Baby's Father Research Articles

Adolescents’ Intention to Use Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Postpartum

Study ObjectiveMultiparous teens, compared to primiparous teens, are at increased risk for adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes. Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is infrequently used among postpartum teens. This study identifies predictors of teens’ intentions to use LARC postpartum when it is widely available. MethodsColorado teens who were patients during their pregnancy in an adolescent-centered clinic where all common methods of contraception were easily accessible were surveyed in clinic during their third trimester and following delivery regarding life circumstances (relationships, stress, and family function) and intended method of postpartum contraception. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to examine predictors of intended postpartum contraceptive method: LARC, non-LARC effective (condoms, birth control pills, shot, patch, or ring), or low-effective method or no contraception (abstinence, no method, or undecided). Results1,203 patients were enrolled. Greater life stress was associated with greater likelihood of intending to use low-effective contraception versus LARC postpartum. Teens in a longer relationship with their baby's father (versus those never in a relationship with the baby's father) were less likely to intend to use low-effective contraception or non-LARC effective methods and more likely to intend to use LARC postpartum. ConclusionWhen structural barriers are minimized, non-clinical factors such as relationship context and life stress are most associated with postpartum LARC use intentions. Health care providers can help teen patients obtain the postpartum contraception the patients believe is best by employing developmentally appropriate, person-centered care that is sensitive to life stressors and relationship context.

`Tis the season

It was one of those busy days in the Children's Emergency Department (ED) in December. Concerns about Group A streptococcal infections resulted in sore throats and scarlet fever being referred to ED. There was a general air of heightened anxiety among clinicians and parents. The children were happy go lucky clients. They would come in febrile and clingy. Following a dose of antipyretics and Peppa Pig, they were pleased as punch and would go home clutching presents, compliments of the season. Lurking quietly among the many febrile children would be that one child with sepsis. One had to be watchful. Amidst all this, an innocuous looking 3-week-old arrived with a history of intermittent vomiting since birth and generalised rash. He was seen by the registrar, a diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux and cows milk protein allergy was made. The consultant reviewed the baby with the registrar. The baby's father (about 6 ft 5 in. tall) was holding a tiny incredibly alert baby with a large towel under his neck. The consultant had a fondness for babies. A quick cuddle always warms the heart especially in a busy ED setting. History was revisited again with the baby in her arms. The baby took in the proceedings with interest staring keenly at her with piercing blue eyes. He was born at term, the second child in the family. He had intermittent, small volume, non-projectile vomiting since birth. Abdominal examination was unremarkable. Hydrolysed formula and reflux medications were prescribed. The father then gave the baby a bottle. He had a small vomit, then animatedly gulped the feed, this was not quite the behaviour of a baby with reflux. The consultant watched this curious behaviour and requested a blood gas. ED became busy with an influx of febrile children, the consultant and the registrar were pulled away in different directions. An hour later, having received medications the father prepared to go home, the baby was now peacefully sleeping in his arms. He was requested to wait as the blood gas was not done as yet. The blood gas as it turned out showed hypochloremic, hypokalaemic, metabolic alkalosis suggestive of pyloric stenosis, later confirmed by ultrasound. The consultant went back to the father, apologised and explained the new plan. Father took it stoically, but expressed puzzlement. He explained that he had been feeling the baby's belly and there was no lump. Father then whipped up his shirt and showed a little scar around his umbilicus. It turned out that he had been operated for pyloric stenosis and was instructed by his mother to monitor the baby post-feed. The baby too had surgery and went home in time for Christmas. Pyloric stenosis is usually seen in infants aged 3 weeks to 3 months and can be mistaken for other conditions.1 Pyloric stenosis can run in families and a family history is a risk factor, besides this child being first born and male. The infant will usually have a period of normal feeding for the first weeks of life. However, this baby had intermittent vomiting since birth, vomiting was not forceful and the classic findings of mass abdomen and weight loss were not present. Observation in ED is as important as history and examination. The baby's feeding was the clue: there was no irritability during feeds and the voracious appetite in an alert baby was unusual. And therein lies the magic of paediatrics, there will always be the one, among many febrile children, who will come in to teach us a lesson.

Associations of adverse childhood experiences with substance use and depression: the role of prenatal support

This study aimed to examine; 1) whether maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with perinatal substance use and depressive symptoms, and 2) whether this association is mediated by prenatal family and baby father’s social support.

Impacts of healthy marriage and relationship education for expectant and new mothers

AbstractObjectiveTo build the evidence base on healthy marriage and relationship education (HMRE) programs serving individual adults, this study examined the 1‐year impacts of the MotherWise program, which serves women with low incomes who are pregnant or have just had a baby.BackgroundDespite the increasing prevalence of HMRE programs serving individual adults, few studies have rigorously examined their effectiveness.MethodWomen were randomly assigned to either (a) an intervention group offered MotherWise (n = 512), or (b) a control group not offered MotherWise (n = 437). Women's relationship skills, attitudes, and outcomes were measured by a 1‐year follow‐up survey.ResultsMotherWise improved women's relationship skills and attitudes, and reduced the likelihood of unintended pregnancy. MotherWise did not affect levels of intimate partner violence, coparenting quality, and emotional well‐being. Among women in a relationship with their baby's father, MotherWise improved the quality of that relationship.ConclusionMotherWise met its immediate goal of helping women develop the skills and attitudes to make informed, healthy decisions about relationships. The program's impact on unintended pregnancy suggests the program encouraged women to make more deliberate decisions about family planning.ImplicationsPrograms like MotherWise can improve certain outcomes of new and expectant mothers with low incomes by offering them HMRE services and other supports.

Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy: A Critical Review.

Many females have psychological well-being issues during pregnancy or after giving birth. It can happen to anybody. Depression and anxiety are the most widely recognized psychological well-being issues during pregnancy. These affect a significant number of pregnant females. Especially helpless are those females with histories of mental ailment who stop psychotropic drugs during pregnancy. Mental health issues can also be associated with abortions, broken homes, problems between the couple, unhealthy work-life balance, undue stress, physiological disorders, and other associated comorbidities. Pregnancy is traditionally considered a good time with good feelings, but it is not so. Until a few years ago, the only importance given to mental health was after childbirth (preference was given to disorders such as postpartum depression {PPD}). Nowadays, mental health is given its due attention right from conception,to antenatal care, to labor, to the postpartum period. Patients are educated on the importance of mental health and its short-term and long-term effects on the mother and the baby. The baby's father is educated because he can play a crucial role. Various researches show that children born to mothers who suffer from mental health ailments such as depression are low-birth-weight babies. Societal problems such as poverty, overpopulation, overcrowding, and poor hygiene can also adversely affect the mother's mental health. Some valuable solutions can be medication such as antidepressants, talking to a therapist, exercising, talking to close friends and family, couplecounseling, and de-stressing. A phenomenon called postpartum depression is also prevalent and is given its due importance.

Exclusive Breastfeeding and Factors Influencing Its Abandonment During the 1st Month Postpartum Among Women From Semi-rural Communities in Southeast Mexico.

IntroductionIn this study we describe breastfeeding practices among women from semi-rural communities in southeast Mexico, and explore which factors, modifiable or not, are associated with such practices.Materials and MethodsThis was a formative cross-sectional study that included 143 mothers with infants 4–6 months old, from semi-rural communities in Tabasco, Mexico. We collected data on two categories of factors: (1) women's sociodemographic characteristics, and (2) maternal / infant factors. We first analyzed the frequency of various breastfeeding practices. Then, we classified participants into the up to 1 month of exclusive breastfeeding group ( ≤ 1 m-EBF) and the beyond 1 month EBF group (>1 m-EBF), if they practiced EBF for less or more than 1 month, respectively. We compared the two categories of factors between groups and then, using logistic regression models, explored which factors were associated with practicing >1 m-EBF.ResultsBy the end of the 1st month postpartum, 51.7% of participants had abandoned EBF, introduced milk formula (35%), other food (9.1%), non-nutritive liquids (7.7%), or had stopped breastfeeding completely. In the next months, EBF practice fell sharply and mixed feeding grew importantly.Logistic regression models showed that women were more likely to be in the >1 m-EBF group if they lived with the baby's father, had complications during pregnancy, delivered vaginally and attended a health center at least three times postpartum. To the contrary, women were less likely to be practice >1 m-EBF if they gave infants other liquids during their hospital stay; experienced pain or discomfort in breasts/nipples, or used a pacifier after hospitalization; had larger bodies (i.e., higher BMI); and believed that you should give the infant powdered milk or some other food when the baby is not full.ConclusionMany factors associated with abandoning EBF, particularly in the early postpartum period, are modifiable and can be altered through timely interventions that include giving correct information and ensuring its comprehension; assertive personal counseling and accompaniment must be provided to mothers; and reinforcement during the early postpartum at health facilities and other settings.

Baby’s first family: Unmarried mothers’ conceptions of their newborns’ family members

AbstractWe investigate Finnish unmarried mothers’ (n = 195) subjective understanding of their newborns’ families. In contrast to studies focusing on the mother's household or union status, we asked the mothers who they felt to belong to their baby's family. Latent class analysis detected four family types, varying in their inclusion of baby's father, siblings, wider kin group and parents’ friends. Most of the mothers subsumed extra‐household relationships in their baby's family, although one in four mothers limited the family to their household members. The results indicate notable differences in the newborns’ relational contexts, which may turn into differences in children's social resources.

Maternal-fetal attachment and perceived parental bonds of pregnant women

BackgroundThe parental bond is characterized by the perception of care and protection received by parental figures throughout human development. During the gestational period, the intensity in which the woman manifests behaviors and feelings for the fetus was denominated maternal-fetal attachment (MFA). In this perspective, the literature indicates that there is association between MFA and the pregnant woman's perception about the bond established with her parents. AimsThis study aimed to evaluate the association between MFA and perceived parental bonds of pregnant women in the city of Pelotas/RS (Brazil). Study designThis is a cohort study with 839 women during their gestational period. All women answered to the Parental Bonding Instrument to investigate the perceived parental bonds, and the MFA was assessed through the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale. ResultsThe main results showed that perceived paternal overprotection was associated with a higher MFA after adjustment (B 2.00 CI95% 0.30; 3.70). Additionally, the pregnant women who were in the first trimester of pregnancy (p < 0.001), who did not live with a partner (p = 0.018), and who did not feel supported by the baby's father during pregnancy (p = 0.014) presented lower scores of MFA. ConclusionThis study showed the importance of the paternal role in the women's life, considering the perception of the bond with their father during their development, an adequate support by the father of the baby, and the presence of a partner during pregnancy. As a result, the paternal role may influence the feelings and behaviors of greater affection, care, and concern regarding the fetus.

Barrier and facilitator on breastfeeding education and promotion: A literature review

Breast milk contains many nutrients according to the needs of the baby for growth and development. Breast milk is very important for the health and well-being of infants. The world health organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding mothers for six months starting from the baby's first life and continuing until the age of two. Breastfeeding can provide economic benefits for the family and community. This study aimed to explore the barrier and facilitator on breastfeeding promotion and education. This study was literature study. This study finding that support from the baby's father is needed as a strong decision exclusively breastfeeding mothers. Pediatricians and midwives have an important role to support in providing exclusive breastfeeding from mothers and infants. Mothers who work full time find it very difficult to care for their babies exclusively. The workplace can be a barrier for mothers to care for and provide exclusive breastfeeding. Breastfeeding competency-based training is needed as a more optimal promotion of exclusive breastfeeding. Promotion of breastfeeding can increase the duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding. Knowledge promotes breastfeeding can increase the chances of successful breastfeeding and improve baby's health. An important role in the successful promotion of breastfeeding is the quality of knowledge and support for exclusive breastfeeding.

Maternal Pregnancy Wantedness and Perceptions of Paternal Pregnancy Wantedness: Associations with Perinatal Mental Health and Relationship Dynamics.

This study examined maternal pregnancy wantedness and perceptions of paternal wantedness, and their associations with maternal perinatal mental health symptoms and relationship dynamics. Low-income, ethnically-diverse pregnant women (N = 101, Mage = 29.10years, SDage = 6.56, rangeage = 18-44; 37% Latina, 22% African-American, 20% White, 21% biracial/multiracial/other) completed semi-structured interviews of pregnancy wantedness coded by trained raters, and standardized instruments of depression and PTSD symptoms during pregnancy and at 3-4-months postpartum. While maternal pregnancy wantedness (rated from 0-Predominately Ambivalent, 1-Mixed, and 2-Predominately Positive) showed no significant associations, a couple-level scale that combined maternal wantedness and her perceptions of paternal wantedness (Equally Positive Wantedness, Mom Wants More, Dad Wants More and Equally Ambivalent) showed several significant associations. Compared to women in the Equally Positive group, women in the Mom Wants More group had significantly higher prenatal and postnatal depression symptoms, prenatal PTSD symptoms, and prenatal and postnatal relationship conflict; and lower prenatal and postnatal relationship support. Women in the Mom Wants More group also had significantly higher prenatal and postnatal depression symptoms and prenatal conflict; and lower prenatal support than women in the Dad Wants More group. Women who perceive themselves as wanting the pregnancy more than their baby's father are at higher risk for mental health and relationship problems than women who perceive themselves and their partners as equally ambivalent. Providers should ask women about their perceptions of partners' pregnancy wantedness to inform delivery of targeted mental health and relationship-based intervention during pregnancy.

Perjuangan Tokoh Perempuan dalam Cerita Pendek “Air” Karya Djenar Maesa Ayu

This short water story by Djenar Maesa Ayu is the background of the life of a woman who struggled and worked hard to raise her child, without getting the responsibility of the prospective baby's father. The problem of this research is the struggle of female leaders. This study aims to describe the struggles of female leaders in the short story Air by Djenar Maesa Ayu. This study uses a feminist literary criticism approach. The method used is descriptive qualitative. The data source is Air's short story by Djenar Maesa Ayu. The technique used is the data validation technique. This research draws conclusions about the struggles of female leaders. Keywords: the struggle of female leaders; short stories.

No association between perfluorinated compounds and preeclampsia in the highly exposed population of Ronneby, Sweden

A growing body of literature suggests that prior and prolonged exposure to paternal antigens in seminal fluid induces maternal tolerance to the allogeneic fetus, protecting it from rejection and facilitating successful implantation and placentation. In this case–control study of nulliparous women, we test the hypothesis that increased exposure to paternal seminal fluid via the vaginal or oral route will confer a reduced risk of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia cases (n = 258) and normotensive controls (n = 182) were selected from live births to Iowa women over the period August 2002 to April 2005. Disease status was verified by medical chart review. Seminal fluid exposure indexes incorporated information on type and frequency of sexual practices, contraceptive use, and ingestion practices prior to conception with the baby's father. Preeclampsia risk decreased significantly with increasing vaginal exposure to paternal semen (test for trend p < 0.05). Women in the highest 10th percentile of vaginal exposure had a 70% reduced odds of preeclampsia relative to women in the lowest 25th percentile of exposure (aOR = 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1–0.9). Oral seminal fluid exposure was not associated with a reduced risk of preeclampsia. These findings are congruent with the immune maladaptation hypothesis of preeclampsia causation and indicate that paternal antigen exposure via the vaginal mucosa may facilitate immune tolerance to paternal HLA. Thus, advising nulliparous women to decrease their use of barrier contraceptive methods and to increase vaginal sexual intercourse prior to conceiving may reduce their risk of preeclampsia.

Can social support during pregnancy affect maternal DNA methylation? Findings from a cohort of African-Americans.

While stress and the absence of social support during pregnancy have been linked to poor health outcomes, the underlying biological mechanisms are unclear. We examined whether adverse experiences during pregnancy alter DNA methylation (DNAm) in maternal epigenomes. Analyses included 250 African-American mothers from the Boston Birth Cohort. Genome-wide DNAm profiling was performed in maternal blood collected after delivery, using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 Beadchip. Linear regression models, with adjustment of pertinent covariates, were applied. While self-reported maternal psychosocial lifetime stress and stress during pregnancy was not associated with DNAm alterations, we found that absence of support from the baby's father was significantly associated with maternal DNAm changes in TOR3A, IQCB1, C7orf36, and MYH7B and that lack of support from family and friends was associated with maternal DNA hypermethylation on multiple genes, including PRDM16 and BANKL. This study provides intriguing results suggesting biological embedding of social support during pregnancy on maternal DNAm, warranting additional investigation, and replication.

Importance of Familial Opinions on Breastfeeding Practices: Differences Between Father, Mother, and Mother-in-Law.

Background: Multiple types of individuals compose a mother's social support network. Women may value opinions of individuals' within their support network differently. Our study examined the relationship between breastfeeding opinions from individuals within the social support network and breastfeeding initiation and duration. Materials and Methods: Data from the Infant Feeding Practices Survey II were analyzed. The importance of individuals' opinions on a mother's breastfeeding decision was investigated for the baby's father, the participant's mother and mother-in-law, the infant's pediatrician, and the participant's obstetrician. The main outcomes were breastfeeding initiation (yes; no) and breastfeeding duration (weeks). Logistic regression provided the odds of never breastfeeding, while Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the risk of breastfeeding cessation. Results: Women who stated that the father's opinion was not at all important were more likely to never breastfeed and prematurely cease breastfeeding compared to women who stated that the father's opinion was very important for their breastfeeding decisions. Conversely, women had lower odds of never breastfeeding and a decreased risk of breastfeeding cessation if they reported that the mother-in-law's opinion was not at all important or not very important compared to women who reported that the mother-in-law was very important. No statistically significant relationship was found between the participant's mother and breastfeeding initiation and cessation. Conclusion: This study found a hierarchical association between individuals in a social support network and breastfeeding initiation and duration. Inverse relationships were found between the importance of fathers' and mother-in-laws' opinions. Interventions aimed at increasing breastfeeding initiation, and duration rates should include a wider range of individuals within a social support network.

Factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice in a cohort of women from Cali, Colombia.

Introduction: Breastfeeding promotion is one of the most effective strategies to prevent child malnutrition; it reduces costs to families, health services and society. In Colombia, exclusive breastfeeding is practiced only by 10% of women.Objective: To identify factors associated with the duration of exclusive breastfeeding.Methods: A cohort of 438 primiparous women was followed during 6 months by means of 8 home interviews, in order to determine the duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Individual, family and health service factors were studied; and survival analysis was carried out.Results: At 8 days, only a few more than half of the participants maintained exclusive breastfeeding; at month 6 of follow-up, this proportion was reduced to 1.4%. The duration of exclusive breastfeeding was determined by: initiation of breastfeeding in the first 4 hours after delivery (HR= 4.07, 95% CI: 0.96-16.67), self-perceived sureness for breastfeeding (HR= 1.28, 95% CI: 1.04 -1.58), positive opinion of the baby's father regarding breastfeeding (HR= 1.26, 95% CI: 1.01-1.57), and newborn weight (HR= 1.23, 95% CI: 1.00-1.53).Conclusion: There are factors before delivery and in the immediate puerperium that determine, partially, the duration of exclusive breastfeeding.

A Primary Care Intervention to Prevent Repeat Pregnancy Among Teen Mothers

The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a patient-centered medical home intervention for teen parent families in reducing rates of unintended repeat pregnancy in the first 2 years postpartum. A prospective quasi-experimental evaluation was conducted with 98 African American, low-income, teen mother (aged <20 years) participants who received either the intervention or standard pediatric primary care. All participants completed structured interviews at baseline (child aged 2 months) and at follow-ups 12 and 24 months later. Data were collected from 2011 to 2015. Participants reported number of pregnancies, contraception used at last intercourse, depressive symptoms, and romantic status of the relationship with the baby's father. Analyses were conducted from 2015 to 2017. Logistic regression showed that mothers in the intervention group were half as likely as mothers who received standard pediatric primary care to have a repeat pregnancy within 2 years (OR=0.55, p=0.16). The main effect of the intervention on lower rates of repeat pregnancy was mediated by higher rates of contraceptive use. Depression was associated with higher odds of repeat pregnancy, but did not appear to mediate the intervention effect. This comprehensive and integrated model of care for teen parents may be an effective method to prevent rapid repeat pregnancies in this vulnerable population.

Death of a Salesman and Skeleton Crew

Death of a Salesman and Skeleton Crew

Postpartum depression and social support in a racially and ethnically diverse population of women.

Lack of social support is an important risk factor for postpartum depression (PPD), whereas the presence of social support can buffer against PPD. However, the relationship between social support and PPD in racial/ethnic minority women is still largely unknown. Our purpose was to examine the role of social support in a large, diverse population of PPD cases and controls. Participants (N= 1517) were recruited at the routine 6-week postpartum visit (± 1-2weeks) from four different outpatient clinics in North Carolina. Case status was determined using the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Social support was measured using the Medical Outcomes Social (MOS) Support survey and the Baby's Father Support Scale (DAD). We found that higher levels of social support had a strong protective association against PPD (MOS total score OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.19-0.27; p = 6.92E-90; DAD total score OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.88-0.92; p = 1.69E-29), and the effects of social support did not differ when accounting for race/ethnicity. Additionally, PPD symptom severity is significantly and negatively correlated with the degree of social support. Our findings suggest that multi-dimensional aspects of social support may be protective for racial/ethnic minority women. We believe this study is currently the largest and most robust characterizing PPD case status and its association with social support in a diverse cohort of mothers. Future work is required to understand how best to implement culturally sensitive interventions to increase social support in minority perinatal women.

Migration and Adolescent Health

Migration and Adolescent Health

Predictors of Timely Prenatal Care Initiation and Adequate Utilization in a Sample of Late Adolescent Texas Latinas.

Little is known of late adolescent Texas Latinas' prenatal care perceptions or how these perceptions predict timely prenatal care initiation or adequate utilization. Hence, the purpose of this study is to describe and compare these perceptions between participants with timely versus late prenatal care initiation and adequate, intermediate, and inadequate prenatal care utilization; and to determine predictors of timely prenatal care initiation and adequate utilization. Fifty-four postpartum Latinas were recruited through social media. Eligibility criteria were 18 to 21 years old, Texas-born, primiparous, uncomplicated pregnancy/delivery, and English literate. Prenatal care perceptions were measured with the Revised Better Babies Survey and Access Barriers to Care Index. Participants had favorable views of prenatal care benefits; however, not living with the baby's father predicted inadequate prenatal care, Wald χ2(1) = 4.93, p = .026. Perceived benefits of timely and adequate prenatal care predicted timely prenatal care initiation, χ2(1) = 7.47, p = .006. Self-reported depression during pregnancy predicted timely entry into prenatal care, χ2(1) = 4.73, p = .03. Participants' positive prenatal care perceptions did not predict adequate prenatal care utilization, indicating that barriers serve as powerful obstacles in late adolescent Texas Latinas.