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Buyukcan-Tetik A, Seefeld L, Bergunde L, Ergun TD, Dikmen-Yildiz P, Horsch A, Garthus-Niegel S, Oosterman M, Lalor J, Weigl T, Bogaerts A, Van Haeken S, Downe S, Ayers S. Birth expectations, birth experiences and childbirth-related post-traumatic stress symptoms in mothers and birth companions: Dyadic investigation using response surface analysis. Br J Health Psychol 2024. [PMID: 38926081 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES During the perinatal period, women and their birth companions form expectations about childbirth. We aimed to examine whether a mismatch between birth expectations and experiences predict childbirth-related post-traumatic stress symptoms (CB-PTSS) for mothers and birth companions. We also explored the influence of the mismatch between mothers' and birth companions' expectations/experiences on CB-PTSS. DESIGN Dyadic longitudinal data from the Self-Hypnosis IntraPartum Trial. METHODS Participants (n = 469 mothers; n = 358 birth companions) completed questionnaires at 27 and 36 weeks of gestation and 2 and 6 weeks post-partum. We used the measures of birth expectations (36 weeks gestation), birth experiences (2 weeks post-partum) and CB-PTSS (6 weeks post-partum). RESULTS Correlations revealed that birth expectations were associated with experiences for both mothers and birth companions but were not consistently associated with CB-PTSS. Birth experiences related to CB-PTSS for both mothers and birth companions. The response surface analysis results showed no support for the effect of a mismatch between expectations and experiences on CB-PTSS in mothers or birth companions. Similarly, a mismatch between mothers' and birth companions' expectations or experiences was unrelated to CB-PTSS. CONCLUSIONS Following previous literature, birth expectations were associated with experiences, and experiences were associated with CB-PTSS. By testing the effect of the match between birth experiences and expectations using an advanced statistical method, we found that experiences play a more substantial role than the match between experiences and expectations in CB-PTSS. The impact of birth experiences on CB-PTSS highlights the importance of respectful and supportive maternity care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asuman Buyukcan-Tetik
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Psychology Program, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Lara Seefeld
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Luisa Bergunde
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Turan Deniz Ergun
- Psychology Program, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Psychology, Health, and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | | | - Antje Horsch
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department Woman-Mother-Child, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Susan Garthus-Niegel
- Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Institute for Systems Medicine (ISM) and Faculty of Medicine, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Childhood and Families, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mirjam Oosterman
- Department of Clinical Child and Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joan Lalor
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tobias Weigl
- Psychology School, Fresenius - University of Applied Sciences Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Annick Bogaerts
- REALIFE Research Group, Research Unit Woman and Child, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- L-C&Y, KU Leuven Child & Youth Institute, Leuven, Belgium
- Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Devon, UK
| | - Sarah Van Haeken
- REALIFE Research Group, Research Unit Woman and Child, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Research & Expertise, Resilient People, UC Leuven-Limburg, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Soo Downe
- University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - Susan Ayers
- Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research, School of Health and Psychological Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK
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Dobson A, Hornsey S, Ghio D, Latter S, Santer M, Muller I. 'Either something's wrong, or I'm a terrible parent': A systematic review of parent experiences of illness-related interpretations for unsettled babies. J Adv Nurs 2024. [PMID: 38528428 DOI: 10.1111/jan.16166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To explore parents' experiences of unsettled babies and medical labels. DESIGN Qualitative systematic review, thematic synthesis and development of a conceptual model. REVIEW METHODS Systematic review and thematic synthesis of primary, qualitative research into parents' experiences of unsettled babies <12 months of age. 'Unsettled' was defined as perception of excessive crying with additional feature(s) such as vomiting, skin or stool problems. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist was used to assess trustworthiness. DATA SOURCES Structured searches completed in CINAHL, Medline, Embase, PsychINFO and CochraneCT on 23 March 2022 and rerun on 14 April 2023. RESULTS Ten eligible studies were included across eight countries contributing data from 103 mothers and 24 fathers. Two analytical themes and eight descriptive themes were developed. Firstly, parents expressed fearing judgement, feeling guilty and out of control as a result of babies' unsettled symptoms and seeking strategies to construct an 'Identity as a "Good Parent"'. This desire for positive parenting identity underpinned the second analytical theme 'Searching for an explanation' which included seeking external (medical) causes for babies' unsettled behaviours. CONCLUSION Parents can become trapped in a cycle of 'searching for an explanation' for their baby's unsettled behaviours, experiencing considerable distress which is exacerbated by feelings of guilt and failure. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PATIENT CARE Insight gained from this review could inform interventions to support parents, reducing inaccurate medicalization. Health visiting teams supporting parents with unsettled baby behaviour could focus on supporting a positive parenting identity by managing expectations, normalizing the continuum of infant behaviours, reducing feelings of guilt or uncertainty and helping parents regain a feeling of control. REPORTING METHOD ENTREQ guidelines were adhered to in the reporting of this review. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Parent input was crucial in the design phase; shaping the language used (e.g., 'unsettled babies') and in the analysis sense-checking findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Dobson
- Primary Care Research Centre, School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Samantha Hornsey
- Primary Care Research Centre, School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Susan Latter
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Miriam Santer
- Primary Care Research Centre, School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ingrid Muller
- Primary Care Research Centre, School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Van Haeken S, Braeken MAKA, Groenen A, Bogaerts A. A Supported Online Resilience-Enhancing Intervention for Pregnant Women: A Non-Randomized Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:209. [PMID: 38397698 PMCID: PMC10887965 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21020209] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
A 28-week supported online intervention for pregnant women, informed by the Behavior Change Wheel Framework, was developed. The intervention included exercises, group sessions and a peer support platform. The aim of this study was to examine the potential effectiveness of the intervention in enhancing resilience and promoting maternal mental health. Using a quasi-experimental design, assessments were conducted at baseline, postintervention and follow-ups at six and 12 months after childbirth. Resilience, resilience attributes, and maternal mental health were measured using standardised scales. The intervention group received the intervention (N = 70), while the control group (N = 32) received care-as-usual. A repeated-measures ANOVA was used to determine within- and between-group changes. Results showed no significant differences between groups regarding resilience and maternal mental health. However, the intervention group demonstrated stable resilience (p = 0.320) compared to a significant decrease in the control group (p = 0.004). Within the intervention group, perceived social support remained stable during the intervention, but decreased significantly at the first follow-up (p = 0.012). All participants faced additional stress from the COVID-19 pandemic alongside the challenges of parenthood. This study contributes to maternal mental health literature with an innovative, supported online intervention. The intervention consists of different deployable components, designed to be offered online, and the current pilot data are promising. Further research is warranted to explore its full potential in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Van Haeken
- Research & Expertise, Expertise Centre Resilient People, University Colleges Leuven-Limburg (UCLL), 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium;
- REALIFE Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Development & Regeneration, Women & Child KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | | | - Anne Groenen
- Research & Expertise, Expertise Centre Resilient People, University Colleges Leuven-Limburg (UCLL), 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium;
- Leuven Institute of Criminology (LINC), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annick Bogaerts
- REALIFE Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Development & Regeneration, Women & Child KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA, UK
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Van Haeken S, Braeken MAKA, Horsch A, Oosterman M, Bogaerts A. Development of a resilience-enhancing intervention during and after pregnancy: a systematic process informed by the behaviour change wheel framework. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:267. [PMID: 37670333 PMCID: PMC10481562 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01301-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy and the transition to parenthood are accompanied by multiple changes and stress exposure. Resilience has the potential to counteract the negative impact of stress and can be a protective factor against mental health problems. To date, the use of a theoretical framework in the development or application of resilience interventions during pregnancy up to one year postpartum is missing. The aim of this study is to develop an intervention to enhance resilience for pregnant women up to one year postpartum. METHODS A systematic and theory-based approach informed by the Behaviour Change Wheel framework and the theoretical model of perinatal resilience was applied. The development took place in three phases and during the process, the target group, researchers and clinicians were involved. RESULTS A combination of resilience-enhancing exercises, group sessions and an online support platform, including follow-up at six and twelve months after delivery, was designed to enhance resilience during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum. This intervention incorporates 5 intervention functions delivered by 18 behaviour change techniques. CONCLUSIONS This study responds to the need for theory-based intervention programs aiming to enhance resilience to improve the psychological health of pregnant women. We developed a multicomponent resilience-enhancing intervention for pregnant women up to one year postpartum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Van Haeken
- Research & Expertise, Resilient People, UC Leuven-Limburg, Wetenschapspark 21, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
- Faculty of Medicine, department of Development & Regeneration, REALIFE Research Group, Women & Child KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Marijke A K A Braeken
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, REVAL-Rehabilitation Research Center, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Antje Horsch
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department Woman-Mother-Child, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mirjam Oosterman
- Department of Clinical Child and Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Annick Bogaerts
- Faculty of Medicine, department of Development & Regeneration, REALIFE Research Group, Women & Child KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, CRIC Centre for Research & Innovation in Care, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Devon, UK
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Hannon SE, Daly D, Higgins A. Resilience in the Perinatal Period and Early Motherhood: A Principle-Based Concept Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084754. [PMID: 35457631 PMCID: PMC9032587 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A context-specific delineation of research approaches to resilience in the perinatal and early motherhood literature is currently lacking. A principle-based concept analysis was used to establish a description of how women's resilience is currently conceptualised and operationalised within empirical research in the perinatal period and early motherhood (defined as up to five-years postpartum). CINAHL, Medline, PsychInfo, EMBASE, ASSIA, Web of Science, Scielo, Maternity and Infant Care, the Cochrane Library, and the World Health Organization were systematically searched (January/February 2020 and March 2022). Fifty-six studies met the inclusion criteria. Analysis demonstrated interchangeable use of associated concepts such as 'coping', 'coping strategies', and 'adaptation'. Resilience was frequently operationalised as the absence of illness symptomatology, rather than the presence of mental well-being. Investigations of positive areas of functioning were predominately related to the mother's family role. There was limited qualitative exploration of women's perspectives. Recommendations for the pragmatic application of resilience research were not well developed. The narrow operationalisation of resilience by mental ill-health and parental role, and the distinct absence of women's perspectives, restricts the logical maturity and pragmatic application of the concept. Future research may benefit from exploration of women's insights on indicators that might best reflect positive functioning and resilience in this period.
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