Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nursing Commons^™

Managing Maternal Anemia In Pregnancy: The Role Of Iron-Rich Foods And Supplementation, Carli Dibler

InnovateHER Meeting 2026

Anemia during pregnancy is a large public health concern, which often leads to independent risk factors for fetal and maternal outcomes including postpartum hemorrhaging, cesarean sections, blood transfusions during and after the labor process, hysterectomies, preterm birth, and infectious diseases. Six level I-III studies were analyzed using the John Hopkins nursing evidence-based practice model. Findings showed that by using a combined approach of dietary intake and supplementation overall leads to better fetal and maternal outcomes compared to supplementation alone.

Prenatal Care, Pregnancy Risk, Birth Outcomes And The Role Of Neighborhood Characteristics, Monica Garcia-Perez Phd, Randy Huard Phd, Christopher Thoms Phd, David Tilstra Md

InnovateHER Meeting 2026

This study links 2024 CentraCare Health birth records with neighborhood census tract conditions from the National Neighborhood Data Archive (NaNDA, 2020/2021) to examine how place, prenatal care, and clinical risks influence birth outcomes in Central Minnesota. Neighborhood factors are standardized and paired with measures of prenatal-care adequacy and pregnancy-risk indicators in a series of multivariate linear models to explore their effect on birth outcomes. Analyses adjust for maternal demographics and clinical risks to identify independent neighborhood effects. A privacy-preserving, tract-linked dataset is also created to help local partners target high-need prevention areas.

Utilizing Remote Patient Monitoring With Dnp Students To Provide Pre-Natal Care, Sara Mccumber

InnovateHER Meeting 2026

This educational project introduced Nurse Practitioners to the use of RPM during pre-natal care for a patient with pre-natal hypertension. Hypertension is a risk factor in 16% of pregnancies and 5-8% of US births are impacted by hypertensive disorders and preeclampsia (CDC, 2023).

Identification and effective management of hypertension in pregnancy recently was an initiative of the Minnesota Perinatal Quality Collaborative (MPQC, 2022).

Advancing Exclusive Breastfeeding Through Prenatal Education, Emr Optimization, And Community Partnership: A Champs National Quality Improvement Initiative, Heather Klein, Hannah Koepp

InnovateHER Meeting 2026

CHAMPS National is a CDC-funded quality improvement initiative focused on improving exclusive breastfeeding rates, strengthening maternity care practices, and reducing racial disparities. This project implemented culturally responsive prenatal education, optimized EMR workflows, and strengthened community partnerships to support informed infant feeding decisions and improve breastfeeding equity.

Be Prepared For Your Nurse Practitioner Clinical Readiness Exam, Elizabeth Heavey, Renee Biedlingmaier, Colleen Burgoyne, Carnel C. Jackson

Milne Open Textbooks

This text contains case studies and review questions for nurse practitioner students; focusing on the 3Ps of nurse practitioner education (Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, and Physical (Health) Assessment) to help NP students prepare for their clinical courses and pass their clinical readiness exam.  It includes cases commonly seen in entry-level NP practice.  In addition to the three individual sections of the text that focus on cases applying content from each of the distinct courses (Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Physical Assessment), we included summative case studies at the end of the book that connect all three areas in a single case. Because these three …

Navigating The Nicu Without Words: A Case Study Of A Spanish-Speaking Mother’S Healthcare Experience, Emma Norris

Poster Presentations

Research on NICU experiences largely focuses on majority-language families; non-English-speaking families are understudied (Cleveland, 2008). The Family Integrated Care model promotes parent-infant connection and shared decision-making to improve outcomes (Wreesmann et al., 2020). Language barriers impede parent-provider communication, increasing miscommunication and parental anxiety (Kynoe et al., 2020; Ardal et al., 2011). The purpose of this research is to explore communication experiences and barriers between English-speaking and bilingual NICU nurses and a Spanish-speaking NICU mother.

The Use Of Human Milk Versus Formula Feeding To Decrease The Incidence Of Nec For Preterm Infants In The Nicu: An Integrative Research Review (Irr), Shelby Everard Larkins-Hutchins

Covenant Nurses Week 2026

No abstract provided.

Enhancing Early Breastfeeding Initiation: An Integrative Review Of Barriers And Education, Staci Shaw

Covenant Nurses Week 2026

No abstract provided.

Postpartum Depression Screening Among Hispanic Women: Insights From Epds Literature, Gabriella A. Irizarry Negron, Sara Moyer

UROP Posters

Postpartum depression screening among Hispanic women remains an important but complicated issue, as differences in how the EPDS is used and current barriers to care may affect early identification and treatment. This poster, Postpartum Depression Screening Among Hispanic Women: Insights from EPDS Literature, explores how the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) has been evaluated across studies involving Hispanic populations. Using a literature review approach, eight peer-reviewed articles were organized into an annotated bibliography and matrix to identify key trends in screening practices and outcomes.

Findings revealed three major themes: (1) EPDS cut-off scores for postpartum depression vary widely across …

Psychological Impact Of Ulcerative Colitis On Pregnancy And Postpartum Period, Stephanie C. Carver

Nursing | Student Research Posters

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Maternal Mental Health On Child Development, Jessica White

Nursing | Student Research Posters

No abstract provided.

Optimizing Pelvic Health: Evaluating The Efficacy Of Prenatal Strength And Resistance Training Combined With Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises In Reducing Pelvic Organ Prolapse Risk, Samantha Requilman

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is the descent of pelvic organs—such as the bladder, rectum, or uterus—into the vaginal canal, causing symptoms like discomfort, incontinence, and pain. Beyond physical effects, postpartum women may also experience anxiety, decreased self-confidence, and fear of symptom progression. Research by O’Boyle et al. (2002) highlights that POP studies have focused more on treatment than prevention and suggests that while pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFME) are supported as effective preventive strategies, POP remains prevalent in pregnancy. There are limited research studies on the effectiveness of prenatal resistance training in the prevention of pelvic dysfunctions and this study …

Advanced Screening For Intimate Partner Violence To Prevent Adverse Pregnancy And Maternal Outcomes, Emilia R. Valdez

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Intimate Partner Violence experienced by pregnant individuals contributes to adverse pregnancy outcomes and maternal health. A mother’s exposure to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) can affect their ability to carry a healthy pregnancy to term (38 – 40 weeks gestational age) and places them at risk for comorbidities including; Preterm birth, Intrauterine Growth Restriction, Low Birth Weight/ Small for Gestational Age, Premature Rupture of Membranes and Miscarriage. The incidence of IPV screening is not accessible to all pregnant individuals due to healthcare providers lack of education, time constraints in the workplace, bias and discomfort towards IPV. The implementation of …

Recognizing The Risk: Enhancing Nurse Preparedness For Postpartum Hemorrhage Through Simulation-Based Education, Ishpreet Kaur

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a serious, often unexpected complication after childbirth involving excessive bleeding. It is a leading cause of maternal death and can happen quickly, even in healthy pregnancies. Risk factors may increase the chances of PPH, but it can also occur without warning. Nurses play a key role in recognizing early signs and taking quick action. However, delays still happen due to inconsistent training, unclear protocols, and lack of preparedness. Strengthening nurse education and improving emergency response systems are essential to improve care and achieve better outcomes for mothers. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the impact …

Exploring The Mental Impact Of End-Of-Life Care Exposure On Neonatal Nurses: Perspectives And Insights, Kaith Monterroso

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Purpose: This research investigates education interventions aimed to improve neonatal nurses’ knowledge in End-of-Life Care (EoLC), with a goal in improving their mental health using coping strategies. This study seeks to, in the end, deliver effective sensitive and comprehensive care during EoLC. Improved education in this area is expected to enhance higher quality of care while fostering better mental health outcomes for nurses themselves. Methods: The proposed research utilizes a pre- and post-test design to evaluate the effectiveness of education and training in nurses who have a minimum of 3 to 4 years of experience in the Neonatal Intensive Care …

The Impact Of Parental Mental Health On Infants In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Andee L. Plaskett

Nursing | Student Research Posters

The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) provides critical and life saving care for infants born with medical complications that may need specialized care. The NICU environment can be an overwhelming and stressful place for both parents and infants. Parental mental health challenges, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, can significantly impact infants in the NICU by hindering parent infant interaction and connection. Parental mental distress is often linked to an increase in anxiety for the infant, as well as higher rates of medical complications and a higher likelihood of longer hospital stays for the infant. Parental stress can have a …

Educating Nurses On Culturally Competent Intimate Partner Violence Care, Nicole Lee

Nursing | Student Research Posters

No abstract provided.

Treatment Safety In Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis, Malia Ecalnir

Nursing | Student Research Posters

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Sleep Deprivation On Maternal Decision-Making And Risk-Taking Behavior, Stephanie Marea B. Martinez

Nursing | Student Research Posters

No abstract provided.

Empowering Birth: Comparing Nurse-Led Holistic And Pharmacologic Pain Relief Approaches​, Jessica C. Moore

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Childbirth is often described as one of the most meaningful experiences in a woman’s life. During this time, effective pain management is essential not only for reducing discomfort, but also for improving maternal satisfaction and minimizing unnecessary obstetric interventions. While childbirth is frequently approached as a purely physical process, it is inherently holistic, influenced by cultural, social, psychological, and emotional factors.

Growing evidence highlights the value of incorporating and educating patients and providers on non-pharmacologic strategies such as breathing techniques, massage, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, positioning ,ambulation, and continuous emotional support.

For example, a study in Sweden that found that a group …

Comparing Human Milk-Derived Vs Bovine-Derived Fortifiers In Formula-Fed Preterm Infants On The Incidence Of Necrotizing Enterocolitis, Maya C. Kern

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the leading causes of death in infants < 32 weeks gestation and/or < 1500g. Human breast milk lowers NEC rates through immunologic, microbial, and gut-protective mechanisms. When maternal or donor milk is unavailable, infants require formula with fortification but the safest type of fortifiers remains unclear. Bovine-derived fortifiers may increase gut inflammation; human milk-derived fortifiers may offer more protection. Limited research exists comparing these fortifiers when infants are exclusively formula fed. Determining if human milk-derived fortifiers still reduce NEC risk could influence NICU feeding guidelines and improve outcomes.

Paternal Involvement And Bonding In Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Evaluating Daily Caregiving, Emotional Well-Being, And Father-Infant Connection, Ava G. Kinyon

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Premature birth and serious neonatal conditions frequently require infants to obtain care in the NICU, producing psychological and emotional obstacles for families. Despite the fact that skin-to-skin contact has been extensively researched for its strengths in encouraging stability and bonding, there persists restricted importance and understanding on paternal participation in routine caregiving tasks such as feeding, diapering, temperature checks, and swaddling. Purpose: This study aims to evaluate paternal participation in daily NICU caregiving tasks to address gaps in comprehending how these experiences impact bonding and emotional well-being among fathers of hospitalized infants. Methods: This study will …

Still Faces, Different Places: An Assessment Of The Literature On The Face-To-Face Still Face Procedure For Cultural Congruence, Merilyn Arikkat, Leslie B. Lantz, Patricia Kinser

UROP Posters

Cultural understanding is a factor that impacts reliability of research results for observational studies. It is important to include participants of minority groups in research, as many people of color face disproportionate challenges in terms of healthcare access and resources. Within the context of mother-infant attachment, a technique known as the Face-to-Face Still Face procedure can be utilized to observe attachment styles and the bond between a parent and their infant. In order to combat subjectivity within the coding process for this Face-to-Face Still Face procedure, cultural congruence between the participants being observed in the study and the coding researchers …

A Program To Support Kangaroo Care Of Preterm Infants In The Nicu For The Caregivers, Katherine Blake Carby Cooksey, Mary Jan Greer, Debbie Johnson

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This presentation is about an educational program developed to help educate the caregivers about kangaroo care while their baby is in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This program is to emphasis in the occupations of social interaction and family involvement with kangaroo care. Caregivers/parents are able to learn about the what kangaroo care is, the different type methods of kangaroo care, the benefits of kangaroo care, the importance of kangaroo care while being in the NICU. This program development for the caregivers is able to help with their journaling experience while in the NICU and adjusting kangaroo care into …

Educational Program On Depression And Anxiety For Low Socioeconomic Postpartum Latina Mothers, Lizbeth Valdez Duran

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum anxiety are common mental health conditions that women experience after childbirth. PPD involves intense feelings of extreme sadness, and diminished interests in activities that once brought them happiness. Postpartum anxiety involves constant worry and fear, often centered on the well-being of the baby. Symptoms may include restlessness or irritability, panic attacks, and trouble concentrating or sleeping. Barriers to treating depression and anxiety among Latinas include a lack of awareness or understanding of mental health issues. (Lopez et al., 2018).

Health Literacy refers to the individual's ability to understand and process health-related information. By assessing a …

Domestic Violence And Mental Health In Pregnant Women, Arabella M. Co

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Domestic violence can include verbal, emotional, and physical abuse, which can lead to long-term mental health disorders such as stress, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Purpose: This research includes a literature review, as well as a proposed research design to examine the significance of intimate partner violence in relation to mental health by implementing screening methods and interventions. Method: Participants will be recruited from prenatal clinics around the Bay Area. A quantitative, randomized, controlled-trial cohort study will investigate the effectiveness of the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring Systems (PRAMS). A screening tool used in determining intimate partner violence within the …

Maternal Substance Use And Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (Nicu) Admission Among Medicaid Beneficiaries: A State-Wide Audit, Vidhani Goel, Ana L. Reyes, Bertille Assoumou, Dodds P. Simangan, Farooq Abdulla, Megumi Akiyama, Deborah A. Kuhls, Kavita Batra

Undergraduate Research Symposium Podium Presentations

Introduction: Mounting evidence suggested a strong association between maternal substance abuse and poor neonatal outcomes. This study aims to investigate an association between maternal substance abuse and NICU admissions and transitions in the LOC among newborns who were Medicaid beneficiaries.

Methods: A hybrid linkage approach was utilized to link two datasets (Birth Registry and Nevada Medicaid Claims) spanning 2015-2021 with nearly 85% linkage efficiency. The infant records were analyzed using univariate and bivariate statistical methods with significance level set at 5%.

Results: A total of 84,181 infant records were identified, of which 70,817 (84.1%) admitted to a single LOC during …

Intermittent Auscultation Vs Electronic Fetal Monitoring In Laboring Patients, Nichole Plummer, Jennifer Kellerman

Nurse Residency

In healthy laboring women, how does the use of Intermittent auscultation, compared to continuous monitoring, affect fetal and maternal outcomes?

Treating Mothers With Postpartum Depression While In The Nicu, Arrie Belnap, Mary Jan Greer, Aimee Doughty

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

The presentation is about an educational program developed to educate mothers with or at risk for postpartum depression (PPD) while their baby is in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Mothers learned about the nature of PPD, occupations to implement to decrease symptoms of PPD, and occupations that they can participate in to care for their NICU babies. The evaluations, interventions, and outcomes of the program are discussed.

Using Simulation To Enhance Undergraduate Nursing Education, Lori Prewitt Moore, Candice N. Selwyn

CoTL 2024 Posters

This poster presentation will discuss the implementation of simulation-based education in the undergraduate nursing curriculum to increase preparedness in caring for adolescent patients with symptoms of depression and suicidal ideation. This topic aligns with the conference’s theme by identifying the importance of introducing nursing students to urgent and life-threatening simulated healthcare events prior to graduation. The plan for this presentation is to impart information to others regarding the use of the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning’s standards of best practice when implementing innovative, simulation-based education for nursing students. The outcome and objectives for this presentation is to …