Nursing for women's health
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A new interest in self-administered nitrous oxide for labor analgesia has emerged in recent years in the United States. It has been used widely in Europe for decades, with favorable results. ⋯ Recent literature on this subject has been directed toward midwives, obstetricians and/or anesthesiologists, with little emphasis for labor and delivery nurses. This article presents highlights of nursing care for women using self-administered nitrous oxide during labor and birth.
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Prolonged skin-to-skin contact (SSC) between mothers and newborns in the hour after birth is associated with physiologic and psychological benefits for both mothers and infants, yet this is not a standard practice at all birthing facilities. The purpose of the project described in this article was to implement SSC immediately aft er birth for healthy term newborns as a routine, evidence-based practice in a labor and delivery unit at a Midwestern U. S. academic medical center. When incorporated into routine newborn care, SSC promotes key maternal-infant health outcomes of importance to quality nursing care.
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Although the birth of a child is typically considered a very happy time for parents, surrogacy is often unchartered territory that can become very stressful for all parties involved. Part of the stress stems from the fact that different states and countries have varying laws and regulations overseeing surrogacy. This article provides insight regarding surrogacy around the world, including professional, societal and ethical issues.
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Heavy menstrual bleeding, or menorrhagia, af ects approximately one-third of women. Treatments have included nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories and oral contraceptives, although neither is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically for this use. Lysteda® (tranexamic acid) has recently been approved as a treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding. This article gives a background on menorrhagia and describes treatment with tranexamic acid, including its implications for nurses.