 3,3). Les séances ont typiquement inclus les mères, souvent avec le bébé présent, alors que les pères sont rarement venus aux séances. L'échelle de dépression postnatale d'Edinbourg (EPDS) et le ASQ: SE, questionnaire Etapes et Ages sur le développement socio-développemental et comportemental a été distribué au départ, à trois mois et à neuf mois plus tard. Des données d'un groupe non-clinique ont été collectées simultanément afin d'offrir des données de normes. Résultats: des modèles de croissance multiniveau sur les scores aux questionnaires des mères ont fait preuve de baisses importantes au fil du temps sur les deux mesures. Neuf mois après le départ, 50% ont fait preuve d'un changement important pour ce qui concerne l'EPDS et 14% pour ce qui concerne l'ASQ: SE. Les effets pré-post observés (d) étaient de 0,70 et 0,40 pour l'EPDS et l'ASQ: SE, comparable aux résultats d'études de contrôle. Conclusions: les psychothérapeutes intégrés avec un soin de santé publique semblent être parvenus à de bons résultats alors qu'ils soutenaient les mères en détresse avec de brèves interventions périnatales. Le SPIPIC doit être comparé à d'autres modalités et d'autres structures organisationnelles.

Internet-delivered mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for anxiety and depression in cancer survivors: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Internet-delivered interventions may alleviate distress in cancer survivors with limited access to psychological face-to-face treatment. In collaboration with a group of cancer survivors, we developed and tested the efficacy of a therapist-assisted internet-delivered mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (iMBCT) program for anxiety and depression in cancer survivors. METHODS: A total of 1282 cancer survivors were screened for anxiety and depression during their routine oncology follow-up; eligible breast (n = 137) and prostate cancer (n = 13) survivors were randomized to iMBCT or care-as-usual (CAU) wait-list. Primary outcomes of anxiety and depression were assessed at baseline, 5 weeks, 10 weeks (post intervention), and 6 months. RESULTS: Significant effects were found for both anxiety (Cohen's d = 0.45; P = .017) and depressive symptoms (d = 0.42; P = .024) post intervention. The effects were maintained at follow-up for anxiety (d = 0.40; P = .029), but not for depressive symptoms (d = 0.28; P = .131). CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary findings suggest iMBCT to be a helpful intervention for cancer survivors suffering from symptoms of anxiety. Further studies on the efficacy for symptoms of depression are needed.

A hermeneutic study of integrating psychotherapist competence in postnatal Child Health Care: Parents' perspectives.

A child's emotional and social development depends on the parents' provision of optimal support. Many parents with perinatal distress experience difficulties in mastering parenthood and seek help from professionals within primary healthcare. A clinical project was launched in Stockholm, where psychodynamic psychotherapists provided short-term consultations at Child Health Centers. This study qualitatively explored parents' experiences of perinatal distress and of receiving help by nurses and therapists in the project. Thirteen parents were interviewed, and their responses were analyzed with a hermeneutical method. Three main themes crystallized; accessibility of psychological help and detection of emotional problems; experiences of therapy at the Child Health Center; and the therapists' technique. Parents were also clustered into three so-called ideal types: the insecure; parents in crisis; and parents with lifelong psychological problems. Parents experienced obstacles in accessing psychological care within primary healthcare. Psychotherapists with a holistic family perspective and who managed to oscillate between insight-promoting and supportive interventions were especially appreciated. Patient categories who benefitted from insight promotion and support, respectively, were identified.

El desarrollo emocional y social del niño depende de que los padres le brinden un apoyo óptimo. Muchos progenitores con aflicciones perinatales experimentan dificultades al aprender a dominar la crianza y buscan ayuda de profesionales dentro del cuidado de salud de primera instancia. En Estocolmo, se inició un proyecto clínico en el que sicoterapeutas sicodinámicos ofrecieron consultas a corto plazo en los Centros de Salud Infantil. Este estudio exploró cualitativamente las experiencias de aflicciones perinatales de los padres y las de recibir ayuda del cuerpo de enfermería y terapeutas del proyecto. Método: Se entrevistaron trece progenitores y sus respuestas se analizaron con un método hermenéutico. Resultados: Se concretaron tres temas principales: la accesibilidad a ayuda sicológica con detección de problemas emocionales, las experiencias de terapia en los Centros de Salud Infantil, así como las técnicas de los terapeutas. A los progenitores se les agrupó también en tres designados Tipos Ideales: el inseguro, el progenitor en crisis, el progenitor con problemas sicológicos a lo largo de la vida. Conclusión: los progenitores se enfrentaron con obstáculos al tratar de encontrar ayuda sicológica dentro del cuidado de salud de primera instancia; los sicoterapeutas con una perspectiva familiar integral y aquellos que podían oscilar entre fomentar la percepción y las intervenciones de apoyo fueron especialmente apreciados; se identificaron categorías de pacientes que se beneficiaron del fomento de la percepción y del apoyo, respectivamente.

Le développement émotionnel et social d'un enfant dépend du soutien optimal qu'offrent les parents. Beaucoup de parents avec une détresse périnatale font l'expérience de difficultés quant à la gestion du parentage et cherchent l'aide de professionnels au sein des soins de santé primaires. Un projet clinique a été lancé à Stockholm, en Suède, au sein duquel des psychothérapeutes psychodynamiques ont offert des consultations à court terme dans les Centres de Santé de l'Enfant. Cette étude a exploré de manière qualitative les expériences de détresse périnatale des parents et l'aide qu'ils ont reçue de la part des infirmières/infirmiers et des thérapeutes dans ce projet. Méthode: Treize parents ont passé un entretien, et leurs réponses ont été analysées au moyen d'une méthode herméneutique. Résultats : Trois thèmes principaux ont émergé, l'accès à l'aide psychologique et la détection de problèmes émotionnels, les expériences de thérapie au Centre de Santé de l'Enfant, et la technique des thérapeutes. Les parents ont aussi été regroupés en trois soi-disant Types Parfaits: les insécures, les parents en crise et les parents avec des problèmes psychologiques de longue haleine. Conclusion: Les parents ont fait l'expérience d'obstacles dans l'accès au soin psychologique au sein des soins de santé primaires. Les psychothérapeutes ayant une perspective familiale holistique et ceux qui sont arrivés à osciller entre une promotion de perspicacité et des interventions de soutien ont été généralement appréciés. Les catégories de patients qui ont respectivement bénéficié de perspicacité et de soutien ont été identifiées.

The nine stages of skin-to-skin: practical guidelines and insights from four countries.

Incorporating systematic evidence with clinical expertise is a key element in the quest to improve quality of care and patient outcomes. The evidence supporting skin-to-skin contact in the first hour after birth is robust and includes significantly improved outcomes for both mother and infant. This paper compares available iterative data about newborn behaviour in the first hour after birth to further describe the observable behaviour pattern and to provide clinical insight for further research. Although the evidence for positive outcomes through skin-to-skin contact are robust, there is a dearth of research specifically focused on clinical practice. The methodology considers the four available data sets that used Widström's 9 stages, which consists of studies from Japan, Sweden, Italy and the United States, examining the parameters of each stage across settings from around the world. This research provides an expanded understanding of the timing of the newborn's progression through Widström's 9 observable stages. We found that newborns in all four data sets began with a birth cry and continued through the remaining stages of relaxation, awakening, activity, rest, crawling, familiarization, suckling and sleeping during the first hours after birth and consolidated the data into a Sign of the Stages chart to assist in further research. The evidence supports making a safe space and time for this important newborn behaviour. Clinical practices should encourage and protect this sensitive period.

Genetic risk factors for cancer-related cognitive impairment: a systematic review.

Background: Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a commonly reported complaint among non-CNS cancer patients. Even subtle CRCI may have detrimental effects on quality of life and identifying patients at increased risk for CRCI to improve survivorship care is important. In the present paper, we systematically reviewed available studies of possible genetic risk factors for developing CRCI. Methods: Keyword-based systematic searches were undertaken on 24 July 2018 in PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, and CINAHL. Three authors independently evaluated full-texts of identified papers and excluded studies with registration of reasons. Seventeen studies reporting results from 14 independent samples were included for review. Two authors independently quality assessed the included studies. The review was preregistered with PROSPERO (CRD42018107689). Results: Ten studies investigated apolipoprotein E (APOE), with four studies reporting that carrying at least one risk allele (APOE4 (ε4)) was associated with CRCI, while six studies found no association. The remaining identified genetic risk variants associated with CRCI located in: COMT, four DNA repair genes, five oxidative stress genes, 22 genes related to breast cancer phenotype, and GNB3. No associations were found between CRCI and genes coding for interleukin-6 (IL6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF), interleukin 1 beta (IL1B), and brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF). With the exception of APOE, the genetic risk factors had only been investigated in one or two studies each. Conclusions: Overall, the available evidence of possible genetic risk factors for CRCI is limited. While some research suggests a role for the ε4 allele, the literature is generally inconsistent, and the currently available evidence does not allow clear-cut conclusions regarding the role of genetic factors in the development of CRCI. Larger genetic studies and studies investigating additional genetic variants are needed to uncover genetic risk factors for CRCI.

Skin-to-skin contact the first hour after birth, underlying implications and clinical practice.

AIM: This paper integrates clinical expertise to earlier research about the behaviours of the healthy, alert, full-term infant placed skin-to-skin with the mother during the first hour after birth following a noninstrumental vaginal birth. METHOD: This state-of-the-art article forms a link within the knowledge-to-action cycle, integrating clinical observations and practice with evidence-based findings to guide clinicians in their work to implement safe uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact the first hours after birth. RESULTS: Strong scientific research exists about the importance of skin-to-skin in the first hour after birth. This unique time for both mother and infant, individually and in relation to each other, provides vital advantages to short- and long-term health, regulation and bonding. However, worldwide, clinical practice lags. A deeper understanding of the implications for clinical practice, through review of the scientific research, has been integrated with enhanced understanding of the infant's instinctive behaviour and maternal responses while in skin-to-skin contact. CONCLUSION: The first hour after birth is a sensitive period for both the infant and the mother. Through an enhanced understanding of the newborn infant's instinctive behaviour, practical, evidence-informed suggestions strive to overcome barriers and facilitate enablers of knowledge translation. This time must be protected by evidence-based routines of staff.

What is learned from Mindfulness Based Childbirth and Parenting Education? - Participants' experiences.

BACKGROUND: In the search for effective interventions aiming to prevent perinatal stress, depression and anxiety, we are evaluating a Mindfulness Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) Program. In this study we explore the participants' experiences of the program. METHOD: This is a descriptive qualitative study with influences of phenomenology. The participants were expectant couples who participated in the program and the pregnant women had an increased risk of perinatal stress, anxiety and depression. Ten mothers and six fathers were interviewed in depth, at four to six months postpartum. Thematic analysis of the transcripts was conducted. RESULTS: The participants' descriptions show a variety in how motivated they were and how much value they ascribed to MBCP. Those who experienced that they benefitted from the intervention described that they did so at an intra-personal level-with deeper self-knowledge and self-compassion; and on an inter-personal level-being helpful in relationships. Furthermore, they perceived that what they had learned from MBCP was helpful during childbirth and early parenting. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that most of the parents experienced MBCP as a valuable preparation for the challenges they met when they went through the life-changing events of becoming parents. The phenomenon of participating in the intervention, integrating the teachings and embodying mindfulness seems to develop inner resources that foster the development of wisdom. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02441595, May 4, 2015.

A hermeneutic study of integrating psychotherapist competence in postnatal child health care: nurses' perspectives.

BACKGROUND: There is a considerable prevalence of and an increasing attention to emotional problems in families with infants. Yet, knowledge is scant of how to create efficient and accessible mental health services for this population. The study qualitatively explored public health nurses' conceptions of a clinical project, in which psychotherapists provided short-term consultations and supervisions for nurses at Child Health Centres in Stockholm. METHODS: In-depth interviews with fifteen nurses. The guideline of the interviews contained open-ended questions that were analysed applying a hermeneutical approach. RESULTS: Four main themes crystallized; The nurses' conceptions of their psychosocial work, Trespassing on another professional role, Interprofessional collaboration at the Child Health Centre, and The nurses' conceptions of the psychotherapist's function. In a second step, an analysis that clustered the nurses' attitudes towards handling mental health problems yielded one last theme with three "Ideal types"; nurses who expressed "I don't want to", "I want to but I cannot", and "I want to and I can" (take care of families' emotional problems at the CHC). CONCLUSION: The nurses appreciated the easy referral and accessibility to the psychotherapists, and the possibilities of learning more about perinatal mental illness and parent-infant interactions. For a successful cooperation with the nurses, the therapist should be a team member, be transparent about his/her work, and give feedback about cases in treatment. The study also shows how the organization needs to clarify its guidelines and competence to improve psychological child health care. The paper suggests improvements for an integrated perinatal mental health care.

Weight loss and low age are associated with intensity of rooting behaviours in newborn infants.

AIM: Little is known about the developing breastfeeding behaviour of newborn infants. This study describes infants' prebreastfeeding behaviour during the second day of life and explores possible associations with infant characteristics. METHODS: We studied 13 mothers and healthy full-term infants after normal births. At 24-48 hours of life, the newborns were placed in skin-to-skin contact with their mothers for breastfeeding and were video-filmed. The order, frequency and duration of predefined infant prefeeding behaviours and suckling were coded and analysed using computer-based video software. RESULTS: Prefeeding behaviours occurred in the following order: rooting, hand to mouth movements, licking of the nipple and hand to breast to mouth movements. The infants started to suckle at a median of one to two minutes. Rooting was the most common behaviour, observed in 12 infants. The duration of rooting movements during the last minute before breastfeeding was inversely related to neonatal age (p ≤ 0.001) and positively related to neonatal weight loss (p = 0.02) after birth. CONCLUSION: Infants exhibited a distinct sequence of prefeeding behaviours during the second day of life, and our findings suggest that rooting movements were governed by mechanisms involved in the regulation of food intake and weight gain.

Psychometric properties of the Swedish childbirth self-efficacy inventory (Swe-CBSEI).

BACKGROUND: Previous research has reported that women who are admitted to delivery wards in early labour process before an active stage of labour has started run an increased risk of instrumental deliveries. Therefore, it is essential to focus on factors such as self-efficacy that can enhance a woman's own ability to cope with the first stage of labour. However, there was no Swedish instrument measuring childbirth self-efficacy available. Thus, the aim of the study was to translate the Childbirth Self-efficacy Inventory and to psychometrically test the Swedish version on first- time mothers within the Swedish culture. METHODS: The method included a forward-backward translation with face and content validity. The psychometric properties were evaluated using a Principal Component Analysis and by using Cronbach's alpha coefficient and inter-item correlations. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were used to describe and compare the scales. All data were collected from January 2011 to June 2012, from 406 pregnant women during the gestational week 35-42. RESULTS: The Swedish version of the Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory indicated good reliability and the Principal Component Analysis showed a three-component structure. The Wilcoxon Signed-Ranks Test indicated that the women could differentiate between the concepts outcome expectancy and self-efficacy expectancy and between the two labour stages, active stage and the second stage of labour. CONCLUSIONS: The Swedish version of Childbirth Self-efficacy Inventory is a reliable and valid instrument. The inventory can act as a tool to identify those women who need extra support and to evaluate the efforts of improving women's self-efficacy during pregnancy.

The association between labour variables and primiparous women's experience of childbirth; a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Studies have suggested several risk factors for a negative birth experience among primiparas. Factors that are mentioned frequently include labour dystocia, operative intervention such as acute caesarean section or vacuum extraction, or the infant being transferred to neonatal care. Another important factor mentioned is lack of support from the midwife. METHODS: A study was made of the deliveries of 446 healthy primiparas in a prospective cohort study performed at Soder Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. Samples of amniotic fluid were collected at delivery and the levels of amniotic fluid lactate (AFL) were measured to give an indication of the metabolism of the uterine tissue. Obstetrical data were collected from birth records.Postpartum, all the women included in the study were asked to complete the Wijma Delivery Experience Questionnaire (W-DEQ B) that measures the experience of a woman's delivery. The main objective of the project was to study well-known as well as new factors associated with negative experience of childbirth among a group of healthy primiparas. RESULTS: Risk factors for reporting a higher level of negative childbirth experience were shown to be a high level of AFL (AOR 3.1, 95%, CI; 1.1-8.9), a longer latent phase (AOR 1.8, 95%, CI; 1.03-3.1), and a low Apgar score (<7 at 1 min) (AOR 13.3, 95%, CI; 1.6-111.0). Those women who had a negative birth experience wanted the midwife to be present more of the time during labour (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: A high AFL level, as a marker of uterine metabolic status, and a longer latent phase are strongly associated with a negative experience of childbirth. A low 1 minute Apgar score of the newborn seems to have the strongest negative influence on the woman's experience of childbirth, even when the infant recovers immediately.

Interventions for insomnia in cancer patients and survivors-a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Considering the persistent nature and higher prevalence of insomnia in cancer patients and survivors compared with the general population, there is a need for effective management strategies. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively evaluate the available evidence for the efficacy of pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions for insomnia in adult cancer patients and survivors. METHODS: Following the PRISMA guidelines, we analyzed data from 61 randomized controlled trials involving 6528 participants. Interventions included pharmacological, physical, and psychological treatments, with a focus on insomnia severity and secondary sleep and non-sleep outcomes. Frequentist and Bayesian analytical strategies were employed for data synthesis and interpretation. RESULTS: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) emerged as the most efficacious intervention for reducing insomnia severity in cancer survivors and further demonstrated significant improvements in fatigue, depressive symptoms, and anxiety. CBT-I showed a large postintervention effect (g = 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.57 to 1.15) and a medium effect at follow-up (g = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.18 to 0.92). Other interventions such as bright white light therapy, sleep medication, melatonin, exercise, mind-body therapies, and mindfulness-based therapies showed benefits, but the evidence for their efficacy was less convincing compared with CBT-I. Brief Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia showed promise as a less burdensome alternative for patients in active cancer treatment. CONCLUSIONS: CBT-I is supported as a first-line treatment for insomnia in cancer survivors, with significant benefits observed across sleep and non-sleep outcomes. The findings also highlight the potential of less intensive alternatives. The research contributes valuable insights for clinical practice and underscores the need for further exploration into the complexities of sleep disturbances in cancer patients and survivors.

Comparing the efficacy of mindfulness-based therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression in head-to-head randomized controlled trials: A systematic review and meta-analysis of equivalence.

BACKGROUND: While Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is recommended as first-line treatment for depression, a significant minority do not show an adequate treatment response. Despite evidence for the efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBT) both in treating current depression and preventing relapse, it remains unknown whether MBT and CBT are equivalent in the treatment of current depression. METHODS: Five databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) directly comparing MBT with CBT and including depression as primary or secondary outcome. RESULTS: When pooling the results of 30 independent RCTs with a total of 2750 participants, MBT and CBT were statistically significantly equivalent at both post-intervention (Hedges's g = -0.009; p < .001) and follow-up (g = -0.033; p = .001). Supplementary Bayesian analyses provided further support for the alternative hypothesis of no difference between MBT and CBT. When exploring possible sources of heterogeneity, the differences at follow-up were smaller between CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) than between CBT and mindfulness-based stress-reduction (MBSR) (Slope = 0.37;p = .022). CONCLUSION: The currently available evidence suggests that that MBT and CBT are equally efficacious in treating current adult depression. It remains unclear whether the similar effects of the two intervention types are due to different mechanisms or common factors.

Sex differences in newborn interaction with mother or father during skin-to-skin contact after Caesarean section.

AIM: To investigate differences between the breast-seeking and crying behaviour of girls and boys in skin-to-skin contact (SSC) with their mother or their father after Caesarean section as well as the point-in-time for the first breastfeeding and to compare mothers' and fathers' interactive behaviour with their newborn girl or boy. METHODS: Twenty girls and 17 boys were randomized to 25 min of SSC with one or the other parent immediately after birth. The interaction was videotaped. RESULTS: Girls started rooting movements earlier than boys in SSC with either parent (p = 0.027). Infants started to breastfeed significantly earlier if having been in SSC with mothers compared with SSC with fathers during the first 5-30 min (p = 0.018). Girls cried more than boys in SSC with either parent (p = 0.02). Mothers used more touching behaviour towards their newborn infant than fathers (p = 0.001). Mothers touched girls less than boys (p = 0.038). Fathers directed less speech towards girls compared with boys (p = 0.042). CONCLUSION: Early mother-infant SSC immediately after Caesarean section should be promoted until the occurrence of the first breastfeed. If the mother is unable to provide SSC immediately after birth, the father-infant SSC is a valuable alternative because it enhances paternal interaction.

Depressive mood in women at childbirth predicts their mood and relationship with infant and partner during the first year postpartum.

BACKGROUND: Although many studies have reported negative impact of maternal depressive symptoms on family relations, few studies have explored whether or not early depressive symptoms influence interfamily relationships. The aim was to describe first-time mothers' feelings for their infant and partner during the first postpartum year in relation to maternal depressive symptoms. Research questions were addressed about: What is the prevalence of maternal depressive symptoms 10 days postpartum? How does maternal depressive symptoms on day 10 relate to her mood and feelings for the infant and partner at days 3 and 10, and at 6 and 12 months postpartum? METHODS: A longitudinal study with first-time mothers, normal pregnancies, giving birth to healthy babies participated in the study; altogether, n = 419. Depressive symptoms were measured by Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at 3 and 10 days. Additional questionnaires assessing the woman's mood and relationship with her infant and partner were filled out at days 3 and 10, and at 6 and 12 months postpartum. RESULTS: Twenty-two per cent of the women scored high on EPDS on day 10 postpartum. In addition, low mood seemed to remain prevalent over the baby's first year, as confirmed by the mood scale at 6 and 12 months postpartum. Women with depressive symptoms showed less closeness, warmth and confidence as measured by the infant and partner relationship scales over the first year. Mothers with a high EPDS score on day 3 scored less optimal on the relationship scale to the infant at days 3 and 10, but not 6 or 12 months postpartum. CONCLUSIONS: To screen women for depressive symptoms, 10 days postpartum seems to be predictive of maternal assessment of maternal-infant relationship throughout the first year and enables early intervention.

Mediators of acceptance and mindfulness-based therapies for anxiety and depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Acceptance and mindfulness-based therapies have shown efficacy in the treatment of anxiety and depression. Arguably, acceptance and mindfulness-based therapies target core processes in anxiety and depression by increasing mindful attention, decentering, and acceptance. The present study identified randomized controlled trials of acceptance and mindfulness-based therapies for anxiety and depression. Specifically, we aimed to synthesize the indirect effect of the three putative mediators (i.e., mindful attention, decentering, acceptance) on anxiety and depression. Electronic searches yielded 4989 unique records, which were screened for eligibility by two independent raters, resulting in the identification of 33 eligible studies (30 independent trials). The overall pooled mediating effect of mindful attention, decentering, and acceptance was small to medium (r = 0.145, p < .001). Type of mediation analysis emerged as the only statistically significant moderator. Specifically, studies using correlation-based mediation approaches showed statistically significant mediating effects, while studies using causal time-lag analyses did not yield statistically significant mediating effects. Mediator specificity could not be established. In conclusion, putative mediators of acceptance and mindfulness-based therapies mediated treatment effects on anxiety and depression. Limitations in study number, designs, and statistical approaches employed restrict conclusions regarding specificity and causality.

Epidural Analgesia With or Without Oxytocin, but Not Oxytocin Alone, Administered During Birth Disturbs Infant Pre-feeding and Sucking Behaviors and Maternal Oxytocin Levels in Connection With a Breastfeed Two Days Later.

Aims This work aimed to study consequences of medical interventions in connection with birth on infant pre-feeding and feeding behaviors and on maternal oxytocin levels in connection with a breastfeed 2 days later. Materials and Methods Mothers and their full-term newborns (n = 41) were videotaped during a breastfeed 2 days after birth. Duration and quality of rooting [Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (IBFAT)] were assessed. Maternal blood samples were collected, oxytocin levels were analyzed, and mean oxytocin level and variance were calculated. Data on medical interventions during birth, number of breastfeedings, and infant weight loss since birth were recorded. Data were analyzed using logistic regression models. Results The duration of infant rooting was significantly shorter when the mother had received epidural analgesia. The shorter the duration of infant rooting, the more often infants had breastfed and the greater was the infant weight loss since birth. Mothers with epidural analgesia with oxytocin had the lowest oxytocin mean levels in connection with a breastfeed. Oxytocin variance correlated positively with quality of rooting and correlated negatively with infant weight loss. In the control group alone, we found similar patterns of associations with oxytocin levels. Conclusion Epidural analgesia and epidural analgesia with oxytocin infusion in connection with birth negatively influenced infant rooting behavior and maternal mean oxytocin levels, respectively. Oxytocin infusion alone was without effect. The data also suggest that infants who suck well stimulate oxytocin release more efficiently, as expressed by a high oxytocin variance, leading to a better stimulation of milk production and consequently to a reduced infant weight loss 2 days after birth.

Internet-delivered Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for anxiety and depression in cancer survivors: Predictors of treatment response.

BACKGROUND: The present study investigates possible predictors of treatment response in an Internet-delivered Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (iMBCT) intervention with therapist support. This iMBCT program, a fully online delivered intervention with asynchronous therapist support, has previously been shown to be efficacious in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in women treated for breast cancer and men treated for prostate cancer. METHODS: Eighty-two breast- and prostate cancer survivors experiencing psychological distress received 8 weeks of therapist-guided iMBCT. Primary outcomes were improvement in anxiety and depression scores from baseline to post-treatment and from baseline to six-months follow-up. Clinical predictors included levels of depression and anxiety at the time of screening and at baseline, as well as time since diagnosis. Demographic predictors included age and educational level. Therapy-related predictors included working alliance, self-compassion, and five facets of mindfulness. Mixed Linear Models were employed to test the prediction effects over time. RESULTS: Higher levels of baseline depression were associated with increased treatment response in anxiety at post-treatment, and lower levels of self-compassion were associated with increased treatment response in depression at post-treatment. None of the proposed predictors significantly predicted treatment response at six-months follow-up. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that iMBCT can be provided for cancer survivors regardless of their age, educational level, and time since diagnosis (up to five years) and that therapeutic alliance is not crucial for treatment response. We did not identify characteristics predicting treatment response, although many factors were tested. Still, other characteristics may be predictors, and given the relatively small sample size and a large number of statistical tests, the results should be interpreted with caution.

Onset of vocal interaction between parents and newborns in skin-to-skin contact immediately after elective cesarean section.

BACKGROUND: Cesarean section is associated with delayed mother-infant interaction because neither the mother nor the father routinely maintains skin-to-skin contact with the infant after birth. The aim of the study was to explore and compare parent-newborn vocal interaction when the infant is placed in skin-to-skin contact either with the mother or the father immediately after a planned cesarean section. METHODS: A total of 37 healthy infants born to primiparas were randomized to 30 minutes of skin-to-skin contact either with fathers or mothers after an initial 5 minutes of skin-to-skin contact with the mothers after birth. The newborns' and parents' vocal interaction were recorded on a videotape and audiotape. The following variables were explored: newborns' and parents' soliciting, newborns' crying and whining, and parental speech directed to the other parent and to the newborn. RESULTS: Newborns' soliciting increased over time (p=0.032). Both fathers and mothers in skin-to-skin contact communicated more vocally with the newborn than did fathers (p=0.003) and mothers (p=0.009) without skin-to-skin contact. Fathers in skin-to-skin contact also communicated more with the mother (p=0.046) and performed more soliciting responses than the control fathers (p=0.010). Infants in skin-to-skin contact with their fathers cried significantly less than those in skin-to-skin contact with their mothers (p=0.002) and shifted to a relaxed state earlier than in skin-to-skin contact with mothers (p=0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Skin-to-skin contact between infants and parents immediately after planned cesarean section promotes vocal interaction. When placed in skin-to-skin contact and exposed to the parents' speech, the infants initiated communication with soliciting calls with the parents within approximately 15 minutes after birth. These findings give reason to encourage parents to keep the newborn in skin-to-skin contact after cesarean section, to support the early onset of the first vocal communication.