Karen Martinot, Elizabeth Reifsnider, Joseph Daniels, Derek R. Manis, Christina Muzny
{"title":"Preventing Congenital Syphilis Through Evidence-Based Clinical Bundles in Community Settings","authors":"Karen Martinot, Elizabeth Reifsnider, Joseph Daniels, Derek R. Manis, Christina Muzny","doi":"10.1016/j.nwh.2026.02.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nwh.2026.02.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Congenital syphilis (CS) cases have increased nearly eightfold during the past decade in the United States. CS occurs when <em>Treponema pallidum</em>, the causative bacteria of syphilis, is transmitted from an infected pregnant person to their fetus. Untreated maternal syphilis is linked to stillbirth, preterm birth, and neonatal death. Clinical bundles (small sets of evidence-based interventions that are implemented together) are described in this article to improve maternal and infant health outcomes related to CS. These components include opt-out screening with provider scripting, reverse syphilis testing algorithm use, point-of-care testing, electronic health record optimization, and community awareness and engagement. Implementation studies are needed to evaluate whether bundled approaches to syphilis screening in community health settings can improve detection and timely treatment of syphilis to prevent CS.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":39985,"journal":{"name":"Nursing for Women''s Health","volume":"30 5","pages":"Pages 430-439"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147989475","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Information for Readers","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/S1751-4851(26)00181-9","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S1751-4851(26)00181-9","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":39985,"journal":{"name":"Nursing for Women''s Health","volume":"30 5","pages":"Page A4"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149096637","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Juan Camilo Calderon Farfan, Jorge Eliecer Acosta Palencia, Santiago Yara Castiblanco, Rosa Lissete Salazar Herran
{"title":"Experiences and Factors Associated With Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Women With Postpartum Depression","authors":"Juan Camilo Calderon Farfan, Jorge Eliecer Acosta Palencia, Santiago Yara Castiblanco, Rosa Lissete Salazar Herran","doi":"10.1016/j.nwh.2026.04.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nwh.2026.04.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To explore the experiences and factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding among women with postpartum depression (PPD).</div></div><div><h3>Data Sources</h3><div>Following Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework for scoping studies, searches were conducted in the PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, EBSCO, Virtual Health Library, and Taylor & Francis databases.</div></div><div><h3>Study Selection</h3><div>Full-text articles published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese between 2015 and 2024 on breastfeeding experiences among women up to 6-months postpartum with PPD. In total, 14 articles met the inclusion criteria.</div></div><div><h3>Data Extraction</h3><div>Data were charted using a spreadsheet matrix, which included the following information: authors, year of publication, country, study population, objectives, methods, and main findings.</div></div><div><h3>Data Synthesis</h3><div>Extracted data were collated and analyzed using thematic synthesis to group recurring patterns into conceptual themes. Consequently, a variety of experiences with exclusive breastfeeding were identified among women with PPD and classified into three main categories: (a) rewarding, characterized by emotional bonding and a sense of accomplishment; (b) frustrating, often involving latching difficulties, low supply, or feelings of inadequacy; or (c) supportive, highlighting the critical role of health care provider encouragement and perseverance. These experiences were influenced by sociocultural, physical, psycho-emotional, and health care–related factors.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The experiences of women with PPD who exclusively breastfeed are shaped by multiple interrelated factors that affect the breastfeeding process. Health care systems and public policies must integrate emotional and physical support strategies to strengthen breastfeeding, especially among women experiencing PPD.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":39985,"journal":{"name":"Nursing for Women''s Health","volume":"30 5","pages":"Pages 420-429"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148382834","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"An Examination of Throughput Issues in Inpatient Obstetrics Units in an Academic Medical Center","authors":"Brittany Jo McDonald, Karen A. Karlowicz","doi":"10.1016/j.nwh.2026.03.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nwh.2026.03.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To examine evidence of throughput from the electronic health record (EHR) and compare it to the bedside experts’ perceptions to determine throughput metrics for inpatient obstetric (OB) units, determine staff perceptions of throughput, and compare throughput and staff perception to make informed recommendations to improve throughput.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>This quality improvement project was a comparative analysis of variables, including time/day/shift, unit volumes, and staff perceptions of barriers and enhancers, to determine the relationship to patient throughput.</div></div><div><h3>Setting/Local Problem</h3><div>The project was conducted at an inpatient academic medical center, specifically within the OB units, including labor and delivery (L&D) and mother–infant unit (MIU). Record-high birth volumes and unchanged bed capacity highlighted throughput concerns.</div></div><div><h3>Participants</h3><div>Participants were the employees from L&D or MIU who voluntarily completed the anonymous survey during a 30-day period, excluding nurse leadership and floating staff. The retrospective throughput EHR data were from a convenience sample of patients admitted and transferred to MIU during a 30-day period, excluding patients who did not transfer or were not postpartum.</div></div><div><h3>Measurements</h3><div>Data metrics included times for specific events (birth, ready to transfer, arrival at MIU, discharge, room clean turnover, patient transport) and daily census (volume) over a month.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Census increases had significant relationships with throughput metrics in OB units. Results indicated that removing barriers by optimizing scheduling, enhancing staffing, using acuity-based ratios, and improving the transfer protocol should be the initial quality improvement interventions for throughput.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Efforts to standardize care to enhance the efficiency and safety of throughput between inpatient OB units requires identification of constraints on personnel as well as analysis of objective data from the EHR. Priority should be placed on understanding staffing, acuity ratios, and volumes/available beds to improve patient flow in a manner that benefits both patients and staff.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":39985,"journal":{"name":"Nursing for Women''s Health","volume":"30 5","pages":"Pages 375-381"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148383007","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Gender, Having Young Children, and Contexts of Unfair Treatment Within the First 2 Years After Birth","authors":"Lorraine O. Walker, Lina Palomares, Sirja Eggert, Nicole Murry, Heather Becker","doi":"10.1016/j.nwh.2026.04.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nwh.2026.04.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To examine the frequency of unfair treatment based on gender in various contexts, descriptive experiences of it, and its association with postpartum health.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>Cross-sectional survey with closed- and open-ended responses.</div></div><div><h3>Setting</h3><div>Online research panel in the United States.</div></div><div><h3>Participants</h3><div>Participants included 86 survey respondents who were 6 to 30 months postpartum. Respondents’ mean age was 32.6 years (<em>SD</em> = 5.5 years); 98.8% identified as women; and 69% were White and 31% were Black, Hispanic, or other racial/ethnic identities.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Survey items included demographic characteristics, the frequency of unfair treatment, contexts in which such treatment occurred (e.g., workplace, health care, relationships), ratings of physical and mental health, and respondents’ open-ended descriptions of unfair treatment experiences. Analyses included descriptive and inferential statistics and content analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The highest ranked context of unfair treatment based on gender or having young children was the workplace, for example, being denied work opportunities and being judged as less competent based on gender. Although some partners held rigid gendered attitudes, it was unfair treatment in the context of the family (e.g., sexist treatment) or health care visits (e.g., dismissal of symptoms) that were associated with poorer health ratings (<em>p</em> < .01). Friendships was a context where respondents reported exclusion because of having young children.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Unfair treatment occurred in a wide range of postpartum contexts, and in some contexts, such as health care visits, it was associated with poorer mental and physical health. The findings support the importance of fostering a culture of respectful postpartum care and of linking those who face support challenges to additional resources.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":39985,"journal":{"name":"Nursing for Women''s Health","volume":"30 5","pages":"Pages 365-374"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148382810","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Case Report of Changes in Breastfeeding and Alcohol Consumption During the First 6 Months","authors":"Natsuko K. Wood","doi":"10.1016/j.nwh.2026.04.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nwh.2026.04.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This longitudinal case report describes a mother–infant dyad, focusing on how early pacifier use, scheduled feeding, and postpartum alcohol resumption affected breastfeeding behavior and infant growth. Pacifier use and scheduled feeding decreased breast stimulation and suckling frequency. Alcohol resumption at 3 weeks, initiation of pumping at 7 weeks, and increased consumption, coinciding with menses, likely accelerated an existing decline in milk supply and suboptimal infant weight gain. These challenges required formula supplementation and metoclopramide. Alcohol use paused at 17 weeks during a transition to mixed feeding but resumed at 24 weeks. This case illustrates how reduced suckling and alcohol-induced inhibition of the milk ejection reflex contributed to low milk supply. Nurses play a critical role in providing proactive education on these factors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":39985,"journal":{"name":"Nursing for Women''s Health","volume":"30 5","pages":"Pages 440-447"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148382820","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rebecca Mattson, Maria Brann, Glorisel Gonzalez-Viera, Michael D. Jochum, Jennifer J. Bute, Michaelene Fredenburg, Cara Buskmiller
{"title":"Optimization of an Instrument for Screening Complicated Grief After Reproductive Loss","authors":"Rebecca Mattson, Maria Brann, Glorisel Gonzalez-Viera, Michael D. Jochum, Jennifer J. Bute, Michaelene Fredenburg, Cara Buskmiller","doi":"10.1016/j.nwh.2026.04.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nwh.2026.04.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To determine the optimal wording for development of an instrument to screen for complicated grief after reproductive loss (Reproductive Grief Screen [RGS]).</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>This study used a cross-sectional survey design.</div></div><div><h3>Setting</h3><div>Participants were recruited throughout the United States to complete an online REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) or Qualtrics survey.</div></div><div><h3>Participants</h3><div>Survey respondents included 844 women who had one or more previous spontaneous or induced losses (regardless of gestational age) after January 1, 2017.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Survey participants assessed three possible ways of rewording three items in an online survey. In addition to completing a permutation of the RGS, respondents ranked the wording of each of the RGS items and completed the Arousal Adjective Checklist and the Reactions to Research Participation Questionnaire (RRPQ) to assess possible negative effects of the version of the RGS they received.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>There were no significant differences among the three possible ways to word two of the items using women’s rating of the wording or the Arousal Adjective Checklist or the RRPQ. However, linear regression did demonstrate that across all permutations of the RGS, women who received the third version of one item reported greater negative symptoms using the RRPQ. The third iteration of one item in the RGS is suboptimal, suggesting that either the original wording or the second formulation is preferred by the target population. Participants were grateful to be asked about their reproductive losses and overwhelmingly rated all items as acceptable.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>When combined with other data previously published by this research team that suggested preferred wording for other items, a single preferred form of the RGS is now defined.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":39985,"journal":{"name":"Nursing for Women''s Health","volume":"30 5","pages":"Pages 382-391"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148382786","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Allyssa L Harris, Rejoice O Adekoya, Aniyah C Jackson
{"title":"Novel Male Contraceptive Methods.","authors":"Allyssa L Harris, Rejoice O Adekoya, Aniyah C Jackson","doi":"10.1016/j.nwh.2026.08.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nwh.2026.08.002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This short review summarizes two research studies that examine the safety, efficacy, and acceptability of two novel male hormonal contraceptive options that are nearing market availability. Additionally, one systematic review is summarized that examined the development of male contraceptive options during the past 4 decades. Findings suggest that both methods currently in development are safe, effective, reversable, easy to use, and associated with minimal adverse effects. In addition, both male participants and their female partners reported high levels of acceptability and trust in these methods. As health care providers and educators, nurses are uniquely positioned to play a critical role in advancing public and patient education regarding male contraception, supporting equitable shared responsibility in family planning, and advocating for increased funding, interdisciplinary research, and policy initiatives that expand contraceptive options for men.</p>","PeriodicalId":39985,"journal":{"name":"Nursing for Women''s Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149002406","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Astride Gilles, Eleanor Stevenson, Julie Thompson, Jacquelyn McMillian-Bohler, Ragan Johnson
{"title":"Enhancing Patient Participation in Follow-Up Care for Cervical Cancer Screening Abnormalities: A Cervical Health Facilitator Pilot Project.","authors":"Astride Gilles, Eleanor Stevenson, Julie Thompson, Jacquelyn McMillian-Bohler, Ragan Johnson","doi":"10.1016/j.nwh.2026.08.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nwh.2026.08.001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Cervical cancer remains a significant U.S. health concern, with more than 13,400 new cases expected in 2026. Suboptimal screening rates remain a concern, especially among underserved patients often missing appointments. This quality improvement project piloted a cervical health facilitator (c-HF) role to address barriers to follow-up after abnormal cervical cancer screening results.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>A posttest design to evaluate the impact of a dedicated c-HF on patient participation in recommended follow-up care.</p><p><strong>Setting/local problem: </strong>The pilot took place at a high-volume women's health clinic contending with long clinic wait times and patients who often face barriers to care.</p><p><strong>Participants: </strong>Seventy-five new and established patients, ages 21 to 65 years, with a cervix and a recent abnormal cervical cancer screening result.</p><p><strong>Intervention/measurements: </strong>From October 2025 to January 2026, the c-HF conducted electronic medical record queries, standardized outreach, and offered follow-up visits each week. Data from the electronic medical record, visit logs, and outreach records were analyzed, measuring time to outreach, time to scheduled visit, visit completion, and visit duration by clinician.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Patients with existing diagnoses experienced slower outreach, delays in scheduling, and lower completion rates. Ninety-eight percent of patients with low-grade findings were reached, and 29% completed visits on time compared to 100% and 41% with high-grade findings, respectively. Clinic wait times were 67% shorter with c-HF support. Overall, 45.3% of patients completed follow-up, 33% within 45 days.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The c-HF model improves outreach, scheduling efficiency, and timely follow-up while reducing visit duration. Simple to implement, the role enhances patient engagement and clinician support, as well as patient-centered cervical cancer prevention.</p>","PeriodicalId":39985,"journal":{"name":"Nursing for Women''s Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148892615","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rachel Blankstein Breman, Isabelle B Watriss, Crystal Trent Paultre, Amy Brown
{"title":"Implementation Study of a Birth Preferences Worksheet During Prenatal and Intrapartum Care.","authors":"Rachel Blankstein Breman, Isabelle B Watriss, Crystal Trent Paultre, Amy Brown","doi":"10.1016/j.nwh.2026.06.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nwh.2026.06.002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To explore the implementation of a birth preferences worksheet to facilitate shared decision-making during prenatal and intrapartum care.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Cross-sectional, descriptive study.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>University-affiliated hospital in an urban setting.</p><p><strong>Participants: </strong>Postpartum people, physicians, certified nurse-midwives, and nurses.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This is a cross-sectional study of implementation of a birth preferences worksheet. Both patients and providers are included. Postpartum patients were recruited on the inpatient unit and completed a survey before hospital discharge. Clinicians included nurses, midwives, and physicians on the birthing unit. A separate survey was developed for clinicians.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There were 81 participants in the study sample: 36 patients and 45 clinicians. Fifty percent of patient participants (n = 18) completed the birth preferences worksheet during prenatal care, and 36% (n = 13) completed it in the hospital. Ninety-two percent of patient participants (n = 33) stated that the health care team in the hospital reviewed their birth preferences with them, and all agreed that the worksheet provided clear information. Sixty-eight percent of clinician respondents (19 of 28) agreed that they understood why the birth preferences worksheet was introduced. Forty-seven percent of clinicians (18 of 38) reported integrating the worksheet into their practice, and 40% (8 of 20) stated they use it with all their prenatal encounters. Barriers to implementation included time constraints, difficulty accessing the worksheet, trouble remembering that it was available, and the inability to edit the worksheet after patient encounters.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Birth preferences worksheets are a promising intervention that should be considered part of routine perinatal care. For new practices, repeated implementation strategies are necessary for successful uptake by patients and providers. By identifying barriers and facilitators to implementation, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of how to approach implementation and strengthen shared decision-making in maternity care settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":39985,"journal":{"name":"Nursing for Women''s Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148888117","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}