Birth
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Early contact versus separation: effects on mother-infant interaction one year later.
A tradition of separation of the mother and baby after birth still persists in many parts of the world, including some parts of Russia, and often is combined with swaddling of the baby. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare possible long-term effects on mother-infant interaction of practices used in the delivery and maternity wards, including practices relating to mother-infant closeness versus separation. ⋯ Skin-to-skin contact, for 25 to 120 minutes after birth, early suckling, or both positively influenced mother-infant interaction 1 year later when compared with routines involving separation of mother and infant.
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At 30 percent, British Columbia has the highest cesarean section rate in Canada. Little is known about the childbirth views and birthing preferences of college-aged women and men. The objectives of this study were to document (a) the prevalence of cesarean versus vaginal delivery as the preferred mode of delivery among nonpregnant university students without a history of childbirth, (b) the reasons for reported childbirth preferences, and (c) confidence in vaginal birth as a predictor of childbirth preference. ⋯ Results indicate that a preference for cesarean section is linked to fear of childbirth and driven by low confidence in vaginal birth. Educational strategies targeting university-aged men and women may be helpful in alleviating fears of vaginal birth and providing evidence-based information about different birth options.
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An improvement in maternal health conditions can only be achieved when a reduction in the number of deaths is accompanied by a reduction in the frequency of severe complications of pregnancy. The objective of this study was to investigate women's experiences related to the burden of severe maternal morbidity. ⋯ On the basis of narratives of women who almost died during pregnancy and childbirth, we reported on an acute stress disorder that may be associated with the occurrence of severe maternal complications, which we named, the "maternal near-miss syndrome." The implementation of integrated care that encompasses the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of women's health may help to alleviate the burden that maternal complications impose on millions of women around the world.