Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nursing Commons^™

Increasing Postpartum Appointment Attendance Rates, Tanya Lister

Doctor of Nursing Practice Posters and Presentations

Background: Postpartum visits provide an opportunity to detect and address potential complications, monitor healing and recovery, and offer guidance and support during the transition into motherhood. Current research shows that appointment reminders increase healthcare appointment attendance rates, whether delivered via text messages or phone calls.

Purpose: The purpose of this academic project was to plan, implement, and evaluate a process change within a single health facility to increase postpartum visit attendance rates.

Methods: This evidence-based scholarly project used telephone calls to remind patients scheduled for postpartum visits of their appointment dates and times. Appointment reminder phone calls were completed the …

A Historical Analysis Of The Development Of Prenatal Care In The U. S., Kristen Montgomery Phd, Cnm, Aprn, Shelby Greene Bsn, Rn, Lauren Griffin Bsn, Rn, Destiny Lewis Bsn, Rn, Lauryn Lewis Bsn, Rn, Bryleigh Newberry Bsn, Rn, Brittany Scott Bsn, Rn

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Purpose: This paper examines the historical development of prenatal care in the United States, tracing its evolution from informal, home—based management to structured, evidence-based systems that are central to maternal and fetal health.

Aims: The specific aim of this project was to determine how prenatal care evolved in the United States.

Methods: A historical methods approach was used. Historical documents were reviewed using PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar to find relevant resources. Relevant articles were reviewed by the research team and analyzed for components regarding the development of prenatal care. All members of the research team reviewed the articles and …

A Historical Analysis Of The Development Of Childbirth In The U. S., Kristen Montgomery, Kayleigh Berg Bsn, Rn, Emily Greer Bsn, Rn, Marsha Hedgecough Bsn, Rn, Emma Holden Bsn, Rn, Halle Ingle Bsn, Rn, Alexis Tolbert Bsn, Rn

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Purpose: The purpose of this project is understand the historical development of childbirth from early documentation of birth in the home to modern day obstetrics, where most deliveries occur in the hospital. Approximately 3.5 to 4 million births occur each year in the U. S.

Aims: The aim of this study is to understand the historical development of childbirth in the U.S. with a particular emphasis on maternal autonomy. Depending on the amount of materials available, the research may be limited to the Appalachian Region.

Methods: Using a historical method, materials were located that traced the trajectory of childbirth from …

Capturing Women's Birth Experiences Through Photos, Kristen Montgomery, Betsy Crabtree, Samantha Grayson, Alyssa Harmon, Rachael Robbins, Sarah Shelton, Hannah Sobas, Alexis Taliaferro, Nolan Willard

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Purpose: Each year 3.5 to 4 million women give birth in the United States. Childbirth is a life-changing event that induces various emotions in women. Many women report having a negative experience due to short staffing, inadequate care, and a loss of autonomy. Aims: The aim of the study was to understand what factors contribute to a positive or negative birth experience.

Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted using photo elicitation. Photos were collected from participants and included a description of how the photo represented the participant’s experience. Demographic data were collected through a survey. Participants …

Environmental Concerns Of Women In Appalachia, Kristen Montgomery, Adebayo Adeeko, Jessica Binns, Sarah Hall, Paula Hawkins, Allyson Newer, Michaela Outlaw, Karenna Turley

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Purpose: Environmental contamination is rampant in the United States and other parts of the world. There are potential health implications related to environmental contamination.
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Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate how concerned women in Appalachia are regarding the environment. The following research question was addressed: What concerns do women have regarding the environment? The objective of this study was to understand how women perceive their environment and to evaluate what concerns they have regarding the environment. We also evaluated demographic factors to see if any demographics contributed to particular concerns related …

A Jewel In The Crown Is Better Than Money In The Pocket": Historical Data On The Role Of Midwives In Caring For Families In Southern Appalachia, Kristen Montgomery

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Background: Midwives have provided care to women since the beginning of time. Early midwives had little training but learned their craft from experienced women. Later, formal training became available. Midwives have a rich history in Appalachia.

Purpose: to explore the rich history of all types of midwives in Appalachia.

Methods: Materials from the Archives of Appalachia were reviewed. Both written and oral materials were evaluated. This included a review of the document, identification of themes, and then comparing those themes with previously identified themes. Documents were reviewed in a random order by two researchers who met to discuss results.

Results: …

The Cruciality Of Early Recognition Of Postpartum Depression In Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (Nicu) Mothers, Shelby Clark

Scholars Week

Postpartum depression is a serious complication of childbirth that is largely dismissed by society for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, the condition is intensified for NICU mothers. If left untreated, postpartum depression can have detrimental effects. This quality-improvement project focused on early recognition of postpartum depression symptoms in mothers of infants admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit in Western Kentucky. The goal of the project was education for and recognition of postpartum depression in NICU mothers. Methodology for the project included utilizing the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to determine the severity of symptoms of postpartum depression for NICU mothers. …

Benefits Of Nursing Touch In Neonates, Lacy Baldwin, Camila Canedo Muzevic

Scholars Week

This paper explores the benefits of nursing neonatal soothing techniques, focusing on their short- and long-term effects in reducing stress and their influence on development. It emphasizes the nursing role through Kolcaba’s Theory of Comfort in providing proactive non-pharmacological care. Neonates, particularly preemies, face significant amounts of stress in the clinical setting which can impede proper growth and development, as well as immediate well-being. It is part of the nursing duty to alleviate stress and promote comfort. This project analyzes evidence-based research on soothing techniques, including tactile, kinesthetic, gentle human touch, interactive newborn bathing, etc. It demonstrates the positive outcomes …

Maternal Morbidity In Appalachian States: Rural Disparities And Social Determinants, Kathryn Usedom Msn, Fnp-C, Cnm, Pi-Ming Yeh Phd

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Purpose: Social determinants of health (SDoH) and rurality have both been shown to contribute to severe maternal morbidity (SMM). Appalachian communities often embody this compounded risk, but regional SMM is under-explored. This study’s purpose is to explore SMM in rural areas of Appalachian states.

Aims: There are two specific aims. 1) Describe the prevalence of rural SMM in Appalachian states. 2) Investigate the relationship between SMM and SDoH, specifically income, education, and care access.

Methods: An IRB exempt, descriptive correlational study was conducted. Birth data (2018-2022) were extracted from the CDC WONDER database for 12 Appalachian states. Demographic, income, and …

Implementing Intermittent Fetal Monitoring In Low-Risk Laboring Moms, Kaitlynn Keel, Jessica Manion

Scholars Week

It has become common practice for laboring moms to remain attached to monitors throughout the duration of their labor, known as continuous electronic fetal monitoring (CEFM). Although this is the new normal in the world of labor and delivery, there has been speculation as to whether or not this is evidence-based. Specifically, moms in labor that are considered low-risk should not be bound to the bed for their entire labor for this continuous monitoring, in fact, research actually supports that CEFM leads to unnecessary interventions that negatively impact both mom and neonate.

Emphasizing The Importance Of Clustering Care For Newborns In The Nicu Setting, Callie Hines Sn, Alyssa Howell Sn, Elizabeth Crews Sn

Scholars Week

For our Evidence-Based Project, we have chosen to cover the topic concerning clustering care for premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. In many NICU's across the country preterm infants are taken care of on an as needed basis. Research and Swanson’s theory of caring supports that clustering care has a positive correlation with the improvement of vital signs, physical and intellectual development, and infection control.

Eat, Sleep, Console, Claire Hauke, Grace Hauke

Scholars Week

Eat, Sleep, Console is a scale used to assess opioid withdrawing neonates. This scale focuses on infant function and comfort, rather than treating infants based on signs and symptoms of withdrawal alone.

The Positive Effects Of Delayed Immersion Bathing For Newborns, Aubrey Stuart

Scholars Week

Problem: Newborn infants were once bathed only 2-4 hours after birth. The rate at which newborns experienced hypothermia, hypoglycemia, and a difficulty with exclusive breastfeeding was once much higher than it is today.

Methods: This project was a meta-analysis of multiple clinical trials regarding delayed infant bathing. Three main studies that implemented a 24 hour or later bathing program were chosen and reviewed to assess for trends in hypothermia, hypoglycemia, and the exclusive breastfeeding rates of newborns.

Results: In each study reviewed, the rates of hypoglycemia and hypothermia decreased while the rates of exclusive breastfeeding increased.

Implications: By delaying newborn …

How To Control Healthcare Associated Infection, Yeojin Son, Jungyoon Hur

Scholars Week

Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) are infections patients acquire while receiving care in hospital. The main reasons of occurring the infections are insufficient knowledge about infection control and decreased compliance with rules by hospital protocol. The purpose of this evidence-based presentation is to exemplify how to control HAI via motivating healthcare workers to comply with infection control policy.

Assisting Nursing Students In Their Development Of Empathy: A Guide To Fostering Requisite Skills For The Art Of Empathetic Communication, Susan Mee

Open Educational Resources

This 7-week lesson plan is designed for use in clinical nursing courses. It is designed specifically for use by Nursing faculty teaching in the absence of state required patient facing clinical opportunity due to COVID restrictions. The lesson plan describes pedagogical techniques and provides video and education OER resources designed to help support the development of empathetic communication skills over 7 weeks. Refection and video debriefing techniques will be employed. Role play will culminate in the group presentation project of a brief video modeling effective therapeutic empathetic communication.

Evidence-Based Practice: Delaying Infant Bathing, Gabrielle Wadle, Grace Frankland

Scholars Week

A hospital's policy regarding infant bathing is currently not congruent with best nursing practice. The hospital’s current policy is to bathe an infant once they are stable and their rectal temperature is at or above 98.6 °F. Although the infant may become stable within the first 24-hours of birth, the World Health Organization recommends that, “Bathing should be delayed until 24 hours after birth.” (2013, p. 4). Research has been completed to support delaying infant bathing until 24 hours post-delivery, suggesting potential modifications to current policy.

Requiring That Information On Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Options Be Provided Prior To Admission To The L&D Unit, Leighton Terrell

Scholars Week

This research project covers the topic of educating expectant mothers on the options for umbilical cord blood banking or donation. Through the research, it was determined exactly what umbilical cord blood banking was and the types of banking available. Umbilical cord blood banking has many benefits and has been proven to help treat various diseases. Transplantation of umbilical cord blood stem cells rather than bone marrow has improved the cure rates and survival rates of many treatments. Since the first transplantation in 1988, multiple lives have been changed, some even saved, by using blood that has been taken from an …

Postpartum Depression In Women Whose Babies Were Admitted To The Nicu: An Integrative Literature Review, Tara Winkelmann

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Background: Postpartum depression is a major depressive disorder that can occur anytime during pregnancy and for up to a few weeks after giving birth. Postpartum depression affects a significant proportion of women who have given birth, regardless of the birth outcomes. Mothers who had their babies admitted into the NICU face a different postpartum experience than mothers who had healthy babies, which increases their risk for developing postpartum depression.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine if women whose babies were admitted to the NICU were at a higher risk for developing postpartum depression, and how depression screenings …

The Effectiveness Of Psychotherapy In The Treatment Of Postpartum Depression, Elisa De Feo

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

ABSTRACT

Background: Suicide is the second leading cause of death in postpartum women making it a major health priority. Lack of diagnosis, recognition of symptoms, and proactive treatment of postpartum depression (PPD) can lead to devastating effects on the mother and child such as harm or death. The intervention of psychotherapy is recommended as a first line treatment for PPD and is a means by which PPD can be reduced or avoided altogether. This integrative literature review seeks to discover if there is an opportune time in which to initiate psychotherapy interventions in order to reduce or prevent PPD development …

The Effects Of Rape Trauma And Ptsd On The Childbirth Process, Helena Kevorkian

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Abstract

Background: Sexual trauma, including rape and childhood sexual abuse, takes a toll on the survivor emotionally and physically. With the invasive procedures, physical exposure and feelings of loss of control related to childbirth, the survivor may become triggered and become retraumatized. Through an integrative literature review, the effects of rape trauma and PTSD on the childbirth process were identified.

Objective: The purpose of this integrative literature review was to determine the effects of rape trauma and PTSD on the childbirth process. Through determining the effects, a greater understanding will be gained on how to best approach a situation with …

Racial Disparities In Maternal Mortality, Natasha Shehade

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Abstract

Background: Black women die during childbirth at a significantly higher rate than white women. This disparity will be examined using an integrative literature review and the minority stress theory lens.

Objectives: The purpose of this proposed integrative literature review is to identify how the stressors unique to vulnerable communities as outlined by the Minority Stress Theory impact maternal mortality in the United States.

Method: An integrative literature review will be used. An analysis of the literature will be performed to determine common themes in the existing literature.

Findings/Results: The review of literature revealed three common themes: black women who …

Preventing Postpartum Depression In Women Living In The United States: An Integrative Literature Review, Melanie Rein, Natalie Allen

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Abstract

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is common among women living in the United States (U.S.). Unfortunately, despite its prevalence, PPD is underdiagnosed and undertreated. This can have serious consequences for both mother and baby. Research suggests that there is a need for further understanding of interventions to prevent PPD.

Objectives: The purpose of this integrative literature review is to examine strategies that can be used as prevention interventions for PPD.

Methods: An integrative literature review was conducted to identify research supporting PPD prevention. Research was collected by accessing databases through DePaul University Library and was organized according …

Wic Professionals’ Adaptations In Clinical Practice To Better Assess And Address Household Food Insecurity In Participating Families, Kristal Kim

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Abstract

Background: While research on Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participation and proximal health indicators has been considerable, literature on best practices for assessing and addressing household food insecurity in public health clinics remains limited. The purpose of this study was to examine WIC professionals’ knowledge and perspectives of household food insecurity among WIC program participants.

Method: During January 2018, we conducted four focus groups utilizing a semi-structured interview guide with public health staff (N = 24) across four public health districts in Midwestern counties. WIC staff included social workers, nurses, nutritionists and ancillary staff. …

Determining Risk Factors To Decrease Maternal Mortality Related To Chronic Hypertension: An Integrative Literature Review, Chelsea Stellmach

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Background: Maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in the United States in 2015 was 26.4, higher than many other developed countries. Maternal deaths due to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are on the rise, including chronic hypertension. Chronic hypertension is defined as blood pressure greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg before pregnancy or during the first 20 weeks of gestation. This condition occurs in up to 5% of pregnancies which are more likely to result in adverse maternal outcomes. Nearly 40% of maternal deaths are preventable, especially those related to chronic diseases.

Objectives: The purpose of the integrative literature review was to …

Maternal Psychological Distress And Cortsiol, Jenna Schroeder

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Abstract

Background: Previous studies have reported associations between prenatal maternal distress and negative health outcomes for the unborn. There are gaps within this body of knowledge and inconsistencies in the research which make the relevant relationships unclear. If changes in maternal cortisol cause alterations in fetal development, it is important to gain an adequate understanding of how, and if, maternal psychological distress predicts maternal cortisol levels. This study is an integrative literature review that looks at the research investigating a connection between maternal psychological distress and maternal cortisol levels during pregnancy. Lazarus and Folkman’s (1984) Transactional Model of Stress and …

Challenges Associated With Advanced Maternal Age, Krupa Patel

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Abstract

Background: Advanced maternal age is a growing social phenomenon. The proportion of first births to women ages 35 years and over in the United States have increased. Women are prolonging childbearing to accommodate their careers. One’s socioeconomic status, culture, and a movement towards a women making herself and career a priority has contributed to the increasing number of advanced maternal age births.

Objective: The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of the challenges associated with advanced maternal age pregnancies. This study looked into the challenges the mother faced at an older age, their reason behind …

Effects Of Chronic Illness On Self-Image In Adolescents, Krista Stillson

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

EFFECTS OF CHRONIC ILLNESS ON SELF-IMAGE IN ADOLESCENTS:

AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Krista Stillson

Abstract

Background: Chronic illness can pose more than just pathological effects on an individual. During the vulnerable developmental stage of adolescence, the psychological effects of disease can be equally as damaging. In adolescence, manifestations of chronic illness can cause a distorted self-image which may potentiate negative outcomes such as depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. For this reason, it is important for nurses to be aware of the broad impact that can accompany disease and use interventions to counteract such effects. Implementation of coping interventions can help …

Impact Of A Mastectomy On Female Body Image And Sexuality, Hilary Tingley

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Impact of a Mastectomy on Female Sexual Expression: An Integrative Literature Review

Hilary Tingley

Nursing Student, DePaul University, School of Nursing

Background: Women diagnosed with breast cancer are often treated with a combination of therapies, one of which may be a mastectomy. There are an increasing number of women who are undergoing preventative mastectomies, many as a result of BRCA gene testing.

Objective: The purpose of this literature review was to examine the impact of a mastectomy on female sexual expression and body image.

Method: An integrative literature review design was used with research articles pulled from search engines such …

Postpartum Depression And Childbirth Education: An Integrative Literature Review, Marialicia J. Kunkel

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Background: Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a mood disorder that affects approximately 15% of women. Preventative methods are key to reducing the prevalence of PPD, and childbirth educators are in a unique position to disseminate information to new parents.

Objective: The purpose of this literature to review was to investigate what PPD information is currently being incorporated in Childbirth education curriculum. The goal of this literature review was to establish whether new parents were being educated on PPD prior to giving birth and if that helped raise levels of awareness.

Methods: Articles were found using Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied …

Advanced Maternal Age And The Correlation Between Cesarean Birth Rates, Hope Campbell

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the mean age of mothers at the delivery of their first child has increased from 24.9 years to 26.3 years between 2000 and 2014. Miscarriages, financial instability, lack of a partner and more effective contraception may also be associated with the increasing rate of delayed pregnancy. The increasing rate of delayed pregnancy could contribute to the higher rate of cesarean section deliveries in women over the age of 35 which could lead to an increased risk to mother and fetus. The rising cesarean rate is associated with rising costs and …