Women and BirthPub Date : 2025-09-25DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102107
Hannah M. Brennan , Hannah A. Long , Catherine Chmiel , Debbie M. Smith
{"title":"Coping strategies and interventions to prevent and alleviate work-related burnout in midwives: A rapid scoping review of quantitative and qualitative research","authors":"Hannah M. Brennan , Hannah A. Long , Catherine Chmiel , Debbie M. Smith","doi":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102107","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102107","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Problem</h3><div>Work-related burnout in healthcare is a public health crisis. It is particularly prevalent in midwives, due to high workloads, staff shortages, and the emotional demands of providing care for birthing women. Burnout affects midwives’ wellbeing and ability to provide high-quality care, exacerbating workforce challenges.</div></div><div><h3>Background</h3><div>Coping strategies and interventions to prevent and alleviate work-related burnout in midwives have been described in the literature.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>Identify and describe the evidence on coping strategies and interventions to prevent and alleviate work-related burnout in midwives.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A rapid scoping review was conducted with systematic searches in four electronic databases. Three reviewers screened and extracted the data on reported coping strategies and interventions, which were collated and presented in a narrative format.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>7379 articles were identified, and twenty-one articles were included. Five overarching types of coping strategies to prevent and alleviate burnout in midwives were present in the included studies: Support and understanding from colleagues; Structured support from the workplace; Support from friends and family; Ability to reflect and learn professionally and personally from events; Awareness of self-care techniques for use in practice and after events.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion and conclusion</h3><div>Maternity services must prioritise workforce wellbeing by increasing the focus on preventing and alleviating burnout to support the retention of midwives and ensure the safe, effective care of women. Future research could focus on exploring how practical support for midwives, such as supervision and debriefing could be implemented effectively, and identify realistic, sustainable ways to integrate psychology-informed approaches into midwifery practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48868,"journal":{"name":"Women and Birth","volume":"38 6","pages":"Article 102107"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145159363","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Women and BirthPub Date : 2025-09-24DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102111
Merve Işık , Pınar Akbaş , Sultan Özkan Şat
{"title":"The psychological impacts of climate change on pregnant women in Türkiye","authors":"Merve Işık , Pınar Akbaş , Sultan Özkan Şat","doi":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102111","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102111","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Climate change poses serious risks to both physical and mental health. Pregnant women are especially vulnerable, as the stress and anxiety associated with this period may be intensified by climate-related challenges, potentially affecting maternal well-being and pregnancy outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This study was conducted to determine the repercussions of climate change on the mental health of pregnant women.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study utilized a descriptive qualitative design. The data were collected by holding individual semi-structured interviews with pregnant women (n = 17). Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The main themes of this study were ‘anxiety and insecurity about the future,’ ‘psychological burdens caused by climate change,’ ‘coping with psychological burdens associated with the impact of climate change,’ and ‘expectations from healthcare professionals’. The main themes consist of six sub-themes: ‘concerns about the future of children,’ ‘uncertainty about the future,’ ‘climate anxiety and stress,’ ‘sense of ecological loss and sadness,’ ‘avoidance,’ and ‘spiritual practices’.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Climate change adversely affects the quality of life of pregnant women and imposes a significant burden on their mental health. Healthcare professionals should integrate climate-related awareness and coping strategies into their practice and promote broader public awareness. Such efforts can contribute to policies that safeguard the rights of pregnant women and their families to live in a healthy and sustainable environment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48868,"journal":{"name":"Women and Birth","volume":"38 6","pages":"Article 102111"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145152593","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Women and BirthPub Date : 2025-09-23DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102108
Virginia M. Stulz , Linda Sweet , Deborah Davis , Vanessa Scarf , Michelle Gray , Marnie Griffiths , Lois McKellar , Athena Sheehan , Carolyn Hastie , Elaine Jefford , Allison Cummins
{"title":"Midwives' perceptions of support for new graduates: A survey that compared support from midwives who provide continuity of care with midwives from other models of care","authors":"Virginia M. Stulz , Linda Sweet , Deborah Davis , Vanessa Scarf , Michelle Gray , Marnie Griffiths , Lois McKellar , Athena Sheehan , Carolyn Hastie , Elaine Jefford , Allison Cummins","doi":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102108","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102108","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Problem</h3><div>It is unknown if graduate midwives receive similar support from midwives providing continuity of care and midwives not working in continuity models.</div></div><div><h3>Background</h3><div>All new graduate midwives require support as they transition from student to practitioner regardless of model of care in which they work. New graduate midwives are keen to work in continuity of care models but require good mentorship.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To compare the perceptions of support provided by midwives to new graduates between those working in continuity of care models and those not working in those models.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional study design with an online survey was undertaken. Quantitative analyses included descriptive statistics and independent t-tests. Content analysis was used for the open-ended questions data.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Both groups of midwives reported it was important for new graduates to have knowledge and continue lifelong learning. Both groups of midwives also reported the importance of new graduates being involved in decision-making. Midwives working in continuity of care models were more likely to role model desirable behaviours of self-care, provide supportive environments, and think that new graduates should have more opportunities to work in continuity of care with a reduced workload than midwives not in continuity models.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Midwives thought that it was important to listen to new graduates’ opinions and to value their opinions as an integral part of care. Mentoring and supporting new graduates with ongoing educational support and being inclusive is important for all regardless of model of care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48868,"journal":{"name":"Women and Birth","volume":"38 6","pages":"Article 102108"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145119006","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Women and BirthPub Date : 2025-09-20DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102106
Amy Delicate , Sarah Hillman , Victoria Hodgetts Morton , R.Katie Morris , Rebecca Man , Laura Jones
{"title":"Postnatal care and pathways for childbirth-related perineal trauma in England: A qualitative study of healthcare professionals' experiences and perspectives on future development","authors":"Amy Delicate , Sarah Hillman , Victoria Hodgetts Morton , R.Katie Morris , Rebecca Man , Laura Jones","doi":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102106","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102106","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Perineal trauma is a common outcome of vaginal birth, affecting 8/10 women in the UK. While many injuries heal without issue, complications such as infection, wound breakdown, and pain can impact maternal recovery, daily functioning, and wellbeing. Despite the burden of complications, postnatal wound management remain inconsistent, with limited evidence to guide optimal care.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>To examine the current postnatal care provision and care pathways used by healthcare professionals to address childbirth-related perineal trauma in England and explore their views on enhancing care. Methods: The study was guided by an interpretive descriptive approach. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews with national health service healthcare professionals providing care to women following childbirth-related perineal trauma. Demographic data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Interview data were analysed by hybrid codebook thematic analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Healthcare professionals were interviewed in 2024 (N = 36). The current care provided for childbirth-related perineal trauma is described and represented visually, indicating that multiple care pathways and healthcare services are used. Healthcare professionals reported that improvements to childbirth-related perineal trauma care could come from enhancements to maternal awareness and information; healthcare professional education and training; and standardised evidence-based care pathways both for universal postnatal care and specialist childbirth-related perineal trauma care.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study offers a unique insight postnatal care for women following childbirth-related perineal trauma in England, revealing a complex and regionally variable landscape. Healthcare professionals highlighted the need for greater standardisation and targeted improvements in care pathways to enhance outcomes for women.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48868,"journal":{"name":"Women and Birth","volume":"38 6","pages":"Article 102106"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145097129","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Women and BirthPub Date : 2025-09-13DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102092
Yasmine M. Osman , Marwa Mamdouh Shaban , Mostafa Shaban
{"title":"Shaping a sustainable future: Climate-related stress and violence among women of reproductive age: A systematic review","authors":"Yasmine M. Osman , Marwa Mamdouh Shaban , Mostafa Shaban","doi":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102092","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102092","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Problem</h3><div>Climate change is an escalating global crisis with disproportionate effects on women, particularly regarding exposure to gender-based violence (GBV). Yet, the intersection between climate-related stressors and GBV among women of reproductive age remains underexplored.</div></div><div><h3>Background</h3><div>Environmental disruptions such as droughts, heatwaves, and floods are increasingly linked to violence against women. These stressors often intensify economic hardship, displacement, and psychosocial stress—factors known to elevate GBV risk.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To systematically examine the association between climate-related stressors and experiences of GBV, including intimate partner violence (IPV), sexual violence, and child marriage among women aged 15–49 years.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A systematic review was reported in accordance with PRISMA 2020. Six databases were searched for peer-reviewed studies (2010–2024) reporting empirical data on climate stressors and GBV. Eligible studies included quantitative or mixed-methods research focused on women of reproductive age. Data were extracted and assessed for risk of bias using the ROBVIS tool.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Seventeen studies met inclusion criteria. Most were from low- and middle-income countries. Droughts and extreme heat were consistently associated with increased IPV, child marriage, and sexual violence. Mediating factors included displacement, food insecurity, and mental health challenges.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Climate-related stressors amplify GBV risks via multiple pathways. Displacement, economic strain, and disrupted social protection mechanisms heighten women's vulnerability during environmental crises.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Climate adaptation efforts must incorporate gender-responsive strategies to prevent and respond to GBV. Addressing this intersection is essential to safeguard women’s health, rights, and resilience in a warming world.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48868,"journal":{"name":"Women and Birth","volume":"38 6","pages":"Article 102092"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145049650","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Women and BirthPub Date : 2025-09-11DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102096
Sara D.C. Paz , Andreia S. Goncalves , Filipa Sampaio , Ana Paula Prata
{"title":"Implementation of midwifery units in the Portuguese context: Barriers and facilitators","authors":"Sara D.C. Paz , Andreia S. Goncalves , Filipa Sampaio , Ana Paula Prata","doi":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102096","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102096","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>In Portugal, childbirth predominantly occurs in Obstetric Units, even for low-risk pregnancies, often resulting in excessive medical interventions. Midwifery Units, successfully integrated into health systems comparable to the Portuguese National Health System may be a viable alternative.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This study explores stakeholders’ perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to the implementation of Midwifery Units in Portugal.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A qualitative, descriptive-exploratory study was conducted using semi-structured interviews for data collection.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Two overarching themes emerged: <em>implementation readiness</em> and <em>implementation strategies</em>. The first encompasses cultural, organizational, professional, and political dimensions. The second focuses on the professional positioning of midwifery in Portugal, its hierarchical relationship with other healthcare professions, and the structural characteristics of the health system.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>The primary barriers to implementing Midwifery Units are deeply rooted in the prevailing physician-led maternity care model in Portugal. However, the current challenges within the National Health System, along with ongoing restructuring efforts, create an opportunity for change. Key facilitators include the aim of reducing unnecessary interventions, promoting humanized care, expanding women's autonomy in childbirth, and aligning practices with contemporary scientific evidence.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The study highlights that while structural and cultural barriers persist, a convergence of social, professional, and institutional facilitators may offer a strategic window for integrating Continuity of Midwife Care in Portugal. Tailored implementation strategies, interprofessional collaboration, and policy advocacy are required to translate existing evidence into national practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48868,"journal":{"name":"Women and Birth","volume":"38 6","pages":"Article 102096"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145049649","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Women and BirthPub Date : 2025-09-09DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102091
Berit Höglund , Ingegerd Hildingsson
{"title":"‘Still struggling, but there is a small glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel’ – Individual in-depth interviews six-months after stillbirth: A follow-up study in Sweden","authors":"Berit Höglund , Ingegerd Hildingsson","doi":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102091","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102091","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Few parents experience stillbirth in Sweden, and their perspectives on the grieving process remain largely unknown.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To explore parents’ perspectives, memories, reflections and insights in the grieving and recovery process six months after stillbirth.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A mixed-method study involving nine in-depth interviews and responses to eleven quantitative statements. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic network analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Two themes were identified ‘<em>Retained indelible deep memories of the loss and increased insights into the tragic life-changing event’</em> and <em>‘The continued grieving process, quality of life and new pregnancy’.</em> These themes captured parents’ ongoing grief and reflections. Six months later, parents reported gaining insights into unforeseen pregnancy abnormalities. Some announced new pregnancies, desiring extended medical checks by both midwives and obstetricians. There was a widespread request for tailored psychological support throughout pregnancy. Qualitative findings were reinforced by the quantitative statements.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Stillbirth profoundly affects parents long-term, with deep grief and memories. They develop coping strategies to strengthen their mental health. However, after six months, they begin to see a small glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48868,"journal":{"name":"Women and Birth","volume":"38 6","pages":"Article 102091"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145020655","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Women and BirthPub Date : 2025-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102021
Nicola McMullen , Professor Alison M. Hutchinson , Adjunct Professor Bernice Redley , Dr Renee Fiolet
{"title":"A beautiful bush space on Country: The Placenta Garden Project","authors":"Nicola McMullen , Professor Alison M. Hutchinson , Adjunct Professor Bernice Redley , Dr Renee Fiolet","doi":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102021","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102021","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":48868,"journal":{"name":"Women and Birth","volume":"38 ","pages":"Article 102021"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144921347","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Women and BirthPub Date : 2025-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102006
Deborah Pidd , Adjunct Associate Professor Michelle Newton , Dr Catina Adams , Professor Christine East
{"title":"Screening for a previous traumatic birth experience in a subsequent pregnancy.","authors":"Deborah Pidd , Adjunct Associate Professor Michelle Newton , Dr Catina Adams , Professor Christine East","doi":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102006","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":48868,"journal":{"name":"Women and Birth","volume":"38 ","pages":"Article 102006"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144921580","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Women and BirthPub Date : 2025-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102012
Tahlia Johnson , Dr Nina Sivertsen , Tara Struck , Annette Briley , Dr Megan Cooper , Jaclyn Daveys , Dr Susan Smith
{"title":"‘That’s how hospitals can do better’: Shaping Maternity Care for Mums and Bubs","authors":"Tahlia Johnson , Dr Nina Sivertsen , Tara Struck , Annette Briley , Dr Megan Cooper , Jaclyn Daveys , Dr Susan Smith","doi":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102012","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":48868,"journal":{"name":"Women and Birth","volume":"38 ","pages":"Article 102012"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144921462","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}