The history of Traube\u27s stethoscope in Japan, America and Europe through literatures and photographs, and research into the spiritual bonds between midwives and mothers

[Purpose] In this study, we examined the history of Traube (tubular stethoscope), which has been used by maternity nurses since the 1800\u27s for the diagnosis and practice of midwifery. In addition, we determined the contemporary significance of the bond between maternity nurses and pregnant women through Traube, based on the literature on midwifery in which maternity nurses provided support to pregnant women using this medical instrument. [Method] The analysis was based on historical data related to midwifery. The primary and secondary parameters were identified by consulting the Japan Medical Abstracts Society website and library book storerooms and by searching and extracting relevant books from the libraries of medical departments at historical universities and the National Diet Library in Japan. [Result] The data collected from the 1800\u27s to 2000\u27s were divided into three areas : age, region, and contents of description. We prepared chronological tables on the history and photographs of Traube in Japan, America, and Europe, using data extracted over a period of time. The data describing the use of Traube to listen to fetal heart tones in pregnant women was divided into two areas, i.e., description and age, to prepare a historical chronological table. [Discussion] During the postmodern age, birth delivery at home or in residential regions was the origin of manual midwifery. Maternity nurses encouraged pregnant women using their hands, eyes, ears, and mind, based on the five senses. This practice has been preserved over the years through the diagnosis and practice of midwifery by listening to the fetal heart tones using Traube. Maternity nurses deepened their love for pregnant women and their unborn child using the warmth of their hands and Traube and in combination with their mind

Qualitative analysis of emotional process mothers go through before becoming confident with breast-feeding

Objective: The Healthy Parents and Children 21 Project in Japan has set an objective to achieve a 60% breast-feeding rate among mothers who have one-month-old children. Using qualitative analysis, this study clarifies the emotional process that mothers experience before they feel confident with breast-feeding. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four mothers who were breast-feeding children ranging in age from 2 to 24 months, on their emotional transitions before they felt confident with breast-feeding, and analysis was performed with the use of Saiki\u27s grounded theory approach. With the agreement of the appropriate ethics committee, we explained our objective and protocol, and obtained final approval for the research in writing. Results: The average age of the mothers was 31.8 (+-4.3) years old, and the average interview time was 35.0 (+-17.3) minutes. On analyzing the emotional process the mothers we identified 【single-minded continuation of breast-feeding】 as the core category, and five sub-categories such as >, >, and > We created a single integrated diagram. Discussion: The mothers had had a strong desire to breast-feed even during pregnancy and >. Once they began breast-feeding the mothers gained a sense of security and confidence as they felt "relieved while breast milk was being released from their body". These feelings encouraged them to "single-mindedly continue to breast-feed", and "keeping up with it led them to appreciate the simplicity and beauty of breast-feeding" Conclusion: The Surveyed mothers developed affection for their children through mutual interactions between them by means of breast-feeding. Realizing that their breast milk is adequate to feed their children gave them the confidence to know that their bodies alone can support the growth of their children. The results of this study indicate the need for environments and support that help mothers remain motivated to breast-feed their children