A qualitative study of midwives’ perceptions on using video-calling in early labor

BACKGROUND: Decisions made in early labor influence the outcomes of childbirth for women and infants. Telephone assessment during labor, the current norm in many settings, has been found to be a source of dissatisfaction for women and can present challenges for midwives. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore midwives’ views on the potential of video-calling as a method for assessing women in early labor. METHODS: A series of eight midwife focus groups (n=45) and interviews (n=4) in the Midlands region of England and the mid-South and Northeast regions of the United States were completed. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and coded using content analysis. Coding diagrams were used to help develop major themes in the data. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and coded using content analysis. Coding diagrams were used to help develop major themes in the data. RESULTS: Midwives were generally positive about the potential of video-calling in early labor and using visual cues to make more accurate assessments and to enhance trust. Some midwives expressed concerns about privacy, both for themselves and for women, and issues of accessibility. They suggested strategies for implementation and further research, such as the need for a private space in birth facilities and training for both staff and service users. CONCLUSIONS: Video-calling was seen as a viable option for assessment of women in early labor with some particular challenges related to implementation. This research focused on midwives’ views; the views of women and their families should also be considered. There is a lack of evidence on the clinical and cost effectiveness of video-calling in maternity care and further research is warranted

Factors associated with breastfeeding duration for at least three months: A literature review

L’Organisation mondiale de la santé (OMS) recommande un allaitement maternel exclusif jusqu’à six mois et un allaitement partiel jusqu’à deux ans ou au-delà. En Europe actuellement, il existe de fortes disparités de prévalence de l’allaitement selon les pays. L’objectif de cet article est de faire le point sur les facteurs associés à un allaitement maternel prolongé au-delà de trois mois. Les études permettent d’identifier différents niveaux de facteurs qui interagissent, selon un cadre écosystémique incluant la mère et son bébé (microsystème), l’entourage (mésosystème), le système de santé (exosystème) et les politiques de santé (macrosystème). Afin d’atteindre les objectifs recommandés par l’OMS, il est important de mettre en place des actions à tous les niveaux. L’information aux mères doit être renforcée, de même que l’implication des pères et la formation des professionnels de santé. Après la sortie de maternité, il est primordial que les mères présentant des facteurs de risque de sevrage précoce soient soutenues si on veut que l’allaitement se poursuive

Determinants of the Intention to Pump Breast Milk on a University Campus

Introduction: The number of young mothers in the workforce and in schools of higher education has steadily increased. In order to maintain a breastfeeding relationship with their children, these mothers need to pump or express breast milk multiple times a day while at work or school. This study examines the factors associated with the intention to pump breast milk at one university campus. Methods: Between January and February 2015, an online survey invitation was sent out to all female employees and students at one university. The survey, based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, assessed intentions to pump breast milk on campus. The intention to pump breast milk was examined between employees and students separately. Within these 2 groups, behavioral performers (women who pump or have pumped breast milk while on campus) were compared to nonperformers. Using multiple regression analysis, the most influential predictors of the intention to pump (ie, attitudes, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and underlying beliefs) were identified. Results: A total of 218 women participated in the study (62 employees and 156 students, a 71.7% survey completion rate). Among university employees, the most influential factor that predicted pumping intention among performers was attitude toward pumping (β = 0.36, P =.03). Among student performers, the most influential factor to predict pumping intention was the subjective norm (β = 0.31, P =.02). For student nonperformers, perceived behavioral control (β = 0.54, P \u3c.001) was the most influential factor. Important determinants of the intention to pump on campus included relieving discomfort from engorgement, availability of milk storage, experiencing other people\u27s approval of pumping breast milk, and the inconvenience of carrying pump equipment. Discussion: Continued efforts are needed to create a supportive culture for breastfeeding in the campus community as well as to provide pump loan and milk storage options for both employee and student mothers