Nursing Midwifery Commons^™

Fear Of Childbirth As A Perinatal Comorbidity: An Integrative Review, Michelle T. Mcmanus, Ashely N. Payne

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Fear of childbirth (FOC) and tokophobia have a significant impact on one in every five pregnant women and is associated with enhanced levels of anxiety, depression, pre-traumatic stress, and has led to increased requests for elective cesarean sections. Given the influence that it has on birth mode and perceived birth experience as well as postpartum wellbeing, it stands to reason that FOC represents an often-overlooked aspect of perinatal mental health.
This capstone reviews cohort, cross-sectional, randomized, and quasi-experimental studies examining prevalence, correlations, and consequences of FOC. It evaluates antenatal education, midwife-led support, and cognitive behavioral therapy as potential interventions. Outcomes …

Prevalence And Factors Associated With Stillbirths Among Women Giving Birth In Four Hospitals Of Eswatini- A Multi-Centre Study, Phetsile Nolungelo Thwala

MSc in Advanced Practice Midwifery

Background: Stillbirth, a component of perinatal mortality, remains a global burden, with approximately 2 million occurring annually worldwide and mostly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). There is a dearth of studies on stillbirth in some Low-middle income countries, such as Eswatini. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors for stillbirths among women giving birth in four selected hospitals in Eswatini.

Methods: A quantitative unmatched case-control study was conducted using records of stillbirths (cases) and live births (controls) from July 1 to December 31, 2021. Consecutive sampling and systematic random sampling were …

Labor Companionship: A Concept Of Doula Care: A Commentary Paper, Arisha Amin, Rabab Vadivala

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

A labor companion is a person who offers consistent individualized support to laboring women. Doula care is defined as the care which an individual provides of physical, social, and emotional support during pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postnatal period (1). Doulas help women ease their anxiety, and pain and address their concerns with comfort, care, and respect. Doulas help in cherishing a mother and child bonding helps in initiate breastfeeding and provide an emotional bond throughout the birthing time. It helps in reducing cesarean sections, and high-risk pregnancies and minimizes infant and maternal mortalities. The purpose of the study is …

Midwifery Care's Potential To Improve Birth Outcomes And Experiences For Black Women And Infants, Neville Wintergerst-Burch

Undergraduate Theses

Black women and infants experience higher morbidity and mortality rates compared to white women and infants in the United States. Forces of systemic racism and poverty often lead to inadequate access to prenatal care for Black women, and care received is often compromised by implicit bias or barriers related to insurance coverage, impersonal provider-patient relationships, and poor healthcare literacy. Despite the rich history of Black Granny midwives in the United States, most Black women began using physicians for obstetric care in the 20th and 21st centuries. This integrative review explores how improving access to midwifery care for Black women could …

Evaluating The Impact Of Volunteer And Facility Provided Doula Support In The Intrapartum Period On Maternal, Neonatal, And Psychosocial Outcomes In The Hospital Setting, Kayla Puent, Keirsta Marie Ragels

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background/Purpose: The unacceptably high maternal mortality rate in the United States has demanded a call to action for evaluation and implementation of efforts to improve both maternal and neonatal outcomes. Low-resource and low-socioeconomic populations are at a higher risk of experiencing adverse birth outcomes. Doulas have continuously been recognized as key tools in improving outcomes, but not all birthing persons have access to them. The positive impact of continuous labor support in improving outcomes is recognized by the American College of Obstetricians, American College of Nurse-Midwives, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and the March of Dimes. The purpose of this …

The Impact Of Midwifery Care On Racial Disparities In African American Women And Infants, Madeline Grace Englund, Antionette Renee Estis

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background/Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to critically examine scholarly writings to understand the history and current manifestations of racism in maternal and perinatal outcomes and reproductive health care and to provide insight on how midwives can be impactful to the health disparities that impact Black women and infants. Theoretical Framework: Dr. David Williams created a framework for understanding the relationship between race and health. Understanding the differential distribution of adverse health consequences within racial groups is essential to developing effective solutions to these problems. Race is constructed of biological factors, social, and economic structures by which groups live …

Effects Of Labor Support From Doulas On Birth Outcomes, Mattea Jo Otten

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background/Purpose: Women using a doula for support during labor and childbirth is increasing, with 6% of women in 2012 utilizing doulas (Dekker, 2017). The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists [ACOG] recommends one-to-one labor support to improve labor outcomes. The purpose of this literature review was to determine the effects of labor support from doulas on birth outcomes. Theoretical Framework: Kolcaba's Theory of Comfort can be used during childbirth. This theory focuses on relief, ease, and transcendence, allowing women the opportunity to rise above the pain and experience comfort, even when their pain is not gone. Doula support is intended …

The Effect Of Integrative Medicine Practices On The Use Of Obstetric Intervention In Labor And Delivery, Rachel Cochran

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background/Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to review scholarly writings to discern if the use of integrative medicine practices affects the use of obstetric intervention in labor and delivery. Theoretical Framework: The Theory of Human Caring by Jean Watson will be used as the theoretical structure of this literature review. Watson’s theory places caring at the center of all activities, decisions, and practices within the discipline of nursing and emphasizes a journey of caring for the whole person. Methods: Nineteen research articles were critically reviewed with the purpose of determining whether the use of specific integrative medicine practices affects …

Labor Companionship: A Concept Of Doula Care, Arisha Amin, Rabab Vadivala

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

A labor companion is a person who offers consistent individualized support to laboring women. Doula care is defined as the care which an individual provides of physical, social, and emotional support during pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postnatal period (1). Doulas help women ease their anxiety, and pain and address their concerns with comfort, care, and respect. Doulas help in cherishing a mother and child bonding helps in initiate breastfeeding and provide an emotional bond throughout the birthing time. It helps in reducing cesarean sections, and high-risk pregnancies and minimizes infant and maternal mortalities. The purpose of the study is …

Better Together: Group Prenatal Care Improves Outcomes, Rachel Hanus

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Neonatal outcomes have not improved over the past 30 years in spite of increases in funding and utilization. New models of prenatal care, such as Centering Pregnancy, need to be evaluated for effectiveness. This critical review of the literature focuses on comparing birth outcomes, maternal weight gain, and adequacy of prenatal care between group and traditional care models. Results: Newborns with mothers in group care were more likely to be born at later gestational ages and with higher birth weights. Mothers in group care were more likely to use contraception postpartum and have better prenatal attendance. Women in at-risk …