Search Results (172)

Background/Objectives: The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, but exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates remain low in many countries, including Poland. Factors related to pregnancy, childbirth and the organisation of care can significantly affect the maintenance of lactation. There is a lack of representative data on these relationships in Poland, which makes it difficult to plan effective support measures. The aim of this study is to analyse the relationship between pregnancy and perinatal factors and exclusive breastfeeding in infants aged 6 to 12 months. Methods: This cross-sectional online survey was conducted between April and October 2025. A total of 557 women aged ≥18 years with infants aged 6–12 months participated in the research. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, the course of pregnancy and childbirth, postpartum complications, early breastfeeding experiences and maternal birth satisfaction assessed using the Polish version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale—Revised (BSS-R). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding up to six months. Results: Exclusive breastfeeding was significantly associated with vaginal delivery, the absence of postpartum complications and a lack of early breastfeeding problems in the first days postpartum, with initial lactation difficulties emerging as its strongest predictor. Most specific pregnancy-related conditions, maternal birth satisfaction and selected recommended hospital practices, including early skin-to-skin contact, were not independently associated with exclusive breastfeeding in the model. Conclusions: Exclusive breastfeeding up to six months is primarily determined by factors operating in the immediate perinatal and early postpartum period, particularly postpartum clinical stability and successful early lactation. Targeted support during this critical window may be key to improving exclusive breastfeeding outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mothers expecting a second child experience the parenting of multiple children for the first time, differing from first-time motherhood. This highlights the need for childbirth preparation education tailored to families expecting a second child. Parental self-efficacy influences maternal mental health, child development, and parent–child interactions. This non-randomized pilot exploratory study aimed to examine the association between childbirth preparation education for families expecting a second child and maternal parental self-efficacy at 1-month postpartum, focusing on a family-based, single-session program actively involving firstborn children. Methods: The intervention group (n = 18) received childbirth preparation education during pregnancy and completed questionnaires and semi-structured interviews at 1-month postpartum. The control group (n = 34) completed questionnaires only at 1-month postpartum. Questionnaires included the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Maternal Attachment Inventory, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and demographic information. Semi-structured interviews explored participants’ experiences and feelings after attending the childbirth preparation class. Results: Compared to the control group, the intervention group had higher Parenting Sense of Competence Scale scores; mothers in the intervention group reported smoother family-wide adaptation to life with a second child, greater confidence in child-rearing, recognition of the firstborn’s growth into an older sibling, and effective use of hands-on experiences from the class. Conclusions: Childbirth preparation education for families expecting a second child may be associated with higher maternal parental self-efficacy at 1-month postpartum. This association may reflect collective family preparation and adjustment supporting adaptation to life with a second child. Full article

This article examines the maternal healthcare experiences of ten Brazilian women during Portugal’s obstetric crisis, focusing on access, use, and quality of care throughout the perinatal and childbirth periods. Using a qualitative approach based on semi-structured interviews, this study explores women’s perceptions of the adequacy and quality of maternal healthcare, contributing to a deeper understanding of their experiences within the Portuguese health system. Thematic analysis revealed persistent barriers to accessing services, linked to limited knowledge of the healthcare system, lack of awareness of legal rights, discrimination, and other structural obstacles. Participants expressed dissatisfaction with the clarity and quality of information provided by healthcare professionals, their communication skills, and the limited access to specialized care. They also described feeling undervalued by healthcare providers and reported an absence of emotional and psychosocial support during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Accounts of disrespectful and abusive practices highlight the vulnerability of migrant women. This study underscores the urgent need to recognize and address migrant women’s needs. Beyond access, policies should promote equity, cultural responsiveness, and intercultural dialogue to ensure respectful, person-centered maternal care. Full article

Improved maternal experiences and outcomes have been widely linked to the presence of birth companions. However, cultural norms, institutional constraints, and privacy concerns frequently restrict women’s choice of birth companions in many Middle Eastern countries, including Jordan. This study investigated Jordanian women’s beliefs and barriers about the presence of companions in the labour room. A qualitative descriptive study design was conducted using Braun and Clarke’s framework for thematic analysis. Thirteen women (ages 21 to 38 years) with prior pregnancy and childbirth experience were chosen from a free health awareness event in Irbid, Northern Jordan in July 2025, to participate in semi-structured interviews. The responses were recorded on audio tapes and subsequently stored in their original format. Data were coded, transcribed, and then thematically analyzed to identify beliefs and perceived barriers. The most significant beliefs were: (i) emotional and psychological support, wherein companionship was thought to alleviate fear and provide reassurance; (ii) strengthening family ties, as women saw shared childbirth experiences as improving family bonds; and (iii) cultural and religious interpretations, wherein female relatives were frequently seen as more acceptable than husbands. Women reported two barriers to allowing companions in the labour room: (i) privacy and modesty issues, where they feared embarrassment, exposure, and judgment, and (ii) institutional and policy restrictions, such as restrictive hospital regulations. Although Jordanian women recognized the emotional and interpersonal benefits of having company during childbirth, they encountered numerous substantial institutional, cultural, and privacy-related barriers. Improving women’s birth experiences and promoting respectful maternity care may be achieved by addressing these issues through culturally sensitive education, privacy-enhancing infrastructure, and regulatory reform. Full article

Use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) to bear children has in recent years become widespread in Japan. While midwives are required to understand the experiences of individual women and provide ongoing support for them, implementing respectful care that meets the needs of women using ART remains challenging. This study therefore aimed to explore the specific care components expected of midwives for women with twin pregnancies after ART. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted through Google Forms on 273 women with twin pregnancies, of whom 85 had conceived twins through ART. Women were recruited through national multiple birth support groups and midwifery centers providing postnatal care. Data were collected from July 2021 to December 2022, and care expectations were rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Factor analysis was performed to identify care components, and reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha. Among the participants, 41.2% were between 36 and 40 years of age. Seven primary care factors were identified: comprehensive parenting support for twins, addressing concerns regarding the sudden death of twins, interdisciplinary medical collaboration, connecting women with twin pregnancies, understanding post-delivery physical pain, providing continuity before and after delivery, and supporting the development and well-being of the twins. The findings emphasize the importance of understanding individual ART histories and providing tailored care to respond appropriately to women’s needs during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. The identified components provide an empirical foundation for integrating these perspectives into routine midwifery care and educational programs for women with ART-conceived twin pregnancies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Stress experienced by pregnant women during the pandemic may be associated with an increased level of fear of childbirth. Psycho-social resources such as a sense of coherence and social support may be associated with better psychological outcomes. The aim of the study was to examine whether there is a relationship between pandemic stress, fear of childbirth, sense of coherence, and social support in pregnant women and whether pandemic stress, sense of coherence, and social support were explanatory variables for fear of childbirth. Method: The study involved 232 pregnant women. The following research methods were used in the study: the Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS), Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-29), Labor Anxiety Questionnaire (KLP II), and Pandemic-Related Pregnancy Stress Scale (PREPS). Results: The study showed that pandemic stress is positively correlated with infection and Preparedness Stress (infection stress: r = 0.57 ***; Preparedness Stress: r = 0.34 ***). Stress and fear of childbirth are negatively related (infection stress: r = 0.33 ***; Preparedness Stress: r = 0.4 ***), and fear of childbirth is negatively associated with the sense of coherence (r = −0.33 ***) and, to a small extent, with some types of social support. The research shows that obstetric variables related to the organization of childbirth are of significant importance for the psychological functioning of women. Preparedness Stress and sense of coherence were explanatory variables for fear of childbirth in multiple linear regression analyses (F(5, 224) = 19.48; adjusted R² = 0.29). Conclusions: The sense of coherence turned out to be a more important resource for the psychological functioning of pregnant women than social support. The lack of control over such an important event as childbirth is associated with higher stress and the inability to use resources. In clinical practice, it is important to strengthen the resources for women who experience a strong fear of childbirth. Full article

Background/Objectives: Delayed motherhood is becoming increasingly common, yet limited evidence exists on birth satisfaction and breastfeeding attitudes among women aged ≥35. In this study, the hypothesis was tested whether higher birth satisfaction and stronger social support are associated with more positive breastfeeding attitudes and if previous childbirth experience moderates these relationships. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 148 Polish women up to 12 months postpartum. Participants were recruited via social media and parenting-related online communities; the survey was disseminated across multiple online channels to enhance representativeness and reduce potential sampling bias. Eligibility included age ≥35 at childbirth and informed consent. The sample size was considered adequate based on recommendations for regression models with the number of included predictors. Validated tools were used (MSPSS, IIFAS-Pol, BSS-R PL). Assumptions for Pearson’s correlation coefficients and linear regression (normality, homoscedasticity, absence of multicollinearity) were checked prior to analyses. The analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 29 (IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, NY, USA). Results: Women aged ≥35 reported high birth satisfaction and generally positive breastfeeding attitudes. Among multiparous women, birth satisfaction was moderately positively associated with breastfeeding attitudes (BSS-R PL; r = 0.396, p < 0.01), and perceived social support showed a small but significant association (MSPSS; r = 0.249, p < 0.05). Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that, in women over 35 with a subsequent child, psychosocial variables significantly predicted breastfeeding attitudes, whereas the control model—including education, socioeconomic status, and delivery mode—was not significant. Adding birth satisfaction and perceived social support improved model fit (R² = 0.194), with birth satisfaction emerging as the only significant predictor (β = 0.31). The corresponding effect size (f² = 0.143) indicated a near-medium effect. In contrast, neither the control nor the extended model was significant among primiparous women, suggesting no meaningful associations in this group. Conclusions: Higher birth satisfaction and perceived social support may promote more favorable breastfeeding attitudes in women becoming mothers at ≥35, with stronger effects among multiparous mothers. These findings highlight the need for individualized prenatal education, enhanced psychosocial support, partner involvement and efforts to improve childbirth experiences. Interventions tailored to women entering motherhood at an advanced maternal age are warranted. Full article

Background/Objectives: Obstetric violence (OV) is a violation of women’s human rights during reproductive processes. Despite being the subject of debate among healthcare professionals, increasingly recognized, and legislated against in some countries, OV continues to be reproduced and normalized during training. The objective of this study was to determine the perception of OV among health sciences students and gynaecology and obstetrics residents. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 304 health sciences students and gynaecology and obstetrics residents in Spain. An online questionnaire was distributed that gathered information on sociodemographic variables and clinical experience and included the validated PercOV-S instrument. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed to explore associations between variables. Results: The overall perception of OV was moderately high (mean 3.93/5), with higher scores for visible or protocolized forms (4.27/5) than for invisible or subtle forms (2.87/5). Being a woman, being a midwifery resident, or having had personal experiences with pregnancy or childbirth increased sensitivity to OV. Clinical exposure in obstetrics and gynaecology services increased both awareness and the likelihood of witnessing OV. Twenty-eight percent of students reported having observed OV, and twenty percent reported emotional distress, even considering dropping out. Conclusions: Despite the recognition of OV, repeated exposure during training can promote its normalization. The results of this study highlight the need for safe, reflective training environments that mainstream feminist perspectives, sexual rights, and the detection of subtle forms of OV. Full article

Background/Objectives: Childbirth, although generally a positive life event, can sometimes be experienced as traumatic, leading to postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder. Emergency caesarean section and operative vaginal delivery are associated with elevated psychological distress, while factors such as lifetime trauma, domestic violence, anxiety, and coping strategies may further increase vulnerability. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 113 postpartum women who delivered via emergency caesarean section (73.5%) or operative vaginal delivery (26.5%) in two tertiary hospitals in Athens, Greece (March–July 2023). Data were collected at three time points: the second postpartum day, six weeks postpartum, and three months postpartum. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize sample characteristics. Chi-square tests were performed for categorical variables and independent sample t-tests for continuous variables. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder, with results expressed as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: At six weeks postpartum, 14.2% of participants met full diagnostic criteria for P-PTSD. Postpartum post-traumatic stress was strongly associated with higher state and trait anxiety, fewer positive coping strategies, and exposure to domestic violence (lifetime, during pregnancy, and in the past year). Women with traumatic childbirth experiences had a 14.7-fold higher risk of developing P-PTSD. Lifetime trauma, particularly physical or sexual abuse and exposure to disasters, further increased vulnerability. Over the last three months, 50% of those initially diagnosed continued to meet the diagnostic criteria. Multivariate analysis identified traumatic childbirth, state anxiety, and domestic violence during pregnancy as significant predictors of postpartum post-traumatic stress. Conclusions: Postpartum post-traumatic stress is a significant and underestimated consequence of high-risk deliveries. Screening for domestic violence and trauma history during pregnancy, assessing perinatal anxiety, and providing trauma-informed psychological support are critical to reducing maternal psychiatric morbidity and promoting maternal-infant well-being. Full article

The use of health monitoring software applications (apps) and devices is gaining popularity in obstetrics. The attitude and acceptance of different healthcare professionals regarding telemonitoring during pregnancy and the early phase of labor have not been sufficiently investigated. This study aims to assess healthcare professionals’ views on telemonitoring during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as data processing in the telemonitoring process. The study is part of an international project called `Newlife`, funded by the European Council and nationally funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation and Innosuisse. Eleven physicians from the fields of obstetrics and neonatology and five prenatal care nurses and five midwives were interviewed. First, participants were asked to fill out a written questionnaire with open and closed-ended answers, containing questions with a 5-point Likert scale. In a second step, a personal oral interview was conducted with all respondents. The study had an exploratory, qualitative focus. Questionnaire responses were summarized using descriptive statistics, while interview recordings were transcribed verbatim and systematically coded to identify recurring themes. Of the respondents (n = 20), five (25.0%) reported previous experience with telemonitoring in their professional practice, and all of them considered it useful. Regarding attitudes and acceptance, 57.1% (n = 12) of respondents would welcome telemonitoring during pregnancy and 52.4% (n = 11) during the early phase of labor, while 33.3% expressed no clear opinion. Rejection of telemonitoring was indicated by 9.6% (n = 2) during pregnancy, and 19.0% (n = 4) during early labor. In terms of perceived benefits, respondents highlighted early detection of problems (n = 13, 61.9%), improved prenatal care (n = 11, 52.4%), and better opportunities for data analysis and research (n = 12, 47.1%). Perceived risks included technical challenges and susceptibility to errors (n = 14, 66.7%), the lack of human contact and personal support (n = 14, 66.7%), and potentially inaccurate measurements (n = 12, 57.1%). This study offers insights into healthcare professionals’ attitudes and acceptance of telemonitoring in healthcare during pregnancy and the early stages of labor. There is a generally positive outlook but concerns and preferences exist. Addressing these considerations is essential for developing effective and user-friendly telemonitoring systems that benefit both healthcare professionals and pregnant women. Full article

Introduction: Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDs), including autism spectrum disorder and related conditions, are increasingly recognized among women of reproductive age, yet their unique needs during pregnancy and childbirth remain poorly studied. Communication differences, sensory sensitivities, and co-occurring psychiatric conditions may complicate maternity care, leading to higher risks of adverse outcomes and ethical challenges in clinical practice. This study aimed to examine pregnancy complications, delivery outcomes, and postpartum characteristics in women with NDs, compared with a control group, and to identify specific barriers in perinatal care. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at the National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Moscow, including 18 pregnant women with confirmed NDs and 21 matched controls with uncomplicated pregnancies. Data were extracted from medical records and included demographic parameters, pregnancy course, complications, labor management, neonatal outcomes, and documented communication or ethical issues. Comparative analyses were performed using chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests for categorical variables and Student’s t-test or Mann–Whitney U test for continuous variables. Results: Pregnant women with NDs had significantly higher rates of pelvic girdle pain (66.7% vs. 23.8%, p = 0.01), vaginal bleeding (44.4% vs. 14.3%, p = 0.04), anxiety (61.1% vs. 19.0%, p = 0.007), and depression (50.0% vs. 14.3%, p = 0.02) compared with controls. Persistent daily nausea was also more common (50.0% vs. 14.3%, p = 0.03). Attendance of prenatal physician visits was lower in the ND group (66.7% vs. 95.2%, p = 0.02). Cesarean delivery occurred in 83.3% of ND women versus 23.8% of controls (p < 0.001), with psychiatric recommendations often cited as the indication. Breastfeeding was declined in 94.4% of ND cases versus 4.8% of controls. Labor duration was prolonged, and neonatal anthropometrics were lower in the ND group. Communication difficulties were documented in 83.3% of ND participants, and postpartum depressive symptoms were identified in 77.8%. Conclusions: Pregnant women with NDs face a multidimensional vulnerability in maternity care, including higher frequencies of pain, bleeding, nausea, anxiety, and depression, prolonged labor, markedly increased cesarean rates, reduced breastfeeding initiation, and smaller neonatal anthropometrics. Frequent communication barriers, guardian decision-making, and postpartum separation further complicate care. These findings underscore the necessity of neurodiversity-informed, individualized perinatal strategies, integrating sensory accommodations, trauma-informed communication, and proactive mental health support to improve both clinical outcomes and patient experiences. Full article

This article explores devotional responses to childbirth in Byzantine and medieval Western Christianity, focusing on the interplay between maternal experience, sacred objects, and saintly intercession. It begins by examining how the Virgin Mary was revered as a powerful intercessor in matters of fertility and childbirth. Drawing on literary, liturgical, and visual sources, the study also highlights vernacular practices such as the use of ritual girdles and protective garments. It then traces how these traditions migrated to Western Europe, where Mary’s girdle became a widespread devotional object, particularly in Italy and England. Later in the study, special attention is given to the cult of Saints Julitta and Kerykos, known in the West as Quiricus/Cyricus and Julitta, a mother-and-child martyr pair whose veneration in the Latin West gained renewed significance in the late Middle Ages, particularly through its symbolic parallels with Marian devotion in childbirth-related contexts. While Byzantine traditions emphasized theological regulation and elite contexts, Western Christianity fostered more accessible, embodied, and affective forms of devotional practice. The article concludes that childbirth devotion, variably expressed across regions, formed a significant part of Christian spirituality, shaped by institutional authority, local needs, and ritual acts grounded in bodily experience and articulated through images, objects, and gesture. Full article

Despite growing interest in humanized childbirth practices, there is still little qualitative research exploring women’s perspectives on vocalization during labor. The present study aims to analyze women’s experiences with the use of vocalization in the first and second stages of labor. A descriptive and exploratory qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 16 women in the postpartum period between February and April 2024. Participants were recruited by convenience sampling, and data saturation was achieved when no new themes emerged from the interviews. Thematic analysis was performed using IRaMuTeQ (version 0.8 alpha 7) software. The textual corpus generated allowed classification into five thematic categories: Vocalization as an instinctive expression in natural childbirth; Functionality of vocalization during labor; Medicalized childbirth and natural childbirth; Fears during childbirth and their contributing factors; Typology of vocalization in labor. We conclude that many women reported that vocalization during labor is instinctive and functional, providing pain relief, but also serving as a means of communication, empowering women. Its expression can be strongly influenced by sociocultural, emotional, and contextual factors in each woman’s particular sphere. These findings, although limited to a specific population, suggest that healthcare professionals should consider vocalization as an individualized support tool, taking cultural differences into account. Full article

The intersection of autism and motherhood/parenthood remains largely underexplored, particularly within the Spanish context. Autistic mothers and birthing parents are often silenced, with limited representation and scarce accessible information, contributing to a broader social and institutional unawareness. This study explores the postpartum experiences of autistic and non-autistic mothers during the first two years following childbirth. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with six autistic and six non-autistic mothers and analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Three key themes were constructed, as follows: (1) Ups and Downs: Navigating Emotional and Sensory Experiences, highlighting the intense sensory and emotional load of early motherhood; (2) Lack of Information and Support: The Root of Increased Vulnerability, addressing gaps in institutional support and knowledge; and (3) The Social Dimensions of Early Postpartum: Tensions and Expectations, focusing on family and societal pressures as well as identity struggles. While experiences overlapped in several areas, two tentative distinctions were observed, as follows: autistic mothers appeared to favor self-guided strategies (e.g., books, personal guidelines), whereas non-autistic mothers relied more on professional guidance; additionally, autistic mothers expressed a stronger preference for autonomy, while non-autistic mothers often valued companionship. These findings underscore the urgent need for healthcare professionals to receive training on autistic motherhood/parenthood and for the development of tailored postpartum care guidelines to ensure inclusive, responsive support. Full article

Introduction: Pregnancy is a period of many challenges and changes that women face. These challenges include being pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as preparing for childbirth. Personal resources, such as hardiness, may help to adapt to these difficult life events. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between fear of COVID-19, stress, fear of childbirth, hardiness, and life satisfaction in pregnant women and identify two predictors, fear of childbirth and life satisfaction, in pregnant women during the pandemic. Method: This study involved 247 pregnant women aged 18 to 39. Five tools were used: the Labour Anxiety Questionnaire (KLP II), the Health-Related Hardiness Scale (HRHS), the Pandemic-Related Pregnancy Stress Scale (PREPS), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and the Fear of COVID-19 Questionnaire (FOC-6). Results: Significant positive correlations were observed between fear of COVID-19 and perinatal infection stress (r = 0.74, p < 0.001), preparedness stress (r = 0.51, p < 0.001), and fear of childbirth (r = 0.32, p < 0.001). Perinatal infection stress was positively associated with preparedness stress (r = 0.53, p < 0.001) and fear of childbirth (r = 0.33, p < 0.001). Preparedness stress was positively correlated with fear of childbirth (r = 0.47, p < 0.001). Fear of childbirth was negatively correlated with hardiness (r = −0.22, p < 0.001) and life satisfaction (r = −0.29, p < 0.001). The predictors of fear of childbirth are preparedness stress associated with the organization of childbirth (β = 0.38, t = 5.60, p < 0.001) and hardiness (β = −0.16, t = −2.84, p = 0.00, p < 0.01), while the predictor of satisfaction with life is fear of childbirth (β = −0.31, t = −4.28, p = 0.00, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Epidemics of infectious diseases may have a negative emotional impact on pregnant women, causing fear and stress and contributing to an increased level of fear of childbirth, which can lead to complications for the health of the mother and child. Therefore, it is particularly important to support women preparing for childbirth during subsequent pandemics or other crisis situations. Personal resources, such as hardiness, are important for experiencing fear of childbirth, which is why pregnant women who experience increased fear and stress should have their resources strengthened. Full article