Articles tagged with Midwifery
A new study finds that Medicaid ACOs in Massachusetts improved maternal healthcare quality and equity by incorporating maternal metrics and initiatives, but faced challenges in meeting metrics and implementing new initiatives. The researchers offer recommendations to overcome barriers in maternal healthcare delivery.
A University of East Anglia report suggests that tens of thousands of new mothers in Britain may be suffering from undiagnosed PTSD after childbirth. The report highlights the need for better guidance and training for GPs to identify post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.
The global health workforce nearly tripled between 1990 and 2023, with women driving most of the growth, yet remaining concentrated in lower-paying professions. An additional 34.4 million health workers are needed to achieve moderate universal health coverage, with shortages greatest in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
The review challenges common misconceptions about early milk production and breast pumps. It found that colostrum is sufficient for newborn needs and pacifier use does not interfere with breastfeeding. The study's findings suggest 'small changes' to support breastfeeding success in hospitals.
A systematic review found that babies born by caesarean section or exposed to antibiotics around the time of birth tend to have differences in their gut bacteria composition, with less diversity and beneficial bacterial groups less abundant. Exclusively breastfed infants appear to show a partial restoration of microbial balance.
A new wearable monitoring system called OMEGA aims to replace outdated fetal heart rate monitoring technology with a unified real-time assessment of fetal oxygen delivery and adaptive capacity. The system could potentially reduce C-section rates and improve maternal and fetal health outcomes, saving millions in healthcare costs.
A new Cochrane review finds planned early birth for pregnant women with high blood pressure cuts maternal complications by nearly half and reduces the risk of stillbirth. The practice is found to be safe across both high- and low-income settings, without increasing the likelihood of caesarean section.
A study of 551,706 pregnancies in Ontario found that 8% were not screened for syphilis at all, while 79% were screened in the first trimester. The authors suggest that relying solely on traditional prenatal care models may not be sufficient to reach populations facing barriers to accessing care.
A new review of over 100 clinical trials found that 13 common labor induction methods are similarly effective, with low-dose vaginal misoprostol being the most commonly used and safest. However, some methods showed better success rates for specific outcomes, such as oxytocin with amniotomy for achieving vaginal birth within 24 hours.
UC San Diego Health has been recognized as a Best Hospital for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report for the fourth year in a row. The hospital provides world-class care for parents and newborns, with a focus on compassion, expertise, and dedication.
A survey by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center reveals that nearly all Americans are unaware of the comprehensive women's health services provided by certified nurse-midwives. Only 20% know about annual gynecology exams, while 93% are aware of pregnancy and birth support.
Researchers developed a novel tool, the Preterm Birth Actionable Risk Index (PTB-ARIx), to assess risk for premature births. The index identifies 18 specific risk factors during pregnancy that can be treated with evidence-based interventions.
In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers found that unplanned, premature births outside hospitals in Austria posed significant challenges for emergency teams. The study identified key findings on how to improve outcomes for mothers and newborns, including the importance of standardised protocols, training, and equipment availability.
New studies from Karolinska Institutet show that mental health issues during pregnancy and postpartum can lead to long-term consequences, including depression and psychosis. The risk of these conditions increases significantly after childbirth.
A new study highlights the success of an international partnership working to strengthen nursing and midwifery in the Caribbean. The initiative led by Penn Nursing resulted in a comprehensive survey with a 100% response rate from country Chief Nursing Officers.
A global study reveals that women's mental wellbeing and self-efficacy are key predictors of fear during childbirth. Research shows that antenatal care should focus on building women's confidence rather than just teaching coping strategies.
A new study from Uppsala University finds that targeted training for healthcare professionals and parents significantly increases skin-to-skin contact between newborns and their parents in the first 48 hours after birth. This leads to improved health benefits for both the baby and parent, with a notable increase in the proportion of ba...
Caroline King, a UTA undergrad, published her research on rural midwifery in the Online Journal of Rural Nursing and Health Care. Her study explores the benefits of midwife-assisted births for women with low-risk pregnancies, finding it to be safe and cost-effective.
Researchers found skewed sex ratios at birth among mothers from China, India, and Vietnam, with some mothers preferring boys over girls. The imbalance increased with multiple children, but remained stable for Australian-born mothers.
A study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that the closures resulted in a 4% reduction in physicians per capita and declines in infant, non-infant, and total mortality rates. The Flexner Report era reforms led to significant changes in the US medical education landscape.
A recent study published in Lancet Rheumatology found a significant increase in autoimmune conditions among pregnant women in the UK since the millennium. The research analyzed electronic healthcare records from 2000-2021 and discovered a 4.7% rise in expectant mothers beginning pregnancy with autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis, ...
The proportion of women smoking during pregnancy in England has almost halved since 2014/15, but funding cuts could stall this progress. Experts fear that continued investment is necessary to give every child a smokefree start in life and prevent a surge in rates.
A research team of over 60,000 OB-GYNs in the US found that doctors are not systematically leaving states where abortions are banned or threatened. The study suggests that concerns about reproductive health care may be offset by ties to patients and local communities, as well as significant relocation efforts.
A study of 9,387 nurses from 35 countries reveals widespread mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and burnout. Nurses experienced more symptoms at work than at home, with loss and public aggression posing significant threats to their mental health.
A recent Cochrane review confirms that giving women at risk of premature birth a simple magnesium sulphate infusion can prevent their babies from developing cerebral palsy. The drug costs approximately £5 (~$6.50) per dose and has been recommended by the World Health Organization since 2015.
A new study by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences found that outpatient induction of labor is a safe and effective option for first-time mothers. The study showed that three-quarters of the mothers successfully delivered their babies vaginally, with very high levels of patient satisfaction.
A nationwide Swedish study reveals a bidirectional link between premenstrual disorders (PMS/PMDD) and perinatal depression. Women with PMS/PMDD are five times more likely to experience perinatal depression, while those with perinatal depression are twice as likely to develop PMS/PMDD.
Research suggests delaying cord clamping by two minutes can significantly reduce mortality rates among premature babies. This allows blood to flow from the placenta, easing breathing transitions and potentially saving lives.
A new study finds that midwifery care is associated with higher levels of autonomy and respect during childbirth, particularly in community settings. Midwives attended 12% of births, mostly in hospitals, while community births were more common with midwife attendance.
A recent study found that hospitals serving more vulnerable childbearing populations tend to have inadequate nurse staffing levels, which can lead to poor maternal health outcomes. The researchers surveyed 3,471 registered nurses from 271 hospitals and discovered inconsistencies in nurse-to-patient ratios with national staffing standards.
A new UBC study reveals midwives provide safe primary care for all medical risk levels, with comparable or improved birth outcomes. Midwives also assist with lower caesarean delivery rates and collaborate with specialists.
A recent BC study found that midwifery care is safe and effective for clients with varying levels of medical risk. Midwife-led care resulted in lower rates of preterm births and low-birth-weight babies, as well as increased cesarean delivery rates at higher medical risks.
A new study reveals that US pregnancies are shorter than those in England and the Netherlands, with average lengths declining by over half a week between 1990 and 2020. This finding suggests that reducing medical interventions during the birthing process could improve maternity care outcomes in the US.
A study of UK new fathers found they felt isolated by maternity care restrictions, leading to initial disconnection from pregnancy and baby. However, longer-term lockdowns led to increased father-baby bonding, challenging traditional views of the father's role in maternity and parenthood.
A University of Gothenburg study found that midwives' job satisfaction is linked to possibilities for development, role conflict resolution, and burnout avoidance. The research highlights the importance of quality work, recognition, and autonomy in midwives' occupational roles.
A study by Lund University found that women with two midwives assisting during birth had a lower incidence of severe perineal tears compared to those with standard care from one midwife. The researchers suggest that this practice can help reduce the risk of severe perineal trauma and improve women's quality of life.
A recent study analyzing over 10,000 community births in Washington state between 2015 and 2020 found that planned home births with licensed midwives are as safe as births at a licensed birth center. The research team discovered no increased risk for parents or babies associated with the birth setting.
A new health program aims to improve pregnancy outcomes for Black patients by combining four evidence-based strategies, including racially concordant care providers and coordinated care. The five-year study will enroll 432 women and compare their experiences with usual maternity care versus a new model.
Researchers found that reducing caesarean section rates among first-time mothers can result in substantial economic savings, with net present values of €1.1million and £9.8million per annual cohort. Improving vaginal births after c-sections also yields significant benefits, with net present values of €3.5M and £23.0M per annual cohort.
A recent study found that a quarter of local maternity services in England lack midwifery units (MUs), and women face barriers when trying to access them. The research identified several factors contributing to low MU use, including a lack of information and misconceptions about their safety and cost.
A large international study published in EClinicalMedicine journal reveals that home births have no increased risk of baby's perinatal or neonatal death compared to hospital births. The study analyzed data from over 500,000 intended home births and similar numbers of hospital births in eight countries.
A new study has identified reliable symptoms for diagnosing antenatal anxiety in pregnant women, improving screening tools for health professionals. The findings suggest that elevated worry, panic symptoms, and excessive concerns about the baby's health are robust indicators of antenatal anxiety.
A study found a strong correlation between midwife integration and better birth outcomes, with higher rates of vaginal births and breastfeeding. States with high midwife integration, such as Washington and Oregon, had lower rates of premature births, cesarean deliveries, and newborn deaths.
A new U.S.-wide report card ranks all 50 states on their maternity care quality, revealing a strong connection between midwifery integration and improved birth outcomes. States with high midwifery integration scores tend to have lower rates of premature births, cesarean deliveries, and newborn deaths.
A study by University of Massachusetts Amherst researchers found that hospitals with higher midwife-attended births had lower rates of cesarean deliveries and episiotomies among low-risk pregnancies. The findings suggest that increased access to midwifery care could enhance perinatal care and reduce costs.
A recent study published in CMAJ found that planned home births among low-risk pregnant women do not increase the risk of stillbirth, neonatal death, or serious events. In fact, these women were more likely to have spontaneous vaginal births and breastfeed exclusively after delivery.
A recent study found that midwife-led maternity care is as safe as consultant-led care and results in less intervention, with women expressing higher satisfaction rates. The average cost of caring for a woman in midwife-led units was €182 less than in consultant-led units.
A new systematic review highlights the increased health risks of maternal obesity during pregnancy, including gestational diabetes, high blood-pressure, and pre-eclampsia. The study recommends pre-conceptual weight loss for women with obesity to avoid complications, and calls for improved support and education.
Research by University of Southampton finds improved midwifery services lead to virtuous cycle of increased demand, deployment of more midwives, better services, and improved outcomes. The study's findings highlight the crucial role of initial investment, women's demand for care, and health professionals in driving this cycle.
A major new Series in The Lancet emphasizes the critical role of midwifery in saving millions of women and children worldwide. Effective midwifery can prevent up to three-quarters of stillbirths and maternal deaths, and even modest improvements in coverage could halve current rates by 2030.
A series of studies published in the Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health highlights the effectiveness of community-based interventions in improving maternal and newborn health in rural Ethiopia. The Maternal and Newborn Health in Ethiopia Partnership initiative has reduced mortality rates by increasing demand for focused maternal and...
New research published in The Lancet finds that caseload midwifery is just as safe as standard maternity care, with similar outcomes for women of any risk. Women who received caseload midwifery care had lower costs and improved breastfeeding rates.
A groundbreaking study, funded by £2m from the National Institute for Health Research, will examine ways to improve service user and carer involvement in decisions about their care. The research aims to develop a training package for mental health professionals and test its effectiveness in improving care planning.
Research found that many top YouTube videos depict nurses in a derogatory way, with stereotypes including them as skilled professionals, sexual objects, or incompetent caregivers. The study highlights the need for professional bodies to lobby legislators to protect nursing from negative stereotyping and support positive promotion.
A global collaboration led by the University of York is examining key areas of reproductive, maternal and newborn care within midwifery services. The project will culminate in a special series on midwifery in The Lancet, providing evidence to guide national decision-making and improve midwifery services.
The NYU College of Nursing will expand its midwifery program to include primary care and health literacy components, aiming to address workforce demands for underserved women. The three-year grant seeks to increase the enrollment, retention, and graduation of diverse students in the program.
Jane Dyer, director of the top-ranked nurse midwifery program at the University of Utah Health, has been inducted into the American College of Nurse Midwives. She is recognized for her leadership and commitment to providing care to underserved communities.
A study of film synopses and 280 films between 1900 and 2007 found that unflattering stereotypes are decreasing, while nurses are now portrayed as intelligent, strong, and passionate characters. This shift reflects the growth of the nursing profession and changing societal attitudes towards women's roles.
A historian's research reveals that physicians' campaigns to control midwives were driven by stigmatization and a desire to suppress abortion. The campaign successfully restricted midwifery practices in the US by the early 20th century, despite the role of physicians in illegal abortions.