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Ollivier R, Aston M, Price S, Sheppard-LeMoine D, Steenbeek A. Exploring the Meaning of Sexuality, the Body, and Identity After Birth Using Feminist Poststructuralism. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2024; 53:308-316. [PMID: 38325799 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogn.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore how sexual health in the postpartum period is influenced by and negotiated through relations of power. DESIGN Discourse analysis informed by feminist poststructuralism. SETTING Telephone interviews conducted in Nova Scotia, Canada. PARTICIPANTS Eleven women who gave birth in the last 1 to 6 months and lived in Nova Scotia. METHODS We recruited participants through social media and invited them to share their experiences after birth through individual interviews. Using Baxter's approach to discourse analysis, we focused on identifying how participants created meaning within their experiences. RESULTS We identified two main themes: Negotiating Change and Renegotiating Identity. Participants defined their bodies in new ways that could be sexual and/or nonsexual and created new meaning(s) of their identities as mothers and as sexual beings after birth. CONCLUSION The meaning of the body and identity are intricately connected and significantly affect how sexual health is experienced by women during the first 6 months after birth. As such, it is critical that care providers prioritize, acknowledge, and validate how women in the postpartum period choose to define their sexuality, identity, and bodies to ensure the provision of person-centered care.
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Ollivier R, Aston M, Price S, Sheppard-LeMoine D, Steenbeek A. 'Feeling Ready': A Feminist Poststructural Analysis of Postpartum Sexual Health. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 34:252-262. [PMID: 37967315 PMCID: PMC10768324 DOI: 10.1177/10497323231209842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
There exists a lack of literature surrounding how postpartum individuals define feeling 'ready' to resume sexual activities after childbirth. Many factors may influence feelings of desire or readiness for sexual activities, such as breastfeeding. Therefore, it is important to understand why and how postpartum individuals understand and make meaning of their experiences surrounding postpartum sexual activities, as well as how those experiences are influenced or negotiated through relations of power. This study was guided by feminist poststructuralism and discourse analysis. Eleven participants who were between 1 and 6 months postpartum and living in Nova Scotia, Canada, were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Participants challenged certain discourses surrounding sexual activities postpartum, including the social discourse that positions sexual activities as a requirement within romantic relationships and the discourse that positions health care providers as the authority on postpartum sexual health. 'Feeling ready' centered on four main issues: (1) navigating physical recovery; (2) personal knowing and emotional readiness; (3) the 6-week check; and (4) redefining intimacy. This article describes one branch of the findings within the overall study. Choosing to resume sexual activities postpartum, or feeling ready to do so, is individual, fluid, and complex. This research has important implications for practice and policy, specifically as it pertains to postpartum care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Ollivier
- School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Megan Aston
- School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Sheri Price
- School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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García-Duarte S, Nievas-Soriano BJ, Fischer-Suárez N, Castro-Luna G, Parrón-Carreño T, Aguilera-Manrique G. Quality of Sexuality during Pregnancy, We Must Do Something-Survey Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:965. [PMID: 36673720 PMCID: PMC9859225 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20020965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The main aim of this study was to describe the changes in sexual desire in pregnant women during the gestation period. We also sought to analyze their sexual habits, how they perceive their partners' attitudes, and determine if they know the importance of sex education during pregnancy. METHODS A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was conducted using an existing 32-item questionnaire among pregnant women attending the Fetal Welfare Clinic of a reference hospital. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS One hundred seventeen women participated. 50.4% stated that their sexual interest decreased. Aspects like the number of coitus, feeling orgasm with penetration or with masturbation, or the frequency of oral sex, were significantly reduced during pregnancy. 90.6% of the women stated that they would like to receive more sex education during pregnancy. There were no differences according to their education level, their partners' education level, or whether they believed that sexual intercourse could harm the baby. CONCLUSIONS Several advances have been achieved in the healthcare that physicians and midwives provide pregnant women. However, the quality of women's sex lives still declines during pregnancy. Healthcare providers should assume a proactive role, essential in helping future parents to enjoy their sexuality and dispel myths about sexuality, regardless of their education level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia García-Duarte
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, Torrecárdenas Hospital, 04009 Almería, Spain
| | | | | | - Gracia Castro-Luna
- Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Medicine Department, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - Tesifón Parrón-Carreño
- Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Medicine Department, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain
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Kul Uçtu A, Karakoç H. Breastfeeding Sexual Lives of First-Time Mothers: A Qualitative Explorative Study. Breastfeed Med 2022; 17:1025-1033. [PMID: 36475936 DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2022.0194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: Problems with sexuality are experienced in the first 6 months at the most, and often in the first 12 months after birth. Although there are studies reporting negative effects of breastfeeding on sexuality, the evidence is limited. Objective: This study was conducted with the aim of exploring the breastfeeding sexual lives of first-time mothers. Materials and Methods: The research was carried out in Turkey between October 2020 and December 2021. The study was conducted with 41 women who met the inclusion criteria. Participants were selected by the "snowball" sampling procedure among nonprobability sampling methods. A qualitative approach was used to gather data through semistructured interviews. Content analysis was used for data analysis as described by Graneheim and Lundman. Data analysis was performed using NVivo software (Version 11). Results: According to the results of the content analysis, three themes were created: factors affecting sexuality in the breastfeeding process, sexual interaction with the spouse during the breastfeeding process, and understood expectations. The theme, titled factors affecting sexuality in the breastfeeding process, consists of five categories: physical, psychological, sociocultural, infant-related, and health professionals-related factors. The theme of "understood expectations" consists of desires for improving sexual satisfaction and satisfaction during lactation, and sexual communication categories. The contact of sexual interaction with spouse during breastfeeding consists of positive interaction and negative interaction categories. Conclusions: It has been concluded that the sexual intercourse of women is adversely affected during the breastfeeding period and that women have expectations to increase their sexual satisfaction. Sexual problems during the breastfeeding process cause problems in the spousal relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arzu Kul Uçtu
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Gulhane Health Sciences, Health Sciences University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hediye Karakoç
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health Science, KTO Karatay University, Konya, Turkey
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Harrison LN, Neiterman E, MacEachen E, Gibson MF. Navigating return to sex: A qualitative Reddit analysis of parents' perceptions about the timing of resuming sex after a birth. SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 2022; 34:100782. [PMID: 36179395 DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2022.100782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Given the many transitions that occur in the postpartum period as men and women navigate the return to sex after a birth, this study aimed to explore parents' experiences of resuming sexual activity. METHODS This was a qualitative study that used posts from both men and women from the online public forum Reddit. Data were analysed using constructivist grounded theory. RESULTS This study found that the discourse surrounding sexual activity in the postpartum period was dominated by an understanding that medical guidelines prohibited sex prior to six weeks after giving birth. Although some parents disagreed, many Reddit users perceived a high degree of risk in resuming sex prior to six weeks and medical expertise was highly valued as parents negotiated the return to sex. While Reddit users were largely in agreement that penetrative vaginal sex prior to six weeks was a risky activity, there was less consensus as to the risk involved in other sexual activities. CONCLUSION This study recommends that medical practitioners initiate conversations with men and women about returning to sexual activity after a birth, and that these conversations should consider parents' emotional well-being as they resume sex. Further research is needed to establish evidence-based and comprehensive guidelines to facilitate these conversations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Nicole Harrison
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada.
| | - Elena Neiterman
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Ellen MacEachen
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Margaret F Gibson
- Social Development Studies, Renison University College, 240 Westmount Rd N, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G4, Canada
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Delgado-Pérez E, Rodríguez-Costa I, Vergara-Pérez F, Blanco-Morales M, Torres-Lacomba M. Recovering Sexuality after Childbirth. What Strategies Do Women Adopt? A Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19020950. [PMID: 35055771 PMCID: PMC8775547 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the strategies used by women to adapt to the changes that affect the first sexual relations after childbirth. A qualitative study with a phenomenological approach used three data collection techniques (in-depth interviews, discussion groups, and online forums). Thirty-six women in the first six months postpartum participated in the study, from physiotherapy centers with maternal child specialties in several locations in Spain. Women with different types of delivery, presence or absence of perineal trauma during delivery, previous deliveries, and different types of breastfeeding were included. Among the strategies, closeness support and understanding were the ones that women used to adjust to the new situation, in order to improve the couple's relationship, intimacy, and cope with the significant changes that appear in the first six months postpartum. Changes and adaptations in sexual practices become a tool for coping with a new sexuality, especially if it is affected by the presence of pain or discomfort associated with physical changes. Personal time facilitates emotional management and improvement of emotional changes related to the demands of motherhood. Accepting the changes that motherhood brings is critical to dealing with the new situation. Strategies used by postpartum women focus on acceptance, self-care, partner, couple time, personal time, and adapting encounters. The findings of this study are of interest to health professionals as they provide insight into how women cope with the changes that appear in the first six months postpartum. In this way, the findings will be able to transmit to couples the alternatives they can adopt before the resumption of sexual relations to improve satisfaction both as a couple and in terms of sexuality after childbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Delgado-Pérez
- Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (E.D.-P.); (M.B.-M.)
| | - Isabel Rodríguez-Costa
- Humanization in the Intervention of Physiotherapy for the Integral Attention to the People (HIPATIA) Research Group, Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28801 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Fernando Vergara-Pérez
- Physiotherapy in Women’s Health (FPSM) Research Group, Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28801 Madrid, Spain; (F.V.-P.); (M.T.-L.)
| | - María Blanco-Morales
- Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (E.D.-P.); (M.B.-M.)
| | - María Torres-Lacomba
- Physiotherapy in Women’s Health (FPSM) Research Group, Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28801 Madrid, Spain; (F.V.-P.); (M.T.-L.)
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O'Malley D, Smith V, Higgins A. Sexual health issues postpartum-A mixed methods study of women's help-seeking behavior after the birth of their first baby. Midwifery 2021; 104:103196. [PMID: 34767981 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2021.103196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify women's help-seeking behavior in relation to sexual health issues after the birth of their first baby. DESIGN A mixed methods sequential explanatory study design was utilized. Phase one of the study consisted of a prospective cohort study to identify the help-seeking behavior of women experiencing sexual health issues at 3, 6, and 12 months postpartum. Phase two consisted of a qualitative descriptive design to explore women's help-seeking behavior for sexual health issues postpartum. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS The setting was a large urban tertiary referral maternity unit (greater than 8000 births per year) in the Republic of Ireland. Nulliparous women aged 18 years and over were invited to participate in phase one. Phase two consisted of a subsample of women who consented to being contacted for further research on admission to the study. FINDINGS Few women consulted a clinician for postpartum sexual health issues at each of the study's three, six and twelve month time-points. For example, only 2.9% (n=18) of women experiencing dyspareunia, and 3.6% (n=16) of those experiencing a lack of vaginal lubrication spoke to their General Practitioner (GP) about these issues at three months postpartum. The qualitative data supported the quantitative findings and suggested that even when women proactively sought help from healthcare professionals they were met with unhelpful responses. In the absence of support from practitioners, women became active agents and sought information from other women or the internet. In an effort to improve practice women recommended a greater focus on their physical and emotional recovery from birth. KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Very few women consulted with a clinician about their experience of sexual health issues after birth. Findings will contribute to and assist policy makers in planning future postnatal services for women to include extending the final postnatal assessment beyond six weeks after birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deirdre O'Malley
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Dublin Trinity College, 24 D'Olier Street, Dublin, Ireland..
| | - Valerie Smith
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Dublin Trinity College, 24 D'Olier Street, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Agnes Higgins
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Dublin Trinity College, 24 D'Olier Street, Dublin, Ireland
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O’Malley D, Higgins A, Smith V. Exploring the Complexities of Postpartum Sexual Health. CURRENT SEXUAL HEALTH REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11930-021-00315-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
This paper explores the complexities of postpartum sexual health. It answers the question on what should be considered normal sexual health after birth and what should be considered abnormal.
Recent Findings
Many women experience physical sexual health issues in the months after birth, such as dyspareunia, lack of vaginal lubrication and a loss of sexual desire. For some women, these issues can persist 12 and 18 months after birth. Mode of birth is not associated with long-term dyspareunia 6 and 12 months after birth. There is conflict seen in the literature with regard to the association between perineal trauma and short-and long-term sexual health. Breastfeeding and the existence of pre-existing sexual health issues are strongly predictive of sexual health issues at 6 and 12 months after birth. Women have described a discordance in their sexual desire to that of their partner, for some this caused distress but for couples who communicated their feelings of sexual desire, concern over baby’s well-being and adapting to parenthood distress was not experienced. Resuming sexual intercourse after birth was not spontaneous, women considered their mode of birth, the presence of perineal trauma and their physical and emotional recovery from birth. One fifth of women had not resumed sexual intercourse 12 weeks after birth.
Summary
A discussion is presented on the challenges associated with viewing postpartum sexual health from a physical perspective only, and why prevalence studies alone do not capture the nuances of postpartum sexual health. Future research needs to take account of the psychosocial and relational dimensions of postpartum sexual health as well as physical dimensions.
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Bradfield Z, Officer K, Barnes C, Mignacca E, Butt J, Hauck Y. Sexual and reproductive health education: Midwives' confidence and practices. Women Birth 2021; 35:360-366. [PMID: 34535424 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PROBLEM There is limited evidence regarding midwives' confidence and practices in providing sexual and reproductive health care in Australia. BACKGROUND Midwives provide important public health education to women regarding sexual and reproductive health care. AIM The aim of this study was to explore midwives' confidence and practices around providing education to women on three key areas of sexual and reproductive health: contraception and family planning; sexual activity; and sexual health. METHODS A cross-sectional exploratory study was conducted with responses from n = 164 midwives (43.1% response rate) working in a public tertiary maternity hospital in Western Australia. The survey included items measuring confidence; method and frequency of practice. Open-ended questions captured qualitative data. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics for quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative data. FINDINGS There was a significant association between age, years of clinical experience (p = 0.001) and work setting (p = 0.032) on the confidence to provide education on sexual activity. Most (92.1%) midwives indicated that they wanted further education. Lack of time, knowledge and language barriers were key factors preventing education. DISCUSSION Midwives' provision of education to women is essential for improving health literacy and health outcomes. Results reveal the necessity to include sexual and reproductive health education in entry to registration courses and the importance of continuing professional development. CONCLUSION Evidence of midwives' confidence and current practices in the provision of sexual and reproductive health care offers utility for leaders and educators in midwifery to prepare and equip midwives to fulfil this important public health role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Bradfield
- King Edward Memorial Hospital, Bagot Road, Subiaco, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Curtin University, Hayman Road, Bentley, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Kirsty Officer
- King Edward Memorial Hospital, Bagot Road, Subiaco, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Courtney Barnes
- King Edward Memorial Hospital, Bagot Road, Subiaco, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Emily Mignacca
- King Edward Memorial Hospital, Bagot Road, Subiaco, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Janice Butt
- King Edward Memorial Hospital, Bagot Road, Subiaco, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Yvonne Hauck
- Curtin University, Hayman Road, Bentley, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Pardell-Dominguez L, Palmieri PA, Dominguez-Cancino KA, Camacho-Rodriguez DE, Edwards JE, Watson J, Leyva-Moral JM. The meaning of postpartum sexual health for women living in Spain: a phenomenological inquiry. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:92. [PMID: 33509133 PMCID: PMC7844957 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-03578-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual health is a multidimensional phenomenon constructed by personal, social, and cultural factors but continues to be studied with a biomedical approach. During the postpartum period, a woman transitions to mother, as well as partner-to-parent and couple-to-family. There are new realities in life in the postpartum period, including household changes and new responsibilities that can impact the quality of sexual health. This phenomenon is understudied especially in the context of Spain. The purpose of this study was to describe the lived experience of postpartum sexual health among primiparous women giving birth in Catalonia (Spain). METHODS This was a phenomenological study with a purposive sample of primiparous women. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews until saturation. Analysis followed Colaizzi's seven-step process with an eighth translation step added to limit cross-cultural threats to validity. Also, the four dimensions of trustworthiness were established through strategies and techniques during data collection and analysis. RESULTS Ten women were interviewed from which five themes emerged, including: Not feeling ready, inhibiting factors, new reality at home, socio-cultural factors, and the clinician within the health system. Returning to sexual health led women to engage in experiential learning through trial and error. Most participants reported reduced libido, experienced altered body image, and recounted resumption of sexual activity before feeling ready. A common finding was fatigue and feeling overloaded by the demands of the newborn. Partner support was described as essential to returning to a meaningful relationship. Discussions about postpartum sexual health with clinicians were described as taboo, and largely absent from the care model. CONCLUSION Evidence-based practices should incorporate the best evidence from research, consider the postpartum sexual health experiences and preferences of the woman, and use clinician expertise in discussions that include the topic of postpartum sexual health to make decisions. As such, human caring practices should be incorporated into clinical guidelines to recognize the preferences of women. Clinicians need to be authentically present, engage in active communication, and individualize their care. More qualitative studies are needed to understand postpartum sexual health in different contexts, cultures, and countries and to identify similarities and differences through meta-synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Pardell-Dominguez
- Department d'Infermeria, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Avda. Can Domènech, Edifici M. Despatx M3/213. Campus de la UAB, 08193, Bellaterra, (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patrick A Palmieri
- Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Norbert Wiener, Av. Arequipa 444, 15046, Lima, Peru. .,College of Graduate Health Studies, A. T. Still University, 800 West Jefferson Street, Kirksville, MO, 63501, USA. .,Center for Global Nursing, Texas Woman's University, 6700 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Center for Qualitative Research, EBHC South America: A Joanna Briggs Institute Affiliated Group, Calle Cartavio 402, 15023, Lima, Peru.
| | - Karen A Dominguez-Cancino
- Center for Qualitative Research, EBHC South America: A Joanna Briggs Institute Affiliated Group, Calle Cartavio 402, 15023, Lima, Peru.,Universidad Científica del Sur, Carr. Panamericana Sur 19, Villa EL Salvador, 15067, Lima, Peru.,Escuela de Salud Pública, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 939, Independencia, 8380453, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Doriam E Camacho-Rodriguez
- Center for Qualitative Research, EBHC South America: A Joanna Briggs Institute Affiliated Group, Calle Cartavio 402, 15023, Lima, Peru.,School of Nursing, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Calle 30, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia
| | - Joan E Edwards
- Center for Global Nursing, Texas Woman's University, 6700 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Nelda C. Stark College of Nursing, Texas Woman's University, 6700 Fannin St, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jean Watson
- Watson Caring Science Institute, 4450 Arapahoe Avenue, Suite 100, Boulder, CO, 80304, USA.,College of Nursing, Anschutz Medical Campus University of Colorado, 13120 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Juan M Leyva-Moral
- Department d'Infermeria, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Avda. Can Domènech, Edifici M. Despatx M3/213. Campus de la UAB, 08193, Bellaterra, (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Barcelona, Spain.,Center for Global Nursing, Texas Woman's University, 6700 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Center for Qualitative Research, EBHC South America: A Joanna Briggs Institute Affiliated Group, Calle Cartavio 402, 15023, Lima, Peru
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Ollivier RA, Aston ML, Price SL. Exploring postpartum sexual health: A feminist poststructural analysis. Health Care Women Int 2019; 41:1081-1100. [PMID: 31373883 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2019.1638923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Postpartum sexual health has historically been viewed and discussed in specific ways, often dominated by biomedical discourse. There is a need to expand understandings of sexual health for postpartum women in the context of interdisciplinary health care. Research surrounding postpartum sexual health is largely focused on physical measures, such as vaginal lubrication or initiation of intercourse, without accounting for the diverse and subjective ways that sexuality and sexual health are experienced during the postpartum period. This critical analysis uses feminist post-structuralism to critique and analyze current health research and practice surrounding postpartum sexual health. Agency, subjectivity, gender and sex considerations, relations of power, and discourse are essential to understanding postpartum sexual health in a more holistic, woman-centered way. This includes awareness of dominant discourses that have shaped how health researchers, practitioners, postpartum women, and health institutions care for, support, and promote postpartum sexual health. There is a need to move beyond physically focused, reductionist, heteronormative understandings of sexual health to better promote overall postpartum health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Ollivier
- School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Megan L Aston
- School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Sheri L Price
- School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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