Nursing Midwifery Commons^™

Delivering Optimal Weight Gain Advice To Pregnant Women By Lead Maternity Carer Midwives In A Real-World Setting To Optimise Health Outcomes (Dot Study): A Case Study Protocol, Kirsten J. Coppell, Nicole Mcgrath, Beverley Lawton, Kendall Stevenson, H. Mel Rackham, Katrina J. Sharples, Trudy Sullivan, Rosemary M. Hall, Helen Paterson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Excess gestational weight gain (GWG) occurs in up to 70% of women who birth. Excess GWG increases the risk of adverse outcomes in both mother and baby including gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, postpartum weight retention, large for gestational age babies, and adiposity among children. Antenatal lifestyle interventions can limit excess GWG. However, successful translation of interventions into routine antenatal care are seldom, and interventions involving midwives are uncommon. Following a successful feasibility study, the main aims of this study are to determine if the Delivering Optimal weighT gain advice in pregnancy (DOT) intervention is acceptable to midwives, acceptable and accessible …

Compassionate Self-Care For Nurses And Midwives: A Sequential Explanatory Mixed Methods Study, Mary Steen, Shwikar Othman, Jennifer Fereday, Annette Briley, Qunyan Xu, Rachael Vernon

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Awareness of being kind and compassionate to yourself is often overlooked despite emerging evidence that high levels of self-compassion decrease levels of anxiety and improves well-being. Aim: To explore what being compassionate to yourself means to nurses and midwives and increase knowledge and understanding of how self-compassion may enhance well-being. Methods: Mixed methods study design was utilised to investigate and explore the influence of self-compassion on nurses and midwives' well-being. Phase 1 involved quantitative data collection and analysis. Phase 2 qualitative data were collected to expand on quantitative results. Results: Fifty-four participants responded to a pre-workshop questionnaire, 55 completed …

The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Maternity Care Services: Lived Experiences Of Midwives In Indonesia, Mergy Gayatri, Oluwadamilare Akingbade, Indhar Wahyu Wira Harjo, Adepegba Folasade Rebecca, Salako Faith Adebola

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Background: There have been fundamental changes in global maternity care in response to the COVID-19 pandemic across the globe. However, there are limited studies in Indonesia that have explored the changes experienced by midwives in various health facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Method: A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted among midwives with at least three years of clinical experience in midwifery practice and practicing at different levels of healthcare. Semi-structured interviews were conducted through WhatsApp or Phone calls, as face-to-face interviews were impossible during the pandemic. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: In total, 24 midwives …

Experiences Of Women In The Labour Room: The Untold Story, Emmanuel Dziwornu, Belinda Kpodo, Ophelia Anarfi, Enyonam Afi Adzato, Anita Fafa Dartey

Patient Experience Journal

Background: Childbirth experiences are some of the most sensitive indicators of the utilisation of health facilities. Women who go through the child-birthing process are reported to be faced with a range of experiences. Aim: This study described women's experiences in the labour room. Methods: The study employed a qualitative research approach with a descriptive design. Purposive sampling was used in this study and data saturation was reached after the 18^th participant. In-depth interviews were used to obtain information from recently delivered women. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic content analysis (TCA) was done and the results were …

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: …

Midwives Experience Of Working With Maternity Assistants: A Qualitative Study, Carol Crevacore, Annie De Leo, Peta Fisher, Sara Bayes

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: The midwifery workforce is essential for delivering safe, high-quality maternity care, however, global staffing shortages pose significant challenges. To address these issues, incorporating midwifery assistants, including undergraduate midwifery students into the model of care has been proposed as a strategy to support midwives and maintain effective service delivery. Aim: This study explores the Registered Midwives' experiences working with Midwifery Assistants (MAs) in an Australian tertiary maternity service. Methods: This study employed a qualitative exploratory design and was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 9 midwives who had experienced working with MAs in the tertiary maternity care setting. Results: The discussion …

Facilitators And Barriers To Interprofessional Collaboration Between Physicians And Midwives: An Integrative Review, Kathy D. Lambright, Anesha E. Martin

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Early models of interprofessional collaborative care suggest that when there is a collaboration between midwives and physicians, the outcomes for mothers and babies are improved. The purpose of this integrative review of the relevant literature is to identify the facilitators and barriers to collaborative relationships between physicians and midwives.

Methods: A keyword search was done using the Science Direct, PubMed, and CINAHL databases. Inclusion criteria were that they must be original research, identify facilitators and barriers in interprofessional collaborative relationships, and include healthcare professionals involved in maternity care. The database search yielded a total of 348 articles, which were …

Fostering A Resilient Healthcare System: Supportive Practice Environment Initiatives To Support Nurse And Midwives A Scoping Review, Gemma Doleman, Dianne Bloxsome, Rong Wang, Lisa Whitehead

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: This scoping review aimed to explore supportive practice environment initiatives that support novice and expert nurses and midwives. Design: Scoping review. Methods: Studies were identified through the electronic databases Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), MEDLINE, PsychInfo, Scopus, and Web of Science. Grey literature was searched using GreyNet, National Grey Literature Collection, ProQuest Dissertation and Theses, and Google Scholar. Results: Thirty-one papers met the criteria for inclusion and data extraction. The key concepts identified were the need for adequate staffing and resources, clear and regular communication, managerial presence and engagement in committees and relationship building, celebration …

The Role Of Midwives In Achieving The Global Sustainable Development Goals, Bakhtawar Muhammad Hanif Khowaja Bk, Elizabeth K. Darling

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) provide a comprehensive framework for global development. Midwives are playing an important role in achieving the targets of the world’s priority agendas. They are actively involved in achieving the targets of SDG#2 by providing education to women on their nutritional requirements, supporting postnatal women with breastfeeding, and educating communities on the use of clean water, sanitation, and hygiene management. Beyond counseling and educating communities on nutrition and hygiene management, they are also involved in improving other health-related outcomes that are indicators for SDG#3, such as improving maternal and child immunization, counseling mothers on tobacco …

Strengthening Lady Health Visitors And Midwives For Sindh, Pakistan For Non-Communicable Diseases (Ncds) Prevention And Management With Refresh Essential Skills, Zulekha Saleem Tharwani, Khairunnissa Mansoor, Zahra Tharani, Ambreen Merchant, Zohra Asif Jetha

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

They were addressing the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly in Low-Middle Income Countries (LMICs) like Pakistan. A proactive initiative undertaken by a Primary Health Service (PHS) in collaboration with a Private School of Nursing and Midwifery in Karachi conducted a 14-week project. 28 LHVs and Midwives (MWs) working in the community of PHS in various parts of Sindh, Pakistan were equipped with some common NCD prevention and management through online sessions and in-person refresher essential skills. The project aimed to equip them with the knowledge of early identification and management of some common NCDs and freshen some skills …

Ensnared Care: How Restrictive Healthcare Laws Impact Mothers, Mckenzie Richards

School of Public Policy Capstones

Do restrictive healthcare policies impact whether expectant mothers receive adequate prenatal care? Could such policies also affect access to alternative birthing options for delivery? Through a literature review and a two-way fixed effects model using panel data, this study investigates two categories of state-level restrictive healthcare policies: scope of practice laws and certificate of need laws. The literature demonstrates the detriments of scope of practice care on access to care and maternal health. However, the statistical models presented on scope of practice find no relationship between scope of practice laws and adequate prenatal care or alternative birthing options. Though the …

Midwives’ Experiences Of Providing Pre-Eclampsia Care In A Low- And Middle-Income Country – A Qualitative Study, Isabella Garti, Michelle Gray, Angela Bromley, Jing-Yu (Benjamin) Tan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Problem: Like other low- and middle-income countries, Ghana has high maternal mortality stemming from pre-eclampsia. Ghanaian midwives are frontline service providers of emergency care in obstetric complications and have the greatest potential to maximise pre-eclampsia outcomes. Little is known about the potential barriers and challenges to midwives' capacity to provide quality care in pre-eclampsia in Ghana. Therefore, we aimed to explore and gain insights into midwives’ experiences of pre-eclampsia care including their knowledge, skills, and psychological aspects such as midwives' resilience. Background: There is a rising global incidence of pre-eclampsia. Quality midwifery care in inter-professional collaborative practice is crucial to …

How Do Professional Connections And Relationships Impact Midwives’ Well-Being And Career Sustainability? A Grounded Theory Study Protocol, Lynnelle Moran, Sara Bayes, Kim Foster

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Significant attrition and projected workforce shortages within the midwifery profession are global issues. Extensive research has identified that high levels of workplace adversity, chronic stress, and increasing rates of vicarious trauma and moral injury experienced by midwives, underpin this situation. Researchers have explored midwives’ intention to stay in the midwifery workforce and identified ways to support students’ transition to professional practice. Supportive collegial relationships have been reported to be protective for new and early career midwives’ well-being and resilience. However, there is a gap in knowledge and understanding of the impact and significance of professional connections and relationships for midwives …

Western Australian Mothers' Experiences Of Breastfeeding Support In Hospital After Birth: A Mixed Methods Study, Justine Van Der Watt

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Background: The benefits of breastfeeding are well established for infants, mothers and the community, with the World Health Organisation recommending that infants be exclusively breastfed up to six months of age with an achievable goal of 70% globally. Yet in Australia only 15-37% may be reaching that goal. There have also been reported benefits and desires for mothers to be supported with their breastfeeding in order to increase and prolong breastfeeding duration and exclusivity, especially early after birth. However, there is limited research or literature exploring what experiences mothers are having with breastfeeding support, especially during their hospital admissions in …

Work-Related Stress Among Midwives In Central Uganda. A Key Comparison Between Rural-Urban And Private-Public Midwives: A Cross-Sectional Study, Diana Mbatudde, Ahmed Sarki, Ofra Halperin, Ekaete Asuquo, Grace Edward

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Background: Midwives in Uganda face challenges that predispose them to vulnerability and traumatic work-related stress which may impact the provision of quality midwifery care and the well-being of midwives. This study aimed at exploring the prevalence and sources of work-related stress and comparing the differences in the experiences of stress among rural or urban midwives and private or public midwives in health facilities in central Uganda.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was utilized. The 57-item Expanded Nursing Stress Scale (ENSS) was used to collect data from 208 midwives working in urban and rural (both public and private) health facilities …

Midwives’ Experiences Of The Consequences Of Navigating Barriers To Maternity Care, Yakubu Ismaila, Sara Bayes, Sadie Geraghty

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Midwives in Low- and middle-income countries, experience myriad barriers that have consequences for them and for maternity care. This article provides insight into the consequences of the barriers that Ghanaian midwives face in their workplaces. Glaserian Grounded Theory methodology using semi-structured interviews and non-participant observations was applied in this study. The study participants comprised of 29 midwives and a pharmacist, a social worker, a health services manager, and a National Insurance Scheme manager in Ghana. Data collection and analysis occurred concurrently while building on already analyzed data. In this study it was identified that barriers to Ghanaian midwives’ ability to …

Disrespect And Abuse In Maternity Care In A Low-Resource Setting In Tanzania: Provider’S Perspectives Of Practice, Loveluck Mwasha, Lucy Kisaka, Eunice Pallangyo

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background

Globally, women experience disrespectful and abusive care from maternity healthcare providers at health facilities, committed intentionally or unintentionally, particularly during labor and delivery. Disrespectful care affects women’s childbirth experience and birth outcomes.

Methods

This study used a descriptive qualitative design to obtain thick and rich data on disrespect and abuse in maternity care in a low-resource setting in Tanzania. Three days workshop was conducted at the Aga Khan University comprising maternity healthcare providers from diverse settings. The workshop was designed based on the existing evidence and anecdotal data and inspired by the authors’ experiences of disrespectful and abusive care …

Adherence To Screening And Management Guidelines Of Maternal Group B Streptococcus Colonization In Pregnancy, Sabine Pangerl, Deborah Sundin, Sadie Geraghty

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aims: To investigate Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization in pregnancy; adherence to antenatal GBS screening and adherence to the intrapartum antibiotics protocol within two models of care (midwifery and non-midwifery led). Design: This retrospective quantitative study has employed a descriptive design using administrative health data. Methods: Data from five maternity hospitals in metropolitan and regional Western Australia that included 22,417 pregnant women who gave birth between 2015 and 2019 were examined, applying descriptive statistics using secondary data analysis. Results: The study revealed an overall GBS colonization rate of 21.7% with similar rates in the different cohorts. A lower adherence to …

The Psychological Toll Of Covid-19 Pandemic On Private Practice Midwives In Indonesia And Its Relation With Perceived Knowledge And Individual Adaptability, Amelia Citra Kirana, Gracia Ivonika, Dewa Ayu Mirah Ardrini, Maria Stephani Dwitya, Ratih Ibrahim, Ray Wagiu Basrowi

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

COVID-19 had serious impacts on the lives and health of people across the globe. Due to the high-risk nature of their work midwives frequently report personal/professional adverse psychological impacts. However, there is a lack of studies examining the psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on private practice midwives in Indonesia and beyond. This study examines the psychological impacts of the pandemic on private practice midwives in Indonesia, as well as its association with individual adaptability and perceived knowledge about COVID-19. A total of 423 private practice midwives, who were active practitioners during the pandemic, completed an online survey, comprising five …

Knowledge, Attitudes, And Preparedness For Managing Pregnant And Postpartum Women With Covid-19 Among Nurse-Midwives In Kenya, Rose Maina, Rachel Kimani, James Orwa, Bernard Mutwiri, Carolyne K. Nyariki, Sheila Shaibu, Valerie Fleming

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Introduction: Globally, maternal morbidity and mortality have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the high burden of maternal and neonatal mortality in Kenya prior to COVID-19, front line health workers, including nurse-midwives, must be competent to ensure continued quality maternal services. Knowledge and awareness of COVID-19 transmission influence nurse-midwives risk perception and ability to implement prevention strategies.

Objective: We examined nurse-midwives’ knowledge, attitudes, and preparedness in managing pregnant and postpartum women with COVID-19 in Kenya.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 118 nurse-midwives between July 2020 and November 2020. A 31-item survey comprising 15 knowledge, …

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 …

Moving On After Critical Incidents In Health Care: A Qualitative Study Of The Perspectives And Experiences Of Second Victims, Melanie Buhlmann, Beverley Ewens, Amineh Rashidi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aims: To gain a deeper understanding of nurses and midwives' experiences following involvement in a critical incident in a non-critical care area and to explore how they have 'moved-on' from the event.

Design: An interpretive descriptive design guided inductive inquiry to interpret the meaning of moving-on.

Methods: Purposive sampling recruited 10 nurses and midwives. Data collection comprised semi-structured interviews, memos and field notes. Data were concurrently collected and analysed during 2016–2017 with NVivo 11. The thematic analysis enabled a coherent analytical framework evolving emerging themes and transformation of the data into credible interpretive description findings, adhering to the COREQ reporting …

The Knowledge, Attitudes And Beliefs Of Midwives On The Vaccination Coverage Rates In Perth’S Aboriginal Children, Rebecca Carman, Lesley Andrew, Amanda Devine

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background:

Midwives are well placed to promote vaccination awareness throughout a women’s pregnancy and strengthen childhood vaccination demand following hospital discharge. In Perth, Western Australia, Aboriginal children experience some of the lowest vaccination coverage rates across the nation. To identify factors preventing greater vaccination uptake amongst the target population, a theory-based study was conducted with midwives across two Perth maternity hospitals to explore behavioural attributes, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs surrounding vaccination provision and the vaccines administered to Aboriginal children.

Methods:

A purpose-designed questionnaire was distributed to midwives working in two Perth public maternity hospitals. The proximal constructs of The Theory …

Population Assessment To Determine The Eligibility For Birth Center Care At University Of Kentucky Midwife Clinic, Dolores Polito

DNP Projects

Background: The COVID-19 crisis prompted patients to inquire about their options to avoid going to the hospital for birth. Outside of the hospital, birth center care has been identified as an evidence-based model for healthy women during pregnancy and birth, but it is not available in Kentucky.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine if there are women eligible for birth center care who have been part of a nurse midwifery service and given birth in a large, academic, tertiary care setting.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was used for this study. It involved a collection of …

Midwives’ Strategies For Coping With Barriers To Providing Quality Maternal And Neonatal Care: A Glaserian Grounded Theory Study, Yakubu Ismaila, Sara Bayes, Sadie Geraghty

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: Midwives face direct and indirect barriers in their workplaces that have negative consequences on their ability to provide quality care to women and neonates, however, they still carry on with their duties. This study aimed at investigating the coping strategies that Ghanaian midwives adopt to be able to complete their work. Methods: Glaserian Grounded theory was used in this study. Data were collected through non-participant observations and semi-structured interviews. The study participants included 29 midwives who worked in labour/birthing environments and a pharmacist, a social worker, a national Health Insurance Scheme manager and a health services manager. Findings: The …

Barriers To Ghanaian Midwives’ Ability To Provide Quality Care: A Glaserian Grounded Theory Study, Yakubu Ismaila

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The midwifery model of care that promotes the employment of trained and regulated midwives for the provision of maternal and neonatal care has been found to be beneficial, especially in Low and Middle-Income Countries that have high maternal and neonatal mortalities. Midwives in those setting are however, facing a myriad of barriers which negatively affect their ability to provide optimal care. Although Ghana is implementing the midwifery model of care, maternal and neonatal mortality remains high in the country. Little is known from the point of view of midwives, who are the primary providers of maternal and neonatal care, about …

Ricketts, Hunter Christian, B. 1997 (Fa 1382), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Folklife Archives Project 1382. Project completed by Hunter Ricketts in fall 2019 regarding Mennonite health practices as part of a WKU folk studies class on Field Methods in Ethnography.

Sociodemographic Factors Associated With Mothers’ Experiences Of Psychosocial Care And Communication By Midwives During Childbirth In Nairobi, Kenya, Jane Kabo, Eleanor Holroyd, Grace Edwards, Ahmed Sarki

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Purpose: To clarify sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors associated with mothers’ experiences of psychosocial care and communication by midwives during childbirth in Nairobi, Kenya.

Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in a government national referral hospital. Respondents were 109 systematically sampled mothers who delivered in the study hospital. Mothers’ experiences of intrapartum care were assessed using three subscales from the Experience of Psychosocial Care and Communication during Childbirth Questionnaire (effective communication; emotional support; and respect, care and dignity). Simple and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to assess associations between sociodemographic factors, socioeconomic factors and mothers’ experiences of intrapartum care.

Findings: …

Cultural Assessment: A Study Of Midwives’ Knowledge, Attitude And Self-Reported Practice In Uganda, Mercy Muwema, Karen Drake, Pamela Friesen, Grace Edwards

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Background: Cultural assessment is critical due to the increased movement and resettlement of people across the globe, and diverse cultural groups in Uganda. This is putting the health care delivery systems serving the communities under pressure to recognize the different attitudes of people towards health and to develop care systems that are effective in meeting diverse needs. However, despite the importance of cultural assessment in nursing literature, little is known about the cultural assessment competence of Ugandan midwives. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice of midwives in this assessment process.

Methods: A descriptive correlational design was used to …

Strengthening Bauchi State College Of Nursing And Midwifery By Updating Its Training Curricula, Procedure Manuals And Student Handbooks, Ekechi Okereke, Ibrahim Suleiman, Aisha Jibril

Reproductive Health

Many of Nigeria’s Nursing and Midwifery schools and colleges encounter challenges that include outdated training curricula, which can lead, in some cases, to loss of accreditation. In Bauchi state, a state College of Nursing and Midwifery was formally established in 2013. The Population Council engaged a curriculum expert who had worked with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (which stipulates minimum standards of compliance for accreditation) to assess the school’s training documents, including its training curriculum, procedure manual, and student handbook. The school is expected to secure full accreditation in 2019. The Population Council also supported the strengthening of …