Midwifery最新文献

{"title":"Mother’s experiences of shame and compassion in the early postnatal period: A thematic analysis","authors":"Julia Marsden ,&nbsp;Koa Whittingham ,&nbsp;Jenny Ziviani ,&nbsp;Sophie O’Brien ,&nbsp;Rebecca Redmond ,&nbsp;Julie Jomeen ,&nbsp;Pamela Meredith","doi":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104454","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104454","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Mothers are less likely to seek support from maternity care providers who appear critical or judgmental. While compassion from providers can help mitigate the impact of shame, the experiences of shame within a mothers’ close support network remains unexplored.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>The aim of the present study was to explore mothers’ experiences of shame and compassion within their support networks in the early postpartum period.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Fourteen mothers were recruited when their babies were approximately 3-months old from a larger Australian study on shame and compassion. A thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews was undertaken.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Six themes were identified by the authors: (1) unravelling judgment; (2) are you with me or against me?; (3) the voice of doubt: am I failing at this?; (4) when mothering ideals don’t work out: managing shame in your village; (5) finding the right kind of support; and (6) weaving kindness into your role as a mother. All mothers, regardless of <em>who</em> shamed them turned towards others who were sensitive, sympathetic, and empathic, to cope with the shame experience.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Shame experiences can significantly influence mothers’ willingness to access support, impacting their mental health. Maternity care providers can play a critical role in recognising and addressing these dynamics to foster a more supportive environment.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Understanding the complexities of shame and compassion can guide providers in creating compassionate care strategies that better serve mothers during this vulnerable period.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18495,"journal":{"name":"Midwifery","volume":"147 ","pages":"Article 104454"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143940683","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Gestational diabetes education management interventions implemented across Arabic-speaking countries: A systematic scoping review","authors":"Abeer Salman Alzaben ,&nbsp;Nahla Mohammed Bawazeer ,&nbsp;Fatmah Almoayad ,&nbsp;Nada Benajiba ,&nbsp;Elizabeth Dodge ,&nbsp;Basil H. Aboul-Enein","doi":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104453","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104453","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><strong>Background</strong> The prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) in Arabic-speaking countries varies from 1.2 % (Jordan) to almost 40 % (Saudi Arabia). Untreated GDM increases the risk of poor maternal and neonatal health outcomes.</div><div><strong>Objective</strong> This systematic scoping review aims to examine the current literature to determine the effectiveness of interventions designed to manage and prevent GDM across Arabic-speaking countries.</div><div><strong>Design</strong> Systematic scoping review.</div><div><strong>Methods</strong> Employing the PRISMA-ScR and the AND-EAL for study quality and bias assessment, a comprehensive review of the literature was conducted using 12 databases and search terms relevant to GDM interventions conducted across the League of Arab states. The search period includes intervention studies published up to and including August 31st, 2024.</div><div><strong>Findings</strong> Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Interventions conducted included those modeled on the Health Behavior Change model, Theory of Reasoned Action and the PRECEDE model, constructs of Social Cognitive Theory including self-efficacy, GDM self-management, lifestyle management and BASNEF model-based empowerment. The intervention studies had positive effect on GDM knowledge, self-efficacy, A1C levels, quality of life, maternal and neonatal outcomes.</div><div><strong>Conclusion</strong> Prevention and management of GDM is important in addressing maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Interventions designed with a theoretical framework and those that are culturally tailored are more likely to elicit behavior change.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18495,"journal":{"name":"Midwifery","volume":"147 ","pages":"Article 104453"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143940678","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Midwifery students and preceptors shared experiences of practice assessment: A qualitative descriptive study","authors":"Carmel Bradshaw ,&nbsp;Mary Fitzpatrick ,&nbsp;Judith Pettigrew","doi":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104452","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104452","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Practice placement is a vital part of midwifery programs, enabling students to develop competence in caring for women and their babies under the supervision of preceptor midwives, who assess clinical skills while managing complex caseloads. Midwifery students and preceptor midwives are however contending with significant changes within the practice environment. These include changes to routes of entry to midwifery programmes, a move to a competency-based approach to assessment and increasing complexity of care required for women and their babies.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To examine the experiences of midwifery students and preceptor midwives with clinical assessment in an Irish university during a period of significant transformation in midwifery education and practice.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A qualitative descriptive design was used to interview students (<em>n</em> = 32) and preceptors (<em>n</em> = 29). Data were analysed using content analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Within an overarching theme of ‘the context of assessment in practice’, students and preceptors reported some commonalities in their experiences of practice assessment. A clear process of assessment was valued by participants, however, lack of continuity of preceptor and resource deficits, including inadequate staffing levels, affected this process. Preceptors and students highlighted the importance of support for practice assessment.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings emphasise the critical importance of the context of the practice environment in shaping stakeholders' experiences and is unique in eliciting the views of preceptors and students simultaneously. While resourcing midwifery services is essential, it must also encompass the resourcing of preceptorship, as safe practice depends on robust student assessment. Preceptors and students are supported in assessment by an explicit assessment process yet there are opportunities to further bolster supports, contributing to a quality practice learning environment for all. These insights hold significance for midwifery education and other practice-based professions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18495,"journal":{"name":"Midwifery","volume":"147 ","pages":"Article 104452"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143937130","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Respectful maternity care in Indonesia: A factor analysis with a multicenter study approach","authors":"Sofia Al Farizi ,&nbsp;Endyka Erye Frety ,&nbsp;Dewi Setyowati ,&nbsp;Alifina Izza ,&nbsp;Azra Fauziyah Azyanti ,&nbsp;Dyah Ayu Fatmaningrum ,&nbsp;Devi Arine Kusumawardani","doi":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104442","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104442","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) is an international interest that relates to the ethical, psychological and cultural aspects of childbirth. Indonesia has not fully implemented this, women still do not have the power over their own bodies. Medical interventions during childbirth also dominate, such as cesarean birth and episiostomy in vaginal birth. This study aims to analyse RMC and the factors that influence it in referral hospitals.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A multi-centre institution-based cross-sectional study design. The population of this study were late second trimester (26–27 weeks) and early third trimester (28–30 weeks) pregnant women who checked their pregnancy at one of the referral hospitals in this study, which were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Analysis used a linear regression approach to determine the influential variables (<em>p</em> ≤ 0.05). Significance testing used multiple linear regression analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>There were 6 variables that influenced the RMC score, including method of childbirth, prolonged labour, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), repeated vaginal examination, episiostomy and choice of childbirth position. These six factors had an influence power on RMC of 44.1 %.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Medical interventions (cesarean delivery, episiostomy) and excessive invasive measures (repeated vaginal examination) negatively affect RMC scores. This should be a reflection for Indonesia to promote women-centered care that protects women's rights to their bodies. Thus, women who suffer from complications such as postpartum hemorrhage and prolonged labour can still have a good birth experience.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18495,"journal":{"name":"Midwifery","volume":"147 ","pages":"Article 104442"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143932021","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Navigating weight stigma: An integrative review of midwives' knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about caring for larger-bodied women","authors":"Anna J Robins ,&nbsp;Bec Jenkinson ,&nbsp;Lauren Kearney","doi":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104444","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104444","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Problem</h3><div>Women are vulnerable to weight bias during their reproductive years. However, little is known about midwives’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about caring for larger bodied women.</div></div><div><h3>Background</h3><div>Women have reported experiencing weight stigma during interactions with healthcare providers, including midwives. Weight stigma is associated with reduced quality of health and primary healthcare avoidance. In Australia over half of pregnant women are of a higher weight during their reproductive years.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To describe what is currently known about midwives' knowledge, attitudes and beliefs relating to caring for larger bodied women across the peripartum period.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An integrative review was undertaken, involving a systematic literature search, quality appraisal, and synthesis of findings within the socioecological framework.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Sixteen articles were included. Across the socioecological levels: individual level themes related to midwives’ attitudes and beliefs and midwives’ own body size; interpersonal themes related to communication and relationships; community themes related to the influence of cultural norms; organisation/institutional level themes related to BMI and weight checks, the need for training and education, and the role of healthcare practices and guidelines emerged; finally, at the policy level, system level factors and a weight inclusive approach were identified.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>This review highlighted that some midwives and student midwives hold negative, stigmatising views towards larger bodied women. Midwives are impacted by their own attitudes and beliefs as well as interpersonal, societal, organisational and system level factors.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Efforts to reduce weight stigma require a multi-level socio-ecological approach, including educational strategies aimed at shifting current and future midwives’ stigmatising attitudes and beliefs towards larger bodied women.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18495,"journal":{"name":"Midwifery","volume":"147 ","pages":"Article 104444"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143932093","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on bereavement care provided within maternity services: A focused mapping review and synthesis","authors":"Ashling Walsh,&nbsp;Jan McCarthy,&nbsp;Carmel Bradshaw","doi":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104445","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104445","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Perinatal bereavement is the experience of parents after the death of an infant due to miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, or elective termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly. Perinatal loss is a traumatic event for parents and the quality of care provided by healthcare professionals (HCPs) can impact their grieving process. In March 2020, Covid-19 was declared a global pandemic, with significant consequences on perinatal bereavement services.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To explore parents and HCPs experiences of perinatal bereavement care during the Covid-19 pandemic.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A focused mapping review and synthesis was used to identify papers which concentrated on perinatal bereavement care within maternity services during the Covid-19 pandemic. Studies meeting the criteria in peer reviewed midwifery, obstetric and healthcare journals (<em>n</em> = 6), published between Jan 2020-Feb 2025 were descriptively analysed, providing a topography and synthesis of the key trends identified.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Fourteen relevant studies were identified in the review period, six of which met the inclusion criteria, with two themes identified: Maternity service reconfiguration due to Covid-19 restrictions and Loneliness and anxiety inducing experiences among parents.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The Covid-19 pandemic negatively impacted bereavement care within maternity services. Maternity reconfiguration because of the pandemic was a major contributor to dissatisfaction and frustration amongst bereaved parents and HCPs. Exclusion of partners had a negative effect on parents’ experiences of care, augmenting the loneliness and anxiety felt by parents when dealing with loss. Perinatal bereavement guidelines need to accentuate the importance of partner inclusion in any context but particularly when providing care to women requiring isolation or barrier nursing. Guidelines must be reviewed to clearly outline when the use of virtual care is appropriate within the maternity setting. Additional research is needed to assess the long-term impacts of Covid 19 on HCPs. Such research includes identifying effective mechanisms to help staff deal with the stress and emotional impact of future public health emergencies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18495,"journal":{"name":"Midwifery","volume":"147 ","pages":"Article 104445"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143932092","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Depression and anxiety in the early postpartum period: A comparative study among parents of full-term and preterm infants in Vietnam","authors":"Cai Thi Thuy Nguyen ,&nbsp;Trung Quang Truong ,&nbsp;Anh Thi Lan Nguyen ,&nbsp;Huong Thi Vu ,&nbsp;Lien Thi Kim Nguyen ,&nbsp;Tri Manh Nguyen ,&nbsp;Shu-Yu Kuo","doi":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104443","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104443","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Postpartum depression and anxiety impact both parental well-being and child health, with preterm infants being especially vulnerable. However, the link between maternal and paternal mental health remains underexplored.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To examine depression and anxiety in mothers and fathers of full-term and preterm infants.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional study was conducted on 336 mother-father-infant triads at a public hospital in Vietnam from December 2022 to April 2023. Parents of infants born before or after 37 weeks' gestation were recruited. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Zung's Self-Rated Anxiety Scale were used. Multilevel linear mixed-effects models were adopted.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Among mothers, 42.4 % reported depressive symptoms compared to 29.4 % of fathers, and anxiety symptoms were also significantly prevalent in mothers (30.7 %) than in fathers (22.1 %) (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05). Moderate correlations were found between maternal and paternal symptoms (depression, <em>r</em> = 0.49; anxiety, <em>r</em> = 0.41). Parents of moderate or extremely/very preterm infants reported higher depression than those with late preterm or full-term infants, though anxiety differences were not significant. Being a mother (<em>β</em> = 1.09) and having an infant born at a lower gestational age (<em>β</em> = 0.69) were associated with greater depressive symptoms. In both parents, lower social support was associated with higher symptoms of depression (<em>β</em> = –1.38) and anxiety (<em>β</em> = –1.15).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Mothers and fathers in Vietnam experienced substantial emotional distress. Early identification of depression and anxiety in parents of pre-term infants, particularly infants born earlier in gestation, is vital for maternity care professionals to promote family health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18495,"journal":{"name":"Midwifery","volume":"147 ","pages":"Article 104443"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143940682","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An exploration of women's decision-making processes around accepting or declining vaccinations in pregnancy: A qualitative descriptive study","authors":"Billie Ní Riada ,&nbsp;Maria Noonan","doi":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104441","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104441","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To explore women’s perceptions and experiences of accepting or declining vaccinations in pregnancy, and to identify factors that influence vaccination uptake.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>A qualitative descriptive interview-based study.</div></div><div><h3>Setting</h3><div>The maternity unit of a rural hospital in the Republic of Ireland.</div></div><div><h3>Participants</h3><div>A purposive sample of eight women who were pregnant, aged 18 and over, who were receiving antenatal care through the public healthcare system. Half of the participants accepted vaccinations, while the other half declined, reflecting varying levels of vaccine hesitancy.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Semi structured interviews (n=8) were conducted between July 2022 and August 2022 and analysed using thematic analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>The study offers insight into women’s decision-making processes on vaccinations in pregnancy. Five main themes were identified (1). Maternal Instincts in the Shadow of Uncertainty, (2). Lack of Balanced Information, (3). Misinformation: Difficult to Ignore, (4). Navigating Fear and Social Pressures, (5). Perceived Benefits Outweighing Risk.</div></div><div><h3>Key conclusions</h3><div>The decision-making process around vaccination in pregnancy is complex and multifaceted, influenced by various factors that can either hinder or promote uptake rates. Participants expressed complex emotions, associated fears and anxieties, and highlighted the necessity for more balanced and transparent dialogues with healthcare professionals. They emphasised the need for the dissemination of high-quality objective evidence from health authorities. This, they felt, would help facilitate genuine informed decision making, and ease the burden of feelings of uncertainty.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>The provision of balanced, reliable, evidence-based information made available through multiple sources, alongside open and non-judgemental conversations with healthcare professionals is essential to support women in making informed decisions. Consequently, healthcare professionals require education and training to effectively communicate vaccination information clearly, empathetically, and in a way that is tailored to individual needs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18495,"journal":{"name":"Midwifery","volume":"147 ","pages":"Article 104441"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143937129","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Consolidation of the questionnaire proposed by National College of French Midwives to measure and characterise violence in perinatal care: Insights from women and representatives","authors":"Priscille Sauvegrain ,&nbsp;Clémence Schantz ,&nbsp;Mounia El Kotni ,&nbsp;Laurent Gaucher ,&nbsp;Anne Alice Chantry","doi":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104424","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104424","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Violence in perinatal care remains challenging to define, as well as to measure. To address this, a midwifery research group published a questionnaire endorsed by the French National College of Midwives, but women’s perspective was lacking.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To consolidate this questionnaire on violence in perinatal care with insights from women and their representatives.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a qualitative study, abiding by the COREQ criteria, based on semi-guided interviews held with 16 women and three representatives of perinatal patient organisations. Women were recruited via social media and targeted outreach. The interviews explored their understanding of the questionnaire, its relevance to their experiences, and potential areas for improvement. Data was transcribed and thematically analyzed.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Participants appreciated the questionnaire’s brevity and endorsed its use of the term ‘violence’, validating its focus on subjective experiences. However, they highlighted unclear items, such as assessing health professionals’ experience or evidence-based care. Suggested additions included categories of infantilizing language, as well as specific roles like radiologists and anesthetists. The nested aspect of the questionnaire was also discussed. Divergent opinions emerged regarding the timing of administration of the questionnaire, some favoring postpartum hospital stay and others suggesting later follow-up.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion /Conclusion</h3><div>This study highlighted the importance of including women to ensure the tool’s relevance and comprehensiveness. Revisions enhanced clarity, expanded the scope of professional interactions assessed, and introduced nuanced categories of violence. Challenges remain, including optimizing timing for questionnaire administration. Perspectives include dissemination within clinical practice, tests among minorities and validation of the questionnaire using psychometric tools.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18495,"journal":{"name":"Midwifery","volume":"147 ","pages":"Article 104424"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143918273","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"“Never the same again”: A descriptive qualitative inquiry into postpartum experiences of first-time mothers in the Oti Region of Ghana","authors":"Bernice Wadei ,&nbsp;Anthony Kwame Morgan ,&nbsp;Kwame Ansong Wadei","doi":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104440","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.midw.2025.104440","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The postpartum period is a crucial yet often neglected stage of childbirth in Ghana. Cultural expectations and societal norms often lead some women—especially first-time mothers with no prior experience—to focus more on childbirth as a significant life event, while their postpartum well-being remains overlooked. However, childbirth often brings physical, emotional, social, and psychological changes that need to be carefully managed for the greater well-being of the mother and child.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This study investigates the postpartum experiences of first-time mothers in the Oti Region of Ghana with the Biopsychosocial Model as its theoretical foundation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Achored on qualitative methods, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 first-time mothers to explore themes such as physical health challenges, psychological distress, and social support during postpartum.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Diverse postpartum experiences were established among the first-time mothers, which highlight the pivotal roles of spousal, familial, and healthcare support in shaping maternal well-being during this critical post-childbirth period. Specifically, these supportive resources helped these first-time mothers through physical health, psychological, emotional, neurological, and sensory issues. However, these social support systems were uneven, thereby creating differential postpartum experiences.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our findings highlight the need for policy and interventions to enhance comprehensive access to postpartum care, address healthcare delivery gaps, and promote culturally sensitive maternal health services. Healthcare providers must therefore adopt holistic care strategies that covers the physical, emotional, and social dimensions of postpartum health. These should include follow-ups, mental health screenings, and personalized postpartum education, and care. Finally, future research should prioritize postpartum care and long-term health outcomes in addition to mechanisms that strengthen social support systems and advance maternal health nationwide.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18495,"journal":{"name":"Midwifery","volume":"147 ","pages":"Article 104440"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143932020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}