Nursing Midwifery Commons^™

Caught In The Midwife’S Hands: A Black Feminist Exploration Of Reproductive Health And Justice In Massachusetts, Nina Bakum

Gender, Sexuality, and Intersectionality Studies Honors Papers

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Home Birth Integration On Maternal-Neonatal Outcomes And Patient Satisfaction: An Integrative Review, Mary E. Hillaker, Jennifer K. Jacobitz

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Home birth is a safe option for low-risk populations. As awareness of home birth increases, so do the families choosing home birth. Governing bodies recommend well integrated maternal health systems, yet the impact of level of integration on perinatal outcomes and patient satisfaction has not been specifically examined. The purpose of this integrative review is to identify the impact home birth integration has on maternal and neonatal outcomes, patient satisfaction, and how communities can improve their integration level.
Methods: A keyword search of current literature was conducted using CINAHL, PubMed, and Scopus databases. An additional hand search of 2 …

Dosage Considerations For Aspirin Therapy To Prevent Preeclampsia In Pregnancy, Melissa S. Haraway

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Preeclampsia remains the leading cause of maternal and neonatal mortality worldwide despite extensive and ongoing research on the subject. The use of aspirin therapy to reduce preeclampsia in pregnancy is widely researched and accepted into practice, however, optimal dosing is still debated. The purpose of this review is to identify which dosage of aspirin therapy offers the most effective reduction in preeclampsia without increasing the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.
Methods: The following databases were searched using the framework methodology by Whittemore and Knafl: CINAHL, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, ProQuest, and Citations. The search criteria limited articles to five years old …

Midwifery Students' Definitions Of Normal Labor And Birth: A Study From Five Countries, Jalana Lazar, Juliet Wood, Jane Fry, Barbara Baranowska, Urszula Tataj-Puzyna, Debora Dole, Emma Ritchie, Clare Davison, Cindy L. Farley, Felicity Agwu Kalu, Maria Healy, Maria Węgrzynowska

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Internationally, many women and birthing people are receiving maternity care interventions as a routine with no medical indication for their use. This medicalized environment influences midwives' practice and, by extension, midwifery students' clinical learning experiences, gaining knowledge and confidence in facilitating normal labor and birth. To educate midwifery students in the provision of high-quality maternal and newborn care, it is important to explore their understanding of normal labor and birth, as this underpins their philosophy of care and will inform their future practice. Methods: An online survey was developed from a review of current evidence. Following ethical approval, the …

Methods To Reduce Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: An Integrative Review, Jolene J. Davis

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This integrative review explores interventions that may improve live birth rates or pregnancy outcomes for individuals experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Approximately 5% of couples experience RPL, and limited evidence contributes to inconsistent clinical recommendations for this population. A literature search was conducted using CINAHL, PubMed, and Nursing and Allied Health Collection. Inclusion criteria consisted of primary research studies published in English from 2016 to 2026 that evaluated preventative interventions aimed at improving live birth rates or pregnancy outcomes in individuals with RPL. Exclusion criteria included infertility unrelated to RPL, single miscarriage, animal subjects, in vitro fertilization-related studies, or studies …

Comparing Nurse-Led Holistic Pain Relief Strategies And Sole Pharmacological Use In Enhancing Maternal Satisfaction, Reducing Pain, And Lowering Obstetric Interventions During Childbirth, Jessica C. Moore

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Childbirth has become heavily reliant on pharmacological management and obstetric interventions such as epidural use, labor induction, and cesarean deliveries (C-sections) even among low-risk pregnancies. While necessary in some cases, excessive reliance on pharmacological interventions can negatively impact the experience of birthing as a whole. Non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) such as breathing techniques, positioning, hydrotherapy, massage, aromatherapy and continuous support have shown to be effective in reducing pain and supporting physiologic labor. The gaps in education and lack of standard implementation result in inconsistent application in practice. Purpose: This research proposal aims to evaluate the effectiveness of nurse-led NPIs compared …

Non-Pharmacological Interventions For The Management And Prevention Of Hypertensive Disorders In Pregnancy: A Review Of The Literature, Shenelle K. Smith, Laurena E. Lepp

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), including preeclampsia (PE), are a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the United States, rates of HDP continue to rise and are associated with preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, and long-term cardiovascular disease. Current management focuses only on low-dose aspirin for prevention. Surveillance and timely delivery remain the only definitive treatment for preeclampsia. This highlights a critical gap in prevention. Emerging evidence suggests that non-pharmacological interventions–particularly nutrition, physical activity, and lifestyle modification–may reduce the risk and severity of HDP. These approaches align with midwifery models of care emphasizing prevention, education, …

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 …

Elevated Bmi And The Effect On Breastfeeding Duration In Postpartum Individuals: An Integrative Review, Abigail E. Mobilia, Kirstin A. Wyly

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: It has been well documented that exclusive breastfeeding provides benefits for infants and postpartum individuals, yet rates remain suboptimal in the United States, particularly among those with elevated pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). Evidence suggests that elevated BMI is associated with shorter breastfeeding duration and may be influenced by physiologic, social, and structural factors. This integrative review synthesizes existing literature to clarify the relationship between elevated BMI and exclusive breastfeeding duration among postpartum individuals.
Methods: An integrative review was conducted following Whittemore and Knafl’s (2005) framework and PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL, and Nursing & …

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus And Its Psychological Impacts During Pregnancy And Postpartum, Nehemie B. Hypolite, Charline Fast

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: This review explores the link between gestational diabetes (GDM) and psychological outcomes. GDM affects 8–10% of pregnancies and is typically diagnosed at 24–28 weeks. This burden leads to anxiety, depression, and fear. Postpartum concerns often persist for mother and infant.

Methods: Whittemore and Knafl’s (2005) method was used to synthesize data. The research databases included CINAHL and PubMed. Covidence supported screening and PRISMA diagram development. Key search terms included “anxiety and GDM,” “depression and GDM,” “GDM and postpartum depression,” “gestational diabetes,” and “pregnancy.” Inclusion criteria included full-text articles published after 2010, original studies, patients undergoing diabetic treatment (medication and/or …

The Impact Of Patient-Centered Care On Women With Infertility And Pregnancy Loss: An Integrative Review, Kaidynce R. Sweazy

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Infertility affects roughly 17.5% of adults worldwide, while pregnancy loss occurs in up to 30% of pregnancies. These reproductive traumas increase the risk of developing a mental health disorder, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The purpose of this review is to identify the influence of patient-centered care on psychological outcomes and experiences of care in women with infertility and pregnancy loss.
Methods: A literature search of the PubMed and Cinahl databases was conducted for original studies published from January 2016 to January 2026 that address the psychological outcomes and/or experiences of women who experienced infertility …

The Placenta & Covid-19: Histological Changes & Clinical Implications, Melissa F. Paul, Allyson J. Zadlo Sensor

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic presented the medical community with complex and novel challenges, not the least of which is how to optimize prenatal and postnatal care for pregnant individuals who have been infected. At present, seven years have elapsed, and despite definitive research demonstrating adverse outcomes associated with placental changes, no professional consensus has been reached.
Methods: This integrative review includes studies involving pregnant individuals with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, who recovered during the same pregnancy, and their infants. An examination of the data available reveals a triad of placental pathologies (chronic histiocytic intervillositis, perivillous fibrin deposition, and trophoblast necrosis) that …

Socioeconomic Influences On Doula Access And Perceived Care Quality Among Black Women Experiencing Severe Maternal Morbidity, Deborah Esene

2026 Spring Honors Capstones Projects

Black women experience disproportionately high rates of maternal morbidity and mortality, making it essential to examine access to and the perceived impact of doula support. This study examines whether socioeconomic status influences access to and the perceived benefits of doula support among Black women who experienced severe maternal morbidity (SMM). Researchers surveyed Black women ages 18-49 who had a live birth within the past two years and experienced SMM. Participants were recruited and completed an online survey in late 2020. Key variables included income, education, doula use, and perceived quality of prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care. Among 188 participants, 12.2% …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Nurse-Led Prenatal Education On Maternal Outcomes And Labor Satisfaction, Alexis Boris

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Prenatal education has been a long-time major component of maternal healthcare, which has been known to impact expectant mothers and their level of preparedness during the labor and birthing process. Nurses have historically been key educators in the maternity field, due to their accessibility, education, and holistic approach in the healthcare system. Despite their recognition as vital educators in this field and the importance of maternal prenatal education, maternal healthcare is still affected by many modern-day factors, such as access to healthcare and education, health disparities, and negative childbirth experiences. This integrative literature review aims to evaluate the overall effectiveness …

The Knowledge, Experiences, And Attitudes Of Nurses Regarding Trauma-Informed Care For Sexually Abused Intrapartum Patients, Kayleigh Mcgraw

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Labor and delivery nurses care for women from diverse backgrounds who are preparing for a life-changing event, often marked by fear, excitement, sadness, and joy. However, 1 in 5 women in the United States have experienced rape or attempted rape, and for these survivors, labor can become re-traumatizing. Many report flashbacks, dissociation, and a sense of “being back in the rape” during childbirth. Research further links prior sexual assault to unplanned cesareans, traumatic births, and childbirth-related PTSD. Trauma-informed care (TIC) provides a framework to reduce these risks by encouraging providers to understand trauma, recognize signs of distress, and act to …

Quantifying Nurse And Midwife-Led Research Impact: Retrospective Application Of The Framework To Assess The Impact From Translational Health Research (Fait) Model On Two Exemplar Randomised Controlled Trials, Kim Neylon, Rouen, Lisa Whitehead, Greg Sharplin, Kathleen Baird, Marion Eckert

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Nurse- and midwife-led clinical trials are underrepresented in Australia and New Zealand, despite their potential to improve health outcomes and deliver economic value. Demonstrating the broader impact of such research is essential to inform policy and funding decisions. Aim: To assess the utility of the Framework to Assess the Impact from Translational health research (FAIT) in capturing the translational impact of nurse- and midwife-led randomised controlled trials through retrospective application to two exemplar studies. Methods: FAIT was retrospectively applied to the RSVP (nurse-led) and DAME (midwife-led) trials using three components: Modified Payback, Economic Analysis, and Narrative. Program Logic Models …

Research Publication Performance Of The Australian And New Zealand Nursing And Midwifery Professoriate, Lisa Mckenna, Fiona Bogossian, Simon Cooper, Tracy Levett-Jones, Philippa Seaton

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: To analyse research publication performance of Australian and New Zealand professors and associate professors of nursing and midwifery, and compare with 2016 data. Methods: A search of university websites was conducted to identify all nursing and midwifery professoriate in Australia and New Zealand. Each individual was then searched in the Scopus database to identify individual total citations, h-index, number of publications, first author Field Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and overall FWCI. Comparisons with 2016 data were also undertaken. Results: A total of 304 academics were included, comprising 270 from Australia and 34 from New Zealand, and 169 full professors …

The Development Of A Midwifery Specific Tool To Identify The Barriers And Enablers To Change Within The Midwifery Setting, Sara Davis

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Despite being well-positioned to identify service gaps and propose improvements, many midwives lack the knowledge, skills, confidence, or tools to effect practice change. Implementation science (IS) offers a structured approach to moving evidence-based innovations into practice; however, existing IS theories, models, and frameworks do not reflect the unique context of midwifery practice. The first step in the intentional implementation of an evidence-based practice innovation is to conduct a context assessment to identify factors that may facilitate or impede its uptake. There are numerous evidence-based checklists for this, but none capture all the influences on midwifery practice environments.

In this study, …

Yoga And Breathing Techniques For Fear Of Childbirth (Foc) And Quality Of Sleep Among Antenatal Women During Pregnancy – A Systematic Review Protocol, Anjana Sharma, Sonia R B D’Souza Dr., Shripad Hebbar Dr., Govardhan Reddy G Dr.

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Yoga and breathing techniques in decreasing Fear of Childbirth (FOC) and improving the quality of sleep among antenatal women. Introduction: Pregnancy, labor, and childbirth experiences for women are diverse. One of the issues faced by pregnant women is FOC, which can be stressful for mothers and their families. The global prevalence of FOC among women is 14%, while in India it is 17.7%. Fearful mothers may lack confidence in their ability to give birth, be swayed by unfavorable stories about the process, fear getting hurt during delivery, …

Climate Change Anxiety Related To Women’S Health Among Health Sciences Students, Derya Kaya Şenol, Semiha Aydın Özkan, Durdu Cennet Omuş

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Climate change impacts are unequally distributed globally, with children, women, pregnant women, the elderly, marginalized populations, and refugees bearing a disproportionate burden. This study aims to determine the levels of related anxiety among female students and to examine the relationship between the anxiety and their perceptions, knowledge levels, and health behaviors related to women’s health.

Methods: The study has a descriptive cross-sectional design. The study population included women students enrolled in the fall semester of the 2023–2024 academic year at the Faculty of Health Sciences of a university between October and December 2023. Personal Information Form and …

Improving Interdisciplinary Communication And Collaboration With The Standardization Of Doula Care Through An Informatics Tool, Shela Le

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: The 22-bed Labor and Delivery (L&D) unit lacks a standardized model to introduce doulas, clarify their scope of practice, or communicate the value of the services they provide. To address this gap, the team implemented a standardized doula awareness poster that included each doula’s name, photo, years of experience, and personal interests. Aim: The goal is to enhance visibility and promote integration of doula support to strengthen team collaboration and patient engagement. Methods: A pre- and post-implementation survey was distributed exclusively to the volunteer doulas. After the doula awareness poster was displayed for a month, a post-survey assessed these …

Standardizing Care: Strengthening Dka Protocol Implementation Among Emergency Department Nurses, Toni Joy Angelique Biliran Miculob

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: The objective of this project was to address the inconsistent understanding and utilization of the Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) protocol in a high-acuity emergency department within a large hospital system, where baseline survey results showed that 84% of nurses found the DKA order set confusing and only 15% felt “very comfortable” applying it.

Aim: The aim was to improve nurse clarity, confidence, and consistency in using the DKA protocol to support timely, evidence-based management of this high-risk, time-sensitive condition.

Methods: The intervention consisted of brief, targeted education delivered during pre-shift huddles across day and night shifts, focusing …

Matrescence: An Emerging Concept For Birth Worker Practice, Kelsey B. Green

DNP Qualifying Manuscripts

The maternal mental health (MMH) crisis, affecting up to 25% of birthing individuals, is exacerbated by significant gaps in perinatal support. While birth workers are uniquely positioned to provide care, they often lack specialized training beyond basic screening checklists to address the complex transition to motherhood, defined as matrescence. This clinical innovation proposal outlines a matrescence-informed educational curriculum, guided by the Comprehensive Model of Mental Health during the Perinatal Period. The intervention is designed to build tangible, implementable skills, training birth workers to: (1) operationalize matrescence as a psychoeducational tool to normalize distress; (2) use clinical differentiation to distinguish the …

Lived Experiences And Educational Needs Of Women With A History Of Preeclampsia: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study In Indonesia, Fitriana Fitriana, Ani Kristianingsih, Nopi Anggistaputri

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Background: preeclampsia (PE).\ is one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide Many pregnant women fail to recognize early warning signs of the condition despite attending antenatal care, for reasons such as limited understanding of PE symptoms and/ or inadequate communication of health information by healthcare providers. Women with a previous history of PE are particularly vulnerable and require targeted educational support during subsequent pregnancies.
Methods: Eight pregnant women with a documented history of PE in their second or third trimester participated in in-depth semi-structured interviews using an interpretative phenomenological technique.  To ensure credibility and reliability, the …

Too Young, Too Risky: Maternal And Neonatal Outcomes Of Teenage Pregnancy In Pakistan, A Scoping Review, Sumia Andleeb Abbasi, Noor E Marfa Shivji, Warisha Qamar, Tayyaba Riaz Abbasi, Abdullah Riaz Abbasi, Raja Adan Asif

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Introduction: Teenage pregnancy is a global concern that affects both the developed and developing regions. Adolescent pregnancy is associated with serious maternal and child health outcomes. This paper aims to identify the prevalence and patterns of maternal child health outcome of adolescent’s pregnancies.
Methods: This review utilized the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. To identify the outcomes of the adolescent pregnancies, a wide-ranging search strategy was implemented. Data were extracted from 15 eligible studies with a total population of 5692participants from Pakistan. The studies included maternal characteristics, mode of delivery, and neonatal outcomes. Only quantitative methods were included.
Results: The review of 15 …

Midwife-Led Birth Debrief: A Concept Analysis, Kate Buchanan, Elliesha O'Reilly, Georgia Wilcox, Sara Bayes, Lauren Kearney, Linda Sweet, Hazel Keedle

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Psychological birth trauma (PBT) affects approximately 19 % of postnatal women, making its prevention a global priority. Midwives are responsible for providing psychosocial care during the postnatal period to foster the mother-infant relationship, provide education and screening and support positive transitions to parenting. However, the specific attributes of a birth debrief and the role of the midwife in a supporting a woman to review their birth experience is less well documented in regulatory frameworks or scientific literature. This has created significant ambiguity in both clinical practice among health professionals and in research contexts. The lack of a clear understanding …

Code Crimson Ob: A Lifeline For Maternal Health, Colleen Cowie, Elizabeth Barrera, Leah Williams-Jones, Mercy R. Banaszak, Leonor Ruiz, Arvinder Singh

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Introduction: Postpartum hemorrhage (PH) accounts for 12% of maternal deaths in the U.S. and affects approximately 5% of obstetric individuals. Despite available treatments, delays in recognition and response can lead to severe complications or death. The purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to improve maternal outcomes by implementing Code Crimson OB, a specialized obstetric rapid response team (RRT) for managing maternal hemorrhage.

Methods: An unannounced maternal hemorrhage drill revealed critical delays in mobilizing appropriate personnel. In response, the RRT protocol was revised to include Code Crimson OB, ensuring rapid, coordinated intervention. Hospital-wide education was conducted, and the protocol officially …

Editorial – Dec 2025, Edwin Van Teijlingen, Rafat Jan

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Focussing On Anastatica Hierochuntica Flower On Labour Pain, Duration Of Labour And Perceived Fatigue During Labour: Randomized Controlled Study, Emine Koç, Şükran Başgöl, Sümeyye Bal, Sabire Kirtiloğlu

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Background: Maternal fatigue and pain during labour can adversely affect the health of the mother, fetus, and newborn. Anastatica hierochuntica is a plant traditionally used in some cultures during childbirth rituals. When placed in water, the dried flower gradually unfolds and symbolically represents the opening of the uterus and birth canal. This study aimed to investigate the effect of focusing on the Anastatica hierochuntica flower during labour on labour pain, duration, and perceived fatigue.
Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in the delivery unit of a mother-friendly hospital with 119 participants 60 in control group and 59 in intervention …

Factors Associated With Preterm Premature Rupture Of Membranes: A Case-Control Study In A Tertiary Hospital In Kabul, Afghanistan, Atia Sharif Nadi, Freshta Sharif Tawakkuli, Zainab Sharif Ezadi, Sayed Murtaza Sadat Hofiani, Shoaib Murtaza Sadat Naeemi, Ahmad Komail Frogh

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Background: It is essential to identify preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and its associated risk factors to reduce its impact. This study aims to find the demographic, reproductive, and obstetric factors associated with PPROM among women in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Methods: This case-control study was conducted over six months in 2023 at a tertiary hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan. We included 40 cases of PPROM and 80 controls without PPROM in this study. We used structured questionnaires to collect demographic, reproductive, and obstetric characteristics of the participants. To find the factors associated with PPROM, Logistic regression was performed using IBM SPSS …