{"title":"The Role of Motivational Interviewing in Enhancing Birth Self-Efficacy and Birth Satisfaction: A Randomized Controlled Study.","authors":"Tuğba Sarı, Birgül Özkan","doi":"10.1891/JPE-2024-0039","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1891/JPE-2024-0039","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Childbirth is a critical and transformative experience in a woman's life; however, it is often accompanied by fear and perceived as a highly stressful event. Fear of childbirth may adversely affect a woman's confidence in her ability to give birth and her perceived competence regarding the birthing process. This study aimed to investigate the effect of motivational interviewing on childbirth self-efficacy and birth satisfaction among pregnant women. The study sample consisted of 85 pregnant women who were randomly assigned to either an intervention or a control group. Participants in the intervention group attended motivational interviewing sessions conducted over a 4-week period. Mode of birth and birth satisfaction were evaluated during the postpartum period. Among women in the intervention group, nearly 70% had a vaginal birth, and approximately 63% reported being satisfied with their childbirth experience. A statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in total childbirth self-efficacy scores following the intervention. The findings indicate that motivational interviewing can enhance childbirth self-efficacy and decrease the preference for cesarean birth.<b>Trial registration:</b> Registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06082895).</p>","PeriodicalId":46449,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Perinatal Education","volume":"35 1-2","pages":"114-123"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13188954/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147989560","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}
Priyanka Chaudhary, Gaurav Kumar, John P Rech, Kailey Snyder, Danae Dinkel
{"title":"A Doula's Perspectives on Providing Physical Activity Education and Counseling Among Pregnant Women.","authors":"Priyanka Chaudhary, Gaurav Kumar, John P Rech, Kailey Snyder, Danae Dinkel","doi":"10.1891/JPE-2024-0008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1891/JPE-2024-0008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Despite the well-documented benefits of physical activity (PA) during pregnancy, most women do not meet the recommended PA guidelines. This research aims to understand doulas' perspectives on providing PA education and counseling to pregnant women. Employing a qualitative phenomenological study design with a purposive sampling of doulas across Nebraska, findings from 12 participants reveal a lack of knowledge of PA guidelines as a significant barrier to providing PA education. The study identified four main themes: attitude, intention, subjective norms, and perceived behavior control. It highlights the need for targeted education and training for doulas on PA guidelines and tailored PA programs for pregnant women to address physiological and psychological needs. The research underscores the importance of equipping doulas with the necessary knowledge and resources to promote PA among pregnant women effectively.</p>","PeriodicalId":46449,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Perinatal Education","volume":"35 1-2","pages":"25-40"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13188951/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147989445","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}
Sheridan Guyatt, Megan Ferguson, Michael Beckmann, Shelley A Wilkinson
{"title":"Understanding the Expectations, Experiences, and Preferences for Perinatal Education by Expectant and New Parents: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Sheridan Guyatt, Megan Ferguson, Michael Beckmann, Shelley A Wilkinson","doi":"10.1891/JPE-2023-0049","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1891/JPE-2023-0049","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Perinatal education is delivered by maternity services to improve health literacy, health, and experience outcomes. The needs of parents when designing and implementing perinatal programs have been understudied. This study's aim was to understand the needs of expectant and new parents in relation to perinatal education and to apply these findings to guide the development and implementation of a new program. Following interviews with parents from a Queensland maternity hospital, thematic analysis revealed themes that were mapped to implementation science frameworks to inform implementation strategies. One metatheme, \"navigating the journey,\" four primary themes, and eight subthemes were identified. This study identified factors that can be leveraged to support implementation success and highlights strategies to enhance implementation efficacy.</p>","PeriodicalId":46449,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Perinatal Education","volume":"35 1-2","pages":"85-105"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13188955/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147989548","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":"A Quality Improvement Narrative of a Primary Care Lactation Program Pilot.","authors":"Emilie Cunningham, Elise Nickle","doi":"10.1891/JPE-2024-0042","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1891/JPE-2024-0042","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A lack of access to timely and appropriate support is associated with early breastfeeding cessation, and programs that house lactation support in tandem with primary care have improved feeding outcomes. The purpose of this clinical project was the integration of lactation services and primary care within a federally qualified health center, providing insights into implementation challenges and innovations. Utilizing a lactation consultant alongside a clinician during primary care visits required administrative and logistical support, as well as early clinician champions. This program demonstrated a financially stable and efficacious collaboration with a family medicine residency program.</p>","PeriodicalId":46449,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Perinatal Education","volume":"35 1-2","pages":"124-128"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13188950/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147989419","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}
Alison Hock, Tracy Donegan, Luciana G Macedo, Stephanie Di Pelino, Sinéad Dufour
{"title":"Brain Training to Facilitate Labor and Birth: Impact of a Mobile Health Application.","authors":"Alison Hock, Tracy Donegan, Luciana G Macedo, Stephanie Di Pelino, Sinéad Dufour","doi":"10.1891/JPE-2023-0033","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1891/JPE-2023-0033","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of cognitive training strategies, inclusive of mindfulness-based techniques and pain neuroscience education (PNE), during pregnancy. Using a pre-posttest design, primiparous women seeking a physiological birth used a novel mobile application (GentleBirth) and a web-based PNE course as a means of labor/birth preparation. Self-report questionnaires at baseline, prebirth, and postbirth assessed all studied outcomes (pain knowledge, pain and birth self-efficacy, and birth outcomes). Use of the GentleBirth app combined with PNE during pregnancy was associated with improved pain knowledge, χ<sup>2</sup>(2) = 95.9, <i>p</i> < .001, and birth self-efficacy, <i>F</i>(2, 268) = 71.54, <i>p</i> < .001; high rates of labor coping, 7.48 (standard deviation 2.29); and lower rates of cesarean births and epidural use.</p>","PeriodicalId":46449,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Perinatal Education","volume":"35 1-2","pages":"59-84"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13188960/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147989198","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":"The Integration of Doula Care: Exploring Doulas' Role in Addressing Maternal Health Disparities Through Collaborative Practice.","authors":"Linda Cassar, Angela Stanley, Tarnisha Hemphill","doi":"10.1891/JPE-2025-0002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1891/JPE-2025-0002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The United States faces significant challenges in providing equitable, high-quality maternity care, with maternal mortality rates exceeding those of other developed nations. This is especially relevant for individuals of color. Although technological advances in obstetrics continue, they have not adequately addressed disparities in maternal health outcomes. There is evidence to support integrating doulas into maternity care teams to improve outcomes. Doulas provide continuous support throughout the perinatal period, serving as patient advocates, which is associated with reduced cesarean rates, improved maternal satisfaction, and increased breastfeeding initiation. The implementation and accessibility of doula care can make a measurable difference in addressing maternal health disparities. Overcoming barriers to integrating doulas into health-care teams, however, requires systematic change in our current health-care climate.</p>","PeriodicalId":46449,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Perinatal Education","volume":"35 1-2","pages":"17-24"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13188958/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147989523","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}
Charlotte V Farewell, Ryley Donohoe, Sarah J Schmiege, Jennifer Hyer, Jenn Leiferman
{"title":"Anxiety and Well-Being During Pregnancy: An Exploratory Path Analysis Approach to Investigate the Role of Psychological Capital and Coping Behaviors.","authors":"Charlotte V Farewell, Ryley Donohoe, Sarah J Schmiege, Jennifer Hyer, Jenn Leiferman","doi":"10.1891/JPE-2024-0034","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1891/JPE-2024-0034","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of this study was to investigate the role of psychological capital (PsyCap) and coping behaviors that promote well-being among a sample of pregnant individuals experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage. Within our sample (<i>N</i> = 182), optimism, self-efficacy, and hope were positively associated with well-being (β ranges from .18 to .28, <i>p</i> < .01). Optimism was associated with a greater number of adaptive coping behaviors (β = .25, standard error = 0.00, <i>p</i> < .01). Latent class analyses revealed three classes in the data set based on patterns of coping behaviors: (a) social copers (29%), (b) minimal copers (14%), and (c) solitary copers (57%) and well-being scores were different between classes (<i>p</i> < .01). Training for perinatal educators on strategies that foster PsyCap and social coping behaviors may help mitigate perinatal health disparities.</p>","PeriodicalId":46449,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Perinatal Education","volume":"35 1-2","pages":"41-51"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13188959/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147989266","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":"The Experience of Compassion for Birth Doulas in Hospital-Based Births: A Constructivist Grounded Theory Study.","authors":"Jenny L DeDecker, Walker Ladd","doi":"10.1891/JPE-2024-0041","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1891/JPE-2024-0041","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Maternal health-care provider burnout is prevalent, resulting in increased absenteeism, depersonalization, and reduced sense of efficacy. Compassion may mitigate the adverse effects of burnout for health-care providers, but the experience of compassion for birth doulas has not been examined. Using constructivist grounded theory methods, we addressed the research question: How do certified birth doulas experience compassion in hospital-based births? We interviewed a purposive sample of 18 certified birth doulas. Data analysis revealed that doulas experience compassion in three developmental domains: intrapersonal, professional, and interpersonal. Doulas self-identify as compassionate individuals. Self-reflection and professional experience enhance a sense of humanness for providers, clients, and families. Compassion sustains birth doulas, increasing their sense of efficacy and mitigating burnout.</p>","PeriodicalId":46449,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Perinatal Education","volume":"35 1-2","pages":"4-16"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13188953/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147989555","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":"Examination of the Relationship Between Breastfeeding Myths and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy in Pregnant Women.","authors":"Sibel Kiyak","doi":"10.1891/JPE-2025-0005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1891/JPE-2025-0005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aims to examine the relationship between the myths pregnant women believe about breastfeeding and their breastfeeding self-efficacy levels. This descriptive and relational study was conducted with 210 pregnant women in their third trimester who visited the maternity clinic of a university hospital. Data were collected using a Participant Information Form, the Prenatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Breastfeeding Myths Scale. The results showed that breastfeeding self-efficacy was high, while breastfeeding myths were at a moderate level. Self-efficacy scores varied based on education level, employment status, and number of pregnancies (<i>p</i> < .05). A negative correlation was found between breastfeeding self-efficacy and breastfeeding myths (<i>r</i> = -.478, <i>p</i> < .001). Believing in breastfeeding myths during pregnancy negatively affects the breastfeeding self-efficacy levels of pregnant women.</p>","PeriodicalId":46449,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Perinatal Education","volume":"35 1-2","pages":"106-113"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13188956/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147989251","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":"Sociodemographic Factors Associated With Postpartum Readiness: A Survey Study.","authors":"Erin G McHugh, Catherine Marudo, Niloufar Safvati, Alexis Svokos, Michelle Fletcher","doi":"10.1891/JPE-2024-0031","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1891/JPE-2024-0031","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The postpartum period is pivotal for both maternal and infant well-being, yet factors influencing postpartum readiness remain underexplored. This study investigates these factors with an emphasis on the impact of perinatal educators on optimizing readiness. We conducted a cross-sectional survey using a modified \"Perceived Readiness for Discharge After Birth Scale\" among patients up to 6 weeks postpartum. Our analysis, through multivariable regression, indicated that multiparous individuals felt more prepared for the postpartum period compared with primiparous individuals. Factors such as age, race, ethnicity, education, and other demographic variables did not significantly affect perceived readiness. The findings suggest that tailored postpartum education is essential, particularly for first-time parents, and that demographic factors alone should not dictate preparedness assessments.</p>","PeriodicalId":46449,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Perinatal Education","volume":"35 1-2","pages":"52-58"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13188957/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147989333","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}