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Rodríguez-Gallego I, Corrales-Gutierrez I, Gomez-Baya D, Leon-Larios F. Effectiveness of a Postpartum Breastfeeding Support Group Intervention in Promoting Exclusive Breastfeeding and Perceived Self-Efficacy: A Multicentre Randomized Clinical Trial. Nutrients 2024; 16:988. [PMID: 38613021 PMCID: PMC11013075 DOI: 10.3390/nu16070988] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
There are numerous recognized benefits of breastfeeding; however, sociocultural, individual, and environmental factors influence its initiation and continuation, sometimes leading to breastfeeding rates that are lower than recommended by international guidelines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a group intervention led by midwives supporting breastfeeding during the postpartum period in promoting exclusive breastfeeding, as well as to assess the impact of this intervention on perceived self-efficacy. This was a non-blind, multicentric, cluster-randomized controlled trial. Recruitment started October 2021, concluding May 2023. A total of 382 women from Andalusia (Spain) participated in the study. The results showed that at 4 months postpartum there was a higher prevalence of breastfeeding in the intervention group compared to formula feeding (p = 0.01), as well as a higher prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (p = 0.03), and also at 6 months (p = 0.01). Perceived self-efficacy was similar in both groups for the first two months after delivery, which then remained stable until 4 months and decreased slightly at 6 months in both groups (p = 0.99). The intervention improved the average scores of perceived self-efficacy and indirectly caused higher rates of exclusive breastfeeding (p = 0.005). In conclusion, the midwife-led group intervention supporting breastfeeding proved to be effective at maintaining exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months postpartum and also at increasing perceived self-efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Rodríguez-Gallego
- Foetal Medicine, Genetics and Reproduction Unit, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, 41013 Seville, Spain;
- Red Cross Nursing University Centre, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
| | - Isabel Corrales-Gutierrez
- Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
- Foetal Medicine Unit, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, 41009 Seville, Spain
| | - Diego Gomez-Baya
- Department of Social, Developmental and Educational Psychology, Universidad de Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain
| | - Fatima Leon-Larios
- Nursing Department, School of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain;
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O’Sullivan EJ, Kennedy A. Parents' experiences of infant and young child feeding during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:2652-2662. [PMID: 37905581 PMCID: PMC10755413 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023002343] [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: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The WHO has urged member states to develop preparedness plans for infant and young child feeding (IYCF) during emergencies. Ireland has no such plan. We aimed to identify the needs of caregivers in Ireland with regards IYCF during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN Online survey conducted in May-June 2020. SETTING Ireland, during the first period of severely restricted movement due to COVID-19 (lockdown). PARTICIPANTS Respondents (n 745) were primary caregivers of a child under 2 years; they were primarily well educated and likely of higher socio-economic status. RESULTS Among those who breastfed, being unable to access breast-feeding support groups and being unable to access in-person, one-to-one breast-feeding assistance were the biggest challenges reported. Nearly three quarters of those who had their babies during lockdown reported these challenges: 72·8 % and 68·8 %, respectively. For those using formula, the main challenges were structural in nature; approximately two-thirds of those who had their baby prior to lockdown feared there would be formula shortages and a third were unable to purchase formula due to shortages. CONCLUSIONS Regardless of how their babies were fed, parents in Ireland experienced multiple challenges with infant feeding during the COVID-19 crisis. Breast-feeding should be protected, supported and promoted, particularly during an infectious disease pandemic. Additionally, assurances around supply of infant formula could reduce parental stress during a pandemic or emergency. An IYCF in emergencies plan would clearly set out how we could best support and protect the nutrition of the most vulnerable members of our population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J O’Sullivan
- School of Biological, Health and Sports Sciences, City Campus, Technological University Dublin, CQ312 Central Quad, Grangegorman, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aileen Kennedy
- School of Biological, Health and Sports Sciences, City Campus, Technological University Dublin, CQ312 Central Quad, Grangegorman, Dublin, Ireland
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Ingrit BL, Cathryne J, Sihaloho SMJ, Quisessa A. Women's Childbirth Experiences During COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia. Rev Bras Enferm 2023; 76Suppl 1:e20220640. [PMID: 37820106 PMCID: PMC10561943 DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2022-0640] [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: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Explore in depth the experiences of women giving birth during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. METHODS Qualitative research with a descriptive phenomenological. A total of 16 participants did not suffer from COVID-19 and gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic in the community setting area. RESULTS There are five themes: 1: Feelings of anxiety and fear of giving birth in hospitals are experienced by women giving birth during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2. Screening for COVID and health protocols applied in hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, 3. Support from husbands, families, and health workers is needed when giving birth during the COVID-19 pandemic, 4. Lack of family visits hours is an obstacle during childbirth, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 5: Bonding attachment between mother and baby while at the hospital. CONCLUSION Optimal maternity nursing care and supporting health facilities and public policies will help mothers give birth during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joice Cathryne
- Universitas Pelita Harapan. Lippo Karawaci, Tangerang, Indonesia
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Antoniou E, Tzitiridou-Chatzopoulou M, Voyatzaki C, Iliadou M, Eskitzis P, Dagla M, Palaska E, Orovou E. What Are the Implications of COVID-19 on Breastfeeding? A Synthesis of Qualitative Evidence Studies. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1178. [PMID: 37508675 PMCID: PMC10378339 DOI: 10.3390/children10071178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exclusive breastfeeding until six months of life is the ideal way to feed infants. However, there is a significant number of infants who have never breastfed, despite the beneficial properties of breastfeeding. On the other hand, the coronavirus outbreak had significant effects on people's health, both mentally and physically, and has also impacted the breastfeeding process. AIM The aim of this study was to investigate the implication of COVID-19 on breastfeeding through qualitative data from databases. METHODS We searched online databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, PsycINFO) for studies published from 2019 to 2023. 'Out of the 2598 papers we found, only 12 were included in the review'. More specifically, from the 1558 papers remaining from the title and abstract evaluation as well as duplicates, a further 1546 papers belonging to our exclusion criteria were removed (all types of reviews, letters to editors, and quantitative articles). RESULTS Our results covered three subjects: breastfeeding support during the pandemic, effects of social containment measures on breastfeeding, and additional outcomes regarding breastfeeding. Most voices found the effects of the pandemic on breastfeeding beneficial, with reduced professional support and a high degree of support from the environment. Additional negative factors were observed, as well as consequences of the pandemic in women's lives. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 was the occasion to understand the power of the supportive environment of the woman, especially the partner, in establishing and maintaining breastfeeding. Therefore, policy makers and health professionals, especially midwives, should implement family-centered breastfeeding strategies that are more supportive of the partner role, providing problem counseling when and where deemed necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Antoniou
- Department of Midwifery, Egaleo Park Campus, University of West Attica, Ag. Spyridonos Str., 12243 Egaleo, Greece
| | | | - Chrysa Voyatzaki
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Egaleo Park Campus, University of West Attica, Ag. Spyridonos Str., 12243 Egaleo, Greece
| | - Maria Iliadou
- Department of Midwifery, Egaleo Park Campus, University of West Attica, Ag. Spyridonos Str., 12243 Egaleo, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Eskitzis
- Department of Midwifery, University of Western Macedonia, 50200 Ptolemaida, Greece
| | - Maria Dagla
- Department of Midwifery, Egaleo Park Campus, University of West Attica, Ag. Spyridonos Str., 12243 Egaleo, Greece
| | - Ermioni Palaska
- Department of Midwifery, Egaleo Park Campus, University of West Attica, Ag. Spyridonos Str., 12243 Egaleo, Greece
| | - Eirini Orovou
- Department of Midwifery, Egaleo Park Campus, University of West Attica, Ag. Spyridonos Str., 12243 Egaleo, Greece
- Department of Midwifery, University of Western Macedonia, 50200 Ptolemaida, Greece
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Quinones C. "Breast is best"… until they say so. FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2023; 8:1022614. [PMID: 36992698 PMCID: PMC10042138 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2023.1022614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
In this autoethnographic article, I discuss the consequences of being exposed to two competing breastfeeding discourses during my first mothering experience-the "self-regulated dyad" and the "externally regulated dyad" discourse. The former represents the ideal scenario and the evidence-based practices recommended by the World Health Organization (i.e., breastfeeding on demand, internally regulated by the dyad). The externally regulated discourse refers to the standardized health interventions that take over when difficulties arise (e.g., weight gain deviations and latching issues). Building on Kugelmann's critique about our blind reliance on "standardized health," existing evidence, and my breastfeeding journey, I argue that unqualified and unindividualized breastfeeding interventions are highly counterproductive. To illustrate these points, I discuss the implications of the polarized interpretation of pain and the limited dyadically focused support. I then move on to analyze how ambivalent social positioning around breastfeeding impacts our experience. In particular, I found that I was highly regarded as a "good, responsible mum" up till my baby was 6 months, and how breastfeeding became increasingly challenged by others when my daughter was approaching her first birthday. Here, I discuss how performing attachment mothering identity work allowed me to navigate these challenges. Against this backdrop, I reflect upon feminist ambivalent positionings on breastfeeding and the complexity of balancing the promotion of women's hard-earned rights while supporting them to engage in whatever baby-feeding choice they feel appropriate. I conclude that unless we acknowledge the physical and social complexities of the process, and our healthcare systems seriously invest in allocating human resources and training them appropriately, breastfeeding rates may continue to suffer and women continue to interiorize it as their own failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Quinones
- Department of People and Organisations, Faculty of Business and Law, The Open University, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
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Turner SE, Brockway M, Azad MB, Grant A, Tomfohr-Madsen L, Brown A. Breastfeeding in the pandemic: A qualitative analysis of breastfeeding experiences among mothers from Canada and the United Kingdom. Women Birth 2023:S1871-5192(23)00015-X. [PMID: 36669903 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2023.01.002] [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: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research shows that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in both barriers and facilitators to breastfeeding. However, little research has looked specifically at first-time mothers' experiences of breastfeeding during the pandemic or compared experiences of mothers living in different countries. AIM This research explores mothers' breastfeeding experiences to describe how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected breastfeeding journeys in Canada and the United Kingdom. METHODS Ten semi-structured online interviews were undertaken with first-time mothers who breastfed their baby at least once during the COVID-19 pandemic and are living in Canada or the United Kingdom. Interview transcripts were coded inductively using thematic analysis. FINDINGS One overarching theme (all on mother) and four sub-themes were identified: 1) accessing and advocating for health care, 2) social support, 3) becoming a mother in isolation, and 4) breastfeeding baby. Similar themes were constructed for both countries. DISCUSSION Mothers reported that diminished health care and social support created challenges in their breastfeeding journey. Many mothers reported receiving virtual breastfeeding support, which was largely experienced as unhelpful. Some mothers reported fewer distractions from visitors and more one-on-one time with their infant, which helped them to establish breastfeeding and a strong mother-infant bond. CONCLUSION In both Canada and the United Kingdom, new mothers need consistent, reliable health care and social support when breastfeeding. This study supports the need to protect breastfeeding support in the midst of a global emergency and beyond to ensure positive breastfeeding experiences for both mother and baby.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Turner
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, 715 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 3P4, Canada; Manitoba Interdisciplinary Lactation Center (MILC), 715 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 3P4, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 750 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0W3, Canada.
| | - Meredith Brockway
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, 2259 2800, Professional Faculties, University Way NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4V8, Canada
| | - Meghan B Azad
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, 715 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 3P4, Canada; Manitoba Interdisciplinary Lactation Center (MILC), 715 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 3P4, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 750 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0W3, Canada; Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, 840 Sherbrook St, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3A 1S1, Canada
| | - Aimee Grant
- Centre for Lactation, Infant Feeding and Translation (LIFT), Swansea University, University Singleton Park Campus, Haldane Building, Sketty, Swansea SA2 8PP, United Kingdom; School of Health and Social Care, Swansea University, University Singleton Park Campus, Haldane Building, Sketty, Swansea SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education, University of British Columbia, 2125 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Amy Brown
- Centre for Lactation, Infant Feeding and Translation (LIFT), Swansea University, University Singleton Park Campus, Haldane Building, Sketty, Swansea SA2 8PP, United Kingdom; School of Health and Social Care, Swansea University, University Singleton Park Campus, Haldane Building, Sketty, Swansea SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
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Mufdlilah M, Kusuma NI, Suryaningsih EK. Mother's Experience with COVID-19 in Breastfeeding: A Phenomenological Study. SAGE Open Nurs 2023; 9:23779608231172360. [PMID: 37187547 PMCID: PMC10176538 DOI: 10.1177/23779608231172360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted mothers' and children's access to essential health services. Concerns about the transmission of COVID-19 to infants resulted in strict procedures, which then caused delays in initial contact and breastfeeding. This delay then impacted the well-being of mothers and babies. Purpose This study aimed to explore the experience of mothers with COVID-19 in breastfeeding. This study was qualitative research with a phenomenological approach. Methods Participants were mothers with a confirmed history of COVID-19 during the breastfeeding period either in 2020, 2021, or 2022. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 21 mothers. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Three themes were obtained: breastfeeding during the mother was confirmed COVID-19, changes in the mother's condition, and social support received by the mother. Based on this theme, it can be seen that mothers are temporarily separated from their newborns, which causes breastfeeding difficulties. Mothers confirmed to have COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021 appear to have more significant concerns about transmitting COVID-19, as indicated by the mother's decision not to breastfeed and to undergo separate isolation with the baby. Conclusion Mothers need support to continue to breastfeed. The benefits obtained from breastfeeding are far more significant than efforts to prevent transmission by separating mother and baby, so mothers should be encouraged to continue breastfeeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mufdlilah Mufdlilah
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas ‘Aisyiyah
Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Nur Intan Kusuma
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas ‘Aisyiyah
Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
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Mena-Tudela D, Iglesias-Casas S, Cervera-Gasch A, Andreu-Pejó L, González-Chordá VM, Valero-Chillerón MJ. Breastfeeding and Obstetric Violence during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in Spain: Maternal Perceptions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15737. [PMID: 36497811 PMCID: PMC9740849 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Catalan legislation, a pioneer in Europe, has defined obstetric violence (OV) as "preventing or hindering access to truthful information, necessary for autonomous and informed decision-making". The definition also states that OV can affect physical and mental health, as well as sexual and reproductive health. Some authors have expressed concern about an increase in OV during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. During the pandemic, recommendations were also openly offered on the non-establishment and/or early abandonment of breastfeeding without scientific evidence to support them. Experiencing a traumatic childbirth can influence breastfeeding outcomes. Here, we conducted a cross-sectional study using a self-administered online questionnaire. The sample consisted of women who gave birth in Spain between March 2020 and April 2021. The mean age was 34.41 (±4.23) years. Of the women, 73% were employed, 78.2% had a university education, and almost all were Caucasian. Among the subjects, 3.3% were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy and 1% were diagnosed during delivery. Some of the women (1.6%) were advised to stop breastfeeding in order to be vaccinated. Women diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 during delivery (p = 0.048), belonging to a low social class (p = 0.031), with secondary education (p = 0.029), or who suffered obstetric violence (p < 0.001) perceived less support and that the health care providers were less inclined to resolve doubts and difficulties about breastfeeding. Breastfeeding has been significantly challenged during the pandemic. In addition to all the variables to be considered that make breastfeeding support difficult, we now probably need to add SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis and OV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desirée Mena-Tudela
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Avda. Sos I Baynat s/n, 12071 Castellón, Spain
| | - Susana Iglesias-Casas
- Department of Obstetrics, Hospital do Salnés, Villgarcía de Aurousa, 36619 Pontevendra, Spain
| | - Agueda Cervera-Gasch
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Avda. Sos I Baynat s/n, 12071 Castellón, Spain
| | - Laura Andreu-Pejó
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Avda. Sos I Baynat s/n, 12071 Castellón, Spain
| | - Victor Manuel González-Chordá
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Avda. Sos I Baynat s/n, 12071 Castellón, Spain
| | - María Jesús Valero-Chillerón
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Avda. Sos I Baynat s/n, 12071 Castellón, Spain
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Zheng X, Zhang J, Ye X, Lin X, Liu H, Qin Z, Chen D, Zhan C. Navigating through motherhood in pregnancy and postpartum periods during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis. J Nurs Manag 2022; 30:3958-3971. [PMID: 36194367 PMCID: PMC9874529 DOI: 10.1111/jonm.13846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this work is to critically appraise and synthesize the qualitative studies on the experiences, perspectives, and consequences of pregnant women experiencing motherhood during the COVID-19 pandemic. BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a threat to the health of pregnant women. Such a pandemic disrupted their routine care, as well as normal daily life. However, little is known about their coping strategies to the changes brought by COVID-19. EVALUATION A qualitative systematic review was conducted according to the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) checklist. A meta-aggregative approach rooted in pragmatism and Husserlian transcendental phenomenology was used to synthesize the findings. Dependability and credibility of both study findings and synthesized findings were appraised by Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) ConQual process. KEY ISSUES Key issues include (a) pregnant women experienced changes in routine care, (b) pregnant women used a range of strategies to cope with the consequence of the pandemic, (c) pregnant women struggled to embrace motherhood, and (d) pregnant women received different levels of social support. CONCLUSION Facing challenges caused by the pandemic, pregnant women used a variety of strategies to cope with and adapt to the changes, but sometimes the adaption is limited. Emotional, instrumental, and informational support should be provided to them in an accessible way. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT As an essential part of policymakers, nursing managers should consider the balance between restriction and the accessibility of maternity care. It is also crucial for them to consider how to provide necessary support in an accessible way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xutong Zheng
- Department of NursingMindong Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical UniversityNingdeChina,School of NursingFujian University of Traditional Chinese MedicineFuzhouChina
| | - Jiayu Zhang
- School of NursingFujian University of Traditional Chinese MedicineFuzhouChina
| | - Xinxin Ye
- School of Public HealthZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Xiaoyi Lin
- School of NursingFujian University of Traditional Chinese MedicineFuzhouChina
| | - Huanju Liu
- Women's Hospital and the Institute of GeneticsZhenjiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Zhuzhu Qin
- School of NursingFujian University of Traditional Chinese MedicineFuzhouChina
| | - Danfeng Chen
- School of NursingFujian University of Traditional Chinese MedicineFuzhouChina
| | - Chenju Zhan
- Department of NursingMindong Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical UniversityNingdeChina
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Colaceci S, Anderson G, Ricciuto V, Montinaro D, Alazraki G, Mena-Tudela D. Experiences of Birth during COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy and Spain: A Thematic Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127488. [PMID: 35742741 PMCID: PMC9223415 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Becoming parents during the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been a challenge. The purpose of this study was to describe the impact of the pandemic on new and expectant parents in both Italy and Spain. A descriptive qualitative study was carried out by collecting social media posts written by parents between March 2020 and April 2021. The posts were inserted in a data collection form and assessed separately by two authors. The coding was performed manually using the long table analysis method and a thematic analysis was performed. Three main themes were identified: (1) care; (2) overcoming difficulties and problem-solving strategies; and (3) legislation and anti-COVID-19 measures. The main issues for parents were the limited access of partners to antenatal care services and mother–newborn separation. Due to restrictive measures, many parents adopted different coping skills. Some hospitals were able to maintain high standards of care; however, a lot of discretion in legislation and the application of anti-COVID-19 measures in healthcare services was perceived by parents. The COVID-19 pandemic has heavily affected the way parents experienced pregnancy and birth. Becoming parents during the pandemic has exacerbated some fears that usually characterize this event, but it has also triggered new ones, especially in the first months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Colaceci
- Department Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Saint Camillus International University (UniCamillus), Via di Sant’Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-400640
| | - Gloria Anderson
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Veronica Ricciuto
- Department Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Saint Camillus International University (UniCamillus), Via di Sant’Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy;
| | - Denise Montinaro
- Associazione Rinascere al Naturale, Via Umberto I, n. 42, 73021 Calimera, Italy;
| | | | - Desirée Mena-Tudela
- Department of Nursing, Universitat Jaume I, Avenida de Vicent Sos Baynat, s/n, 12071 Castellón de la Plana, Spain;
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