Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nursing Commons^™

Nursing Care Regarding Social Determinants Of Health For Breastfeeding In Mothers And Infants, Natalie Jefson

Senior Honors Theses

Breastfeeding is incredibly important to the health and well-being of the mother-infant dyad. Because of this, there are both world-wide and national recommendations and guidelines for breastfeeding in the United States. Although many women choose to initiate breastfeeding, the percentage of women who continue breastfeeding for the recommended duration does not meet the Healthy People goal for the United States. Many factors influence this early breastfeeding cessation, including physical and socioeconomic barriers. Certain populations face increased barriers to reaching these goals related to social determinants of health which can and should be addressed by nurses through preventive measures and education.

Maternal Prebiotic Supplementation During Pregnancy And Lactation Modifies The Microbiome And Short Chain Fatty Acid Profile Of Both Mother And Infant, Jacquelyn M. Jones, Stacey N. Reinke, Mahsa Mousavi-Derazmahalleh, Johan Garssen, Maria C. Jenmalm, Ravisha Srinivasjois, Desiree Silva, Jeffrey Keelan, Susan L. Prescott, Debra J. Palmer, Claus T. Christophersen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background & aims: Improving maternal gut health in pregnancy and lactation is a potential strategy to improve immune and metabolic health in offspring and curtail the rising rates of inflammatory diseases linked to alterations in gut microbiota. Here, we investigate the effects of a maternal prebiotic supplement (galacto-oligosaccharides and fructo-oligosaccharides), ingested daily from < 21 weeks' gestation to six months’ post-partum, in a double-blinded, randomised placebo-controlled trial. Methods: Stool samples were collected at multiple timepoints from 74 mother–infant pairs as part of a larger, double-blinded, randomised controlled allergy intervention trial. The participants were randomised to one of two groups; with one group receiving 14.2 g per day of prebiotic powder (galacto-oligosaccharides GOS and fructo-oligosaccharides FOS in ratio 9:1), and the other receiving a placebo powder consisting of 8.7 g per day of maltodextrin. The faecal microbiota of both mother and infants were assessed based on the analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA gene (V4 region) sequences, and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations in stool. Results: Significant differences in the maternal microbiota profiles between baseline and either 28-weeks’ or 36-weeks’ gestation were found in the prebiotic supplemented women. Infant microbial beta-diversity also significantly differed between prebiotic and placebo groups at 12-months of age. Supplementation was associated with increased abundance of commensal Bifidobacteria in the maternal microbiota, and a reduction in the abundance of Negativicutes in both maternal and infant microbiota. There were also changes in SCFA concentrations with maternal prebiotics supplementation, including significant differences in acetic acid concentration between intervention and control groups from 20 to 28-weeks’ gestation. Conclusion: Maternal prebiotic supplementation of 14.2 g per day GOS/FOS was found to favourably modify both the maternal and the developing infant gut microbiome. These results build on our understanding of the importance of maternal diet during pregnancy, and indicate that it is possible to intervene and modify the development of the infant microbiome by dietary modulation of the maternal gut microbiome.

The Impact Of Kangaroo Care On The Weight Gain Of Premature Infants, Heather Vincequere

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Premature birth remains a global health concern, affecting approximately 15 million infants annually (WHO, 2023). Kangaroo Care (KC), involving skin-to-skin contact between caregivers and infants, was developed as a promising intervention to mitigate the adverse effects of prematurity. This study aimed to investigate the impact of KC on weight gain among preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Doctors Hospital of Augusta (DHOA). A quasi-experimental quantitative posttest-only design was employed, with eight preterm infants (< 37 weeks gestation) participating in KC for at least 30 minutes daily. Daily weight measurements were collected over a four-week period and compared to the expected weight gain for infants receiving traditional incubator care. Results revealed a statistically significant increase in weight gain among infants receiving KC compared to the historical average for infants in traditional incubator care (t (7) = 2.443, p = 0.022). A large effect size (Cohen's d = 0.864) further supported the significance of these findings. Despite limitations such as a small sample size and convenience sampling, this study emphasizes that KC enhances weight gain in preterm infants, thus improving overall health outcomes. Implementation of KC requires ongoing support from nurse leaders to ensure proper education and successful integration into routine care practices. Nonetheless, continued research with larger samples and improved randomization is warranted to fully understand the long-term benefits of KC in neonatal care settings.

Effects Of Maternal-Infant Golden Hour On Breastfeeding, Julina A. Wall-Penner, Katilyn Rasmussen, Madeline Suderman

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Abstract

This study examines the effects of immediate maternal-infant skin-to-skin contact, and how those effects compare to mothers and babies who have delayed or skin-to-skin. Skin-to-skin contact, also known as “the golden hour”, is a remarkable practice that occurs immediately after birth. During this intimate bonding experience, the newborn is placed directly on the mother's chest, their tiny body nestled against her warm skin. Studies have shown numerous benefits from this practice. Breastfeeding success through early initiation is one the benefits this study focuses on. This cohort observational study is recommended to take place at Hays Medical Center with mothers …

Breastfeeding Vs. Formula-Feeding: Effects On Early Childhood Immune Health, Nicole L. Taylor, Gavin C. Tuttle, Grace A. Theurer

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Objective: Collect and analyze data to compare benefits/risks of breastfeeding/formula-feeding on immune systems through early childhood.

Design: Pragmatic Experimental Comparative Effectiveness Research

Setting: Hays Medical Center Pediatrics

Participants: 300 newborn babies – through first 8 years

Results/Conclusions: Data collection and results pending

Effective Non-Pharmacological Pain Relief Interventions Among Neonates: An Integrative Research Review, Staci Shaw

Providence Nursing Research Conference 2023 – Present

Background:

Newborns encounter many painful events, including heel sticks, venous blood sampling, peripheral intravenous insertions, and more. Newborns cannot verbally express pain, and caregivers rely on changes in vital signs (increased heart rate, decreased oxygen saturations) behavior (long periods of inconsolable crying), and facial expressions to grade newborn pain. Pain management in neonates is critical to preserve neurodevelopment. Due to adverse effects of pharmacological pain management interventions in neonatal populations, non-pharmacological pain management interventions are often utilized in newborns, such as swaddling, non-nutritive sucking, kangaroo care, oral sucrose, holding, touching, music, and breastfeeding. However, the most effective pain management intervention, …

Comparison Of Data On Preterm Neonatal Growth Measures In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Madison Baty, Emily Faerber, Cayenne Sirois

Providence Nursing Research Conference 2023 – Present

Background:

Extrauterine Growth Restriction (EUGR) has been defined as infant weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) of less than -1.28 standard deviations (SD), at discharge or 36–40 weeks (about 9 months) postmenstrual age. In 2018, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition published indicators of neonatal malnutrition, including a decline in WAZ over time. Mild, moderate, and severe neonatal malnutrition is defined as a WAZ decline of 0.8-1.2 SD; >1.2-2 SD; >2 SD, respectively, and it is unclear how widely revised neonatal malnutrition indicators are being used.

Purpose/aim:

To investigate the sensitivity and specificity …

Nurses’ And Clients’ Perspectives After Engagement In The Co-Designing Of Solutions To Improve Provider-Client Relationships In Maternal And Child Healthcare: A Human-Centered Design Study In Rural Tanzania, Kahabi Isangula, Eunice Pallangyo, Eunice Ndirangu

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background

There has been a persistent increase in clients’ dissatisfaction with providers’ competencies in maternal and child healthcare (MCH). Existing interventions have failed to address the complexity of provider-client relationships. Therefore, targeted, contextualized innovative solutions that place providers and clients at the forefront as agents of change in optimizing intervention design and implementation are needed. The study team adopted a co-design strategy as part of Human- Centered Design (HCD) approach, where MCH nurses, clients, and stakeholders partnered to design an intervention package to improve provider-client relationships in rural Tanzania.

Objective

This paper explored nurses’, clients’, and MCH stakeholders’ perspectives following …

Preeclampsia In Ghana: A Study On The Prevalence And Risk Factors Of Postpartum Readmission In The Ashanti Region, Enoch Odame Anto, Wina Ivy Ofori Boadu, Lovelace Kwaku Gyamfi, Emmanuel Ekow Korsah, Ezekiel Ansah, Joseph Frimpong, Valentine Christian Kodzo Tsatsu Tamakloe, Augustine Tawiah, Elizabeth Aboagye, Albright Etwi-Mensah, Agartha Odame Anto, Christian Obirikorang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Despite significant improvements in its management, preeclampsia continues to be one of the frequent causes of postpartum readmission. Increased awareness of the risk factors for postpartum readmission is required to reduce its incidence and related complications. This study determined the prevalence and associated risk factors for postpartum readmission among women with preexisting preeclampsia in a Ghanaian population. Methods: This hospital-based retrospective study was conducted at the obstetrics and gynaecology units of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Ghana. We reviewed the medical records including sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics of preeclampsia patients. Statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for Social …

Breastfeeding Initiation, Duration, And Associated Factors Among People With Hepatitis C Virus Infection, Jennifer L Grasch, Jessica A De Voest, George R Saade, Brenna L Hughes, Uma M Reddy, Maged M Costantine, Edward K Chien, Alan T N Tita, John M Thorp, Torri D Metz, Ronald J Wapner, Vishakha Sabharwal, Hyagriv N Simhan, Geeta K Swamy, Kent D Heyborne, Baha M Sibai, William A Grobman, Yasser Y El-Sayed, Brian M Casey, Samuel Parry, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute Of Child Health And Human Development (Nichd) Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units (Mfmu) Network

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

OBJECTIVE: To characterize breastfeeding behaviors and identify factors associated with breastfeeding initiation among people with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of a multicenter observational cohort of pregnant people with singleton gestations and HCV seropositivity. This analysis includes individuals with data on breastfeeding initiation and excludes those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection. The primary outcome was self-reported initiation of breastfeeding or provision of expressed breast milk. Secondary outcomes included duration of breastfeeding. Demographic and obstetric characteristics were compared between those who initiated breastfeeding and those who did not to identify associated factors. Univariable and …

Recent Studies In The Surgical Treatment Of Tetralogy Of Fallot, Emma C. Gardner

Mako: NSU Undergraduate Student Journal

No abstract provided.

A Study To Assess The Effect Of Back Massage On Amount Of Breast Milk Among Mothers Of Neonates Admitted In Nicu At A Selected Hospital, Calicut., Aswathi A, Soya K

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

Abstract

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural act and intimate human interaction. Separation of mother and baby after birth creates an interruption in maintaining lactation. The main objective of this study was to identify the effect of back massage on amount of breast milk among mothers of neonates admitted in NICU. An experimental pretest-posttest control group design was adopted. The tools used were baseline proforma, calibrated breastmilk measuring cup and breast milk volume diary. Subjects were selected using consecutive sampling and allocated as 30 in each group. As first step baseline data were collected. Then the amount of expressed …

Association Between Breastfeeding Cessation Among Under Six-Month-Old Infants And Postpartum Depressive Symptoms In Nevada, Smriti Neupane, Clarlana Vitoria Ramos De Oliveira, Claudia Nery Telxeira Palombo, Gabriela Buccini

Social and Behavioral Health Faculty Research

Background: Postpartum depression affects 13% of women after childbirth in the United States. Mothers who experience depression are less likely to breastfeed than those who do not experience depression. On the other hand, breastfeeding may have a positive effect on maternal mental health. Research aim: We aimed to analyze whether breastfeeding cessation is associated with postpartum depression symptoms among mothers of infants under six months old in Clark County, Nevada. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 using a purposive sample of 305 mother-infant dyads. Postpartum depression symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), and the breastfeeding …

Prevalence Of Sickle Cell Trait And Needs Assessment For Uptake Of Sickle Cell Screening Among Secondary School Students In Kampala City, Uganda, Shamim Namukasa, Sarah Nakaziba, Grace Among, Lydia A Sasira, Posiano Mayambala, Joseph Atukwatse, Mary Namuguzi, Ahmed Sarki, Rose Maina

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most frequent and traumatizing genetic disease in Uganda, with the prevalence of the sickle cell trait (SCT) estimated at 13.3% leading to serious psycho-social and economic impact on the patients and their families.

Aim This study aimed to determine the burden of SCT and factors influencing the uptake of screening services among secondary school students in Uganda.

Methods We used an analytical cross-sectional design with a multi-stage sampling approach. A total of 399 students from four secondary schools in Kampala City were enrolled in this study. Data were gathered using semi-structured …

Epds-Us (English), Sara W. Moyer, Patricia Kinser

School of Nursing Publications

How we talk about perinatal mental health matters, even in the minute details of words on screening forms. Any shifts towards removing barriers to screening, reducing stigma, encouraging disclosures, raising awareness related to symptom prevalence and the breadth symptom related experiences, and creating opportunities for connecting with support and care are essential.

In the EPDS-US, we have adapted the wording of the original Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), using a respectful care and trauma-informed approach with a focus on optimizing patient experiences and clinical utility while maintaining reliability and validity of the 10 item scale. Many individuals report feelings of …

The Association Between Early Exposure To Antibiotics And Childhood Asthma Incidence, Victoria Fischer

Soaring: A Journal of Undergraduate Research

This review examines the association between early exposure to antibiotics and the incidence of asthma in childhood, highlighting significant public health concerns related to antibiotic overuse. The misuse of antibiotics not only contributes to antibiotic resistance but may also impact long-term health outcomes, particularly respiratory diseases like asthma. Emerging evidence suggests that early antibiotic exposure may disrupt gut microbiota, altering immune responses and increasing the risk of asthma development. A systematic review of twenty-seven studies identified a significant correlation between antibiotic use in infancy and subsequent asthma diagnoses. However, there remains a need for further research to delineate the extent …

Maternal Health Crisis: Implicit Bias/Cultural Humility Education For Perinatal Nurses, Carmen Rezak

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Abstract

Today, perinatal nurses are challenged to provide equitable care for a very diverse and

high-risk pregnant/postpartum patient population. Pregnant women of color are mistrustful of

the health care system and concerned about their care and risks when admitted to the hospital for

fear that they are not listened to or treated with the same respect and intent as their white patient

counterparts. Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., in a 1966 speech, made in connection with the

Medical Committee for Human rights stated, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is

the most shocking and inhumane.” Nurses play …

Understanding The Impact Of Asthma And Rsv, Jasmine Celeste

Graduate Research Projects

No abstract provided.

Furry Friends & Brighter Futures: Enhancing The Life Skills Of Toddlers With Autism Through Animal Assisted Therapy, Abigail Rosales Tolentino

Nursing | Senior Theses

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) encompasses a broad spectrum of challenges that impact social interaction, communication, and behavior. While Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) stands as a common therapeutic approach, there is a growing recognition of the need for personalized interventions. Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) emerges as a promising avenue for enhancing social interactions. This study focuses on the utilization of dogs in AAT for toddlers aged 12 to 36 months with confirmed ASD diagnoses. The experimental group will undergo a combined intervention involving standard ABA therapy alongside weekly AAT sessions, whereas the control group will receive standard ABA therapy alone. Pre- …

The Impact Of Nursing Education On The Implementation Of Kangaroo Care: Neurodevelopment Outcomes In Preterm Infants, Giana Usac

Nursing | Senior Theses

Preterm birth poses a significant risk to the normal trajectory of brain development, particularly in the cortex, which is responsible for higher cognitive functions, motor control, and socio-emotional processing. However, Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) has emerged as an important early intervention capable of improving neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm newborns. This quantitative research proposal aims to assess the influence of nurse education on KMC practices, identifying pivotal periods in infancy when KMC has the most significant impact on neurodevelopment outcomes in preterm infants. The literature critique focuses on the efficacy of nursing education, the optimization of KMC regarding duration and frequency, …