Women and birth : journal of the Australian College of Midwives
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Early evidence suggests spinal musculoskeletal symptoms are as prevalent in Australian midwives as in samples of nurses. Functional consequences of these symptoms include sick leave and functional incapacity, which are costly at both individual and workplace levels. To date there have been no studies of these consequences in midwives. ⋯ Our sample reported considerable work-related musculoskeletal pain and functional incapacity. Factors associated with sick leave and functional incapacity in midwives should be confirmed by longitudinal studies with the aim of developing tertiary prevention strategies.
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To compare the personal preferences of pregnant women, midwives and obstetricians regarding a range of physical, psychosocial and pharmacological methods of pain relief for childbirth. ⋯ There are differences in the personal preferences of pregnant women, midwives and obstetricians regarding pain relief for childbirth. It is important that the pain relief methods available in maternity care settings reflect the informed preferences of pregnant women.
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Comparative Study
Do women who choose to become surrogate mothers have different psychological profiles compared to a normative female sample?
Surrogate mothers are routinely assessed for their suitability to function in the role of surrogacy. Such assessments often include psychological testing including the Minnesota multiphasic personality inventory-revised (MMPI-2). There has been a paucity of research detailing the personality structures of these women, especially with the MMPI-2. ⋯ The findings provide an initial examination of the profiles of surrogate mothers on the MMPI-2. The findings revealed that the psychological suitability of surrogate mother candidates appear to be a composite of being both tough-minded and sensitive, sufficiently resilient to manage the role of surrogacy, and aware of the importance of emotional boundary-setting related to pre-natal attachment.
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To determine the incidence and level of work-related stress and burnout in midwives and contributing and protective demographic factors that may influence those levels. ⋯ The impact of years in the profession, shifts worked, how many women with multiple psychosocial issues were included in their workload and the midwife's level of exercise significantly affected how these midwives dealt with burnout and provided care for women. As the response rate was low, and the study cannot be generalised to the entire midwifery workforce but provides important insights for further research. Understanding factors related to burnout can benefit health care institutions financially and in terms of human costs, especially in view of consistent international shortages of midwives.