Childbirth Preparation Classes Research Articles

The effect of breastfeeding education with digital storytelling on fathers' breastfeeding self-efficacy.

There is growing evidence that fathers play an important role in the breastfeeding process and that fathers need education about breastfeeding. In our age of rapidly developing technology, the use of new teaching techniques in the education of fathers will provide more effective results. In this study, the effect of breastfeeding education given with digital storytelling method on fathers' breastfeeding self-efficacy was examined. The study is a pretest-posttest randomized controlled trial. The study was conducted with the husbands of 80 pregnant women admitted to the childbirth preparation class of a state hospital. The study included a control group and an intervention of educational videos using a digital storytelling technique. Fathers were recruited from hospital antenatal classes and randomized to one of the two groups. Personal Information Form and Paternal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form were used for data collection. Each father completed data collection forms at the beginning of the study and at 3 months postpartum. The η2 effect size was calculated for significant differences in the independent and dependent groups t test methods used in the analysis. There was a significant difference between the posttest scores of the fathers in the intervention and control groups (p < 0.05). When the effect sizes were analysed, it was found that the increase in the intervention group (t = -24.342) was higher than the control group (t = -8.385). In the current study, the effect of using digital storytelling method in breastfeeding education on fathers' breastfeeding self-efficacy was found to be significantly higher than routine education. It is recommended that this new method be used in education and counselling and that studies be conducted to examine its effect on breastfeeding behaviour and fathers' breastfeeding support.

Assessing Natural Childbirth Intention Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior and Social Support in Pregnant Women in Northern Iran

Introduction: Childbirth is the most challenging physiological and psychological event in a woman’s life. Despite the recommendations of the Iranian Ministry of Health on having natural childbirth, no favorable statistics have been reported yet. Objective: This study aims to determine the predictors of natural childbirth intention based on the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) and social support in pregnant women referred to selected hospitals in Rasht, northern Iran. Materials and Methods: This analytic cross-sectional study was conducted on 353 pregnant women aged 15-45 years referred to four hospitals in Rasht city in 2020 who were selected by systematic random sampling method proportional to the size of the study population. A researcher-made self-report questionnaire measuring the demographic information, the TPB constructs, social support, and natural childbirth intention was used. Data was analyzed using t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation test, and multiple regression analysis. Results: Most of the pregnant women had a high school diploma (43.6%) and were housekeepers (83.3%), living in the city (80.5%). Most of them were in the third trimester of pregnancy (37.7%) and had pregnancy for the first time (44.8%). Their mean age was 28.90±5.8, and 58.8% intended to give birth naturally. The mean score of the natural childbirth intention was 6.71±2.50. This intention had a direct correlation with all TPB constructs and social support (r=0.526-0.829; P=0.001). Based on results social support, and participation in childbirth education classes predicted 72% of changes in natural childbirth intention (R2 =0.72). Attitude alone was able to predict natural childbirth intention by 69% (β=0.12, 95% CI; 0.09%, 0.15%, P=0.001) Conclusion: The power of the TPB constructs for predicting the natural childbirth intention in pregnant women in northern Iran is high. The attitude construct is the best predictor of natural childbirth intention. To increase the tendency to choose natural childbirth, educational interventions based on the TPB with an emphasis on attitudes can be useful. In addition, measures should be taken for the active participation of pregnant women in childbirth preparation classes.

Mothers' Perceptions About Childbirth Preparation Classes: A Qualitative Study.

Childbirth preparation classes are designed for better adaptation of couples to physiological and psychological changes related to pregnancy and childbirth. Therefore, we aimed to explore the mothers' perceptions about childbirth preparation classes. A qualitative study was conducted using the conventional qualitative content analysis method from May to August 2022. Eighteen women who had given birth in the last six months in one of the hospitals in Tehran and at least 20 days had passed since their delivery were included in the study; also, five husbands, two midwives, and two obstetricians were interviewed. The participants were purposefully selected according to the inclusion criteria. Sampling continued until data saturation. Data were collected through individual, in-depth, and semi-structured interviews and analyzed by the MAXQDA version 10 software. Mothers' age ranged from 17 to 37 years. 128 primary codes, 7 sub-sub themes, 3 sub-themes, and one theme were extracted. The sub-themes included satisfaction from the choice (perception forming for better choices, common consent), making the wait pleasant (dignity-oriented professional care, adaptation to change, feeling of empowerment), and good termination (free and conscious choice for birth mode, self-control during delivery process). Finally, a theme called "making motherhood pleasant" was extracted. Making motherhood pleasant can be a meaningful achievement of childbirth preparation classes. Paying more attention to improving the quality of these classes can help improve family health. Therefore, policymakers should implement strategies to facilitate women's access to these classes.

Effect of Cognitive Counseling and Childbirth Preparation Classes on the Fear of Childbirth and Depression during Pregnancy in Primiparous Women; an Experimental Study

Effect of Cognitive Counseling and Childbirth Preparation Classes on the Fear of Childbirth and Depression during Pregnancy in Primiparous Women; an Experimental Study

Effectiveness of Childbirth Preparation Classes on Primigravida Women`s Health Behavior

Effectiveness of Childbirth Preparation Classes on Primigravida Women`s Health Behavior

Experiences of health providers regarding implementation of the physiologic birth program in Iran: A qualitative content analysis.

The rate of cesarean section is on the rise in both developed and developing countries, and Iran is no exception. According to the WHO, physiologic labor is one of the main strategies for reducing cesarean section and improving the health of mothers and newborns. The aim of this qualitative study was to explain the experiences of health providers regarding implementation of the physiologic birth program in Iran. This study is a part of a mixed-methods study, in which 22 health providers were interviewed from January 2022 to June 2022. Data analysis was performed using Graneheim and Lundman's conventional content analysis approach and using MAXQDA10 software. Two main categories and nine subcategories emerged from the results of this study. The main categories included "the obstacles to the implementation of the physiologic birth program" and "strategies for improving implementation of the program". The subcategories of the first category included: lack of continuous midwifery care in the healthcare system, lack of free accompanying midwives, lack of integrated healthcare and hospitals in service provision, low quality of childbirth preparation and implementation of physiologic birth classes, and lack of requirements for the implementation of physiologic birth in the maternity ward. The second category included the following subcategories: Supervising the implementation of childbirth preparation classes and physiologic childbirth, support of midwives by insurance companies, holding training courses on physiologic birth, and evaluation of program implementation. The experiences of the health providers with the physiologic birth program revealed that policymakers should provide the ground for the implementation of this type of labor by removing the obstacles and providing the particular operational strategies needed in Iran. Important measures that can contribute to the implementation of the physiologic labor program in Iran include the following: Setting the stage for physiologic birth in the healthcare system, creating low- and high-risk wards in maternity hospitals, providing professional autonomy for midwifery, training childbirth providers on physiologic birth, monitoring the quality of program implementation, and providing insurance support for midwifery services.

Women's experiences with implementation of the physiologic birth program in Iran: a qualitative content analysis study.

Increased rate of caesarean section (CS) without medical indication is a global concern. According to the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO), the physiologic birth program is one of the strategies for reducing the rate of unnecessary caesarean sections. The aim of this study is to explain women's experiences with the implementation of the physiologic birth program in Iran. This study is a part of a mixed-method study involving 15 targeted semi-structured interviews individually conducted with women attending physiologic birth classes between January 2022 and June 2022. Interviews continued until data saturation was achieved. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis approach based on the criteria proposed by Graneheim and Lundman, using MAXQDA10 software. Analysis of the findings of the study led to the emergence of 2 themes, 4 categories, and 10 subcategories. The first theme was the positive experiences of the women ("satisfaction with pregnancy" and "making the childbirth process pleasant"), and the second theme was their negative experiences with physiologic birth ("challenges and limitation of physiologic birth program" and "lack of high-quality obstetric services in the public health system"). The results of this study showed that childbirth preparation classes reduced women's fear and stress and enhanced their positive attitude toward vaginal delivery by preparing them for childbirth. Also, effective communication with midwives and their support along with efficient implementation of physiologic birth techniques led to successful pain management and satisfaction with the birth process. Policymakers should implement strategies to remove limitations and make this program accessible to all women.

The effect of an adapted physical activity intervention for pregnant women during childbirth preparation classes: preliminary results from the well-done! study

The effect of an adapted physical activity intervention for pregnant women during childbirth preparation classes: preliminary results from the well-done! study

The effect of prenatal education in two ways, face-to-face and virtual, on the fear of natural childbirth in pregnant women.

This study was designed and implemented to compare the effect of prenatal education on the fear of natural birth in pregnant women. This research was a semi-experimental study with a control group conducted on 96 pregnant women in Mashhad. People were randomly allocated to face-to-face and virtual groups. The Wijma childbirth experience/expectation questionnaire version A and the midwifery personal information form were used as pre-test and post-test tools. In the face-to-face and virtual groups, the average scores before and after the intervention were different, which indicated a decrease in fear of Natural childbirth in pregnant women, which was statistically significant. The changes in fear of natural childbirth score were significantly different between the three groups, and these changes were higher in the face-to-face group than in the other two groups. Attendance in natural childbirth preparation classes in face-to-face and virtual training methods positively affects the fear of natural childbirth. Therefore, encouraging and supporting women to participate in training courses increase the women's desire for natural childbirth.

Effect of birth plans integrated into childbirth preparation classes on maternal and neonatal outcomes of Iranian women: A randomized controlled trial.

Involvement of women in the decision-making process during childbirth plays an important role in their physical and psychosocial preparation. A birth plan allows the woman to express her expectations and facilitates her participation in her own care. The present study is the first to assess the implementation of birth plans integrated into childbirth preparation classes in Tehran, Iran. This study is a randomized controlled clinical trial performed on 300 pregnant women at 32-33 weeks of gestation referring to four public health centers in Tehran, Iran. The participants were randomly allocated into intervention and control groups using block randomization method. A training session on the items of the birth plan checklist was held in the fifth session of childbirth preparation classes for the participants in the intervention group. Accordingly, a birth plan was prepared according to the requests of mothers. The birth plan was implemented after the women were admitted to the maternity ward. The primary outcomes were frequency of vaginal birth, mean duration of labor stages, and mean score of childbirth satisfaction. We used a checklist of maternal and neonatal outcomes, Mackey's childbirth satisfaction questionnaire, and a partogram form for data collection. Independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression were used for data analysis. Vaginal birth rates were significantly higher in women who had birth plans compared with those without (81.9% vs. 48.7%, p < 0.001). Also, the lengths of the first and the second stages of labor were significantly shorter in women having a birth plan (p = 0.02). Women in the birth plan group were significantly more satisfied with the process of labor and childbearing (p < 0.001), and started breastfeeding after birth earlier than those in the control group (p < 0.001). Having a birth plan and attending childbirth preparation classes can increase the rate of normal vaginal birth. Also, according to our results, women's participation in the decision- making process and fulfilling their preferences during birth can improve maternal and neonatal outcomes and childbirth satisfaction.Trial registration: IRCT20190415043283N2. 2020-12-07.

Design, implementation, and validation of an application for childbirth preparation classes to improve the performance of midwifery students: Study protocol.

Childbirth preparation classes are incredibly useful for midwifery students as future medical personnel. Nowadays, given the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic and as mobile applications are extensively welcomed, virtual space can be used for education in the area of childbirth preparation classes. Given the lack of an application for childbirth preparation classes, this study will be conducted to design, implement and validate such an application to improve the performance of midwifery students in the areas of pregnancy and safe delivery. The present study will be conducted in three phases. In the first phase, content will be provided to Information Technology experts based on the content of the national guidelines for physiological delivery in Iran, and the application will be designed and validated for the use of midwifery students, then develop app for other medical students, midwives and physicians. In the second phase, the assessment will be based on Kirkpatrick's model. In the third stage, develop app for other medical students, midwives and physicians based on the results of the first and second phase. SPSS version 17 will be used in this phase for analysis of data through descriptive and analytical tests. Owing to the expansion of virtual space and the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, design, validation, and evaluation of an application for childbirth preparation classes is an exceptionally significant necessity which contributes to the process of educating midwifery students.

Evaluation of childbirth self-efficacy and associated factors among pregnant women.

Increasing the rate of Normal Vaginal Delivery (NVD) and reducing elective cesarean section is one of the important concerns, especially in Iran. Childbirth self-efficacy can play an important role in managing the fear of childbirth and increasing the rate of NVD. The aim of this study was to determine demographic, fertility, and social factors related to childbirth self-efficacy. The present study was a single-group, single-stage, multivariate, cross-sectional study that assessed childbirth self-efficacy and associated factors in 358 eligible pregnant women with gestational age of 37 weeks and over in Guilan (North Iranian province) from November 2018 to July 2019. Data collection was performed based on consecutive sampling method from the pregnant women referring to the prenatal clinic. Data collection tools included a demographic and reproductive characteristics questionnaire; Lowe's childbirth self-efficacy Inventory and Zimet's perceived social support multidimensional questionnaire. There was a significant relationship between the educational level of pregnant women and Outcome Expectancy (OE) and Self-efficacy Expectancy (EE) and also between the spousal level of education and OE (P < 0.05). Parity, previous experience of birth, participation in pregnancy preparation classes, access to information sources about childbirth, and birth preference were significantly related to OE and EE (P < 0.05). There was a significant relationship between the two domains of perceived social support, spouse and friends, and the OE and EE (P < 0.05). The multivariate logistic regression model revealed that birth preference was a predictor for OE and EE, while a pregnant woman's education level and perceived social support in the domain of significant others were predictors for OE. Spousal age, mean family income, and participation in the prenatal preparation classes were predictors for EE. Regarding the importance of self-efficacy in childbirth in encouraging pregnant women to perform NVD, pregnancy and childbirth preparation classes with an emphasis on concepts including self-efficacy of childbirth should be focused by midwives and other health-care workers in order to improve pregnant women's knowledge regarding the benefits of NVD and to strengthen their belief in the benefits of pain-compatible actions.

Implementation of birth plans integrated into childbirth preparation classes for vaginal birth: a qualitative study of women, their husbands and clinicians’ perspectives in Iran

BackgroundUnderstanding women’s experience of birth planning is necessary for introducing and implementing this process in the Iranian maternity services. This study aims to explore perceptions of birth plan implementation in Iran from the perspective of women, their husbands, and clinicians.MethodsThis qualitative study was conducted in Iran. Qualitative data were collected from November 2020 to March 2021 by conducting semi-structured in-depth interviews with ten mothers who prepared a birth plan, and 15 key informants (obstetricians, midwives, and husbands) who were involved in the implementation process of birth plans. Data were analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis.ResultsData reduction process resulted in 380 codes that were categorized in 16 subcategories and five main categories. The main categories were “Guide and pattern of preparing for childbirth pathway”, “Maternal empowerment and sense of triumph”, “Facilitating and enhancing communication”, “Successful transition to parenthood and women’s satisfaction”, and “Challenges associated with implementation of the birth plan”. The overarching theme “Birth plan: The missing link in promotion of vaginal birth in Iran” was constructed from these categories.ConclusionFindings of this study highlight the effectiveness of the implementation of birth plan along with childbirth preparation classes for increasing the likelihood of a successful vaginal birth and promoting empowerment and satisfaction in women during the childbirth process. The findings of this study could pave the way for developing, introducing, and implementing of birth plan in Iran.

Effectiveness of Virtual and In-person Methods of Education on Pregnant Women’s Satisfaction With Childbirth Preparation Classes: A Pilot Study

Background: Childbirth preparation classes are among the most important components of pregnancy education. This pilot study was conducted to compare the level of satisfaction of pregnant women from holding childbirth preparation classes using two methods of virtual and in-person training. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental post-test pilot study that was performed on 30 nulliparous women in Milad Hospital affiliated with Iran’s Social Security Organization, Tehran, Iran from September 2019 to June 2020. The subjects were recruited by convenience sampling and then were assigned voluntarily to two groups of virtual (n=15) and in-person (n=15) training. Both groups received the same educational content on childbirth preparation at 20 to 37 weeks of pregnancy. The virtual educational content was designed based on Mayer’s multimedia principles and shared through the Telegram application. The courses were held in eight 2-hour sessions. The satisfaction questionnaire was completed by the participants at 36-38 weeks of pregnancy. The significance level was set at P≤0.05. Results: There was a significant difference between the total score of satisfaction with childbirth preparation courses between the virtual group compared to the in-person training group (P=0.028). Also, the results showed that the virtual group was able to significantly attract the spouse’s participation in accepting the role of parent compared to the in-person group (P=0.05). Also, 100% and 46.7% of the virtual and in-person groups, respectively, were completely satisfied with the way the educational content was presented (P&lt;0.01). Conclusion: Considering the greater satisfaction of pregnant women with virtual training compared to in-person training and its important role in attracting the participation of the spouse and considering that in-person classes are held as a national routine, virtual classes are recommended to be held alongside in-person classes. It is also recommended to use a larger sample size and random allocation in future studies.

Evaluation of an integrated physical activity program for pregnant women: WELL-DONE! Study

Abstract Background Regular practice of physical activity (PA) during pregnancy has benefits for maternal and fetal health. Therefore, pregnant women (PW) should practice at least 150 minutes of moderate PA per week following the WHO guidelines. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of an adapted physical activity (APA) intervention for PW, to be included in childbirth preparation classes (CPCs) in terms of levels of PA, quality of life, physical performance, self-efficacy, sleep quality and anxious-depressive states. Methods The WELL-DONE! Study is a quasi-experimental study conducted with pregnant women at St. Orsola hospital, Bologna. We compared an experimental group (EG) with a control group (CG). EG attended 1hour/week session of APA during the usual CPCs for a 6 weeks period, while the CG received a one hour lesson about PA recommendation in pregnancy. The pre-post evaluation was carried out through questionnaires and motor tests, to which PW were subjected at baseline (T0), after the intervention (T1) and 3 months after delivery (T2). We used the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) to collect data regarding PA levels and sedentary behavior. Results A sample of 50 pregnant women aged between 29-46 (mean age=35.44±3.99) was involved in the study (39 CG, 11 EG). After the intervention, PPAQ sedentary activity score was reduced in the EG group (-10.20±24.12) while remaining similar in the CG (0.58±22.65) without statistically significant differences between groups. Conclusions Preliminary results of the study show a reduced sedentary time in PW, highlighting a positive trend in the EG. This data underlines that incorporating APA in the CPCs can be an effective and safe strategy. Nevertheless, further analysis must be needed to find out if this trend can be observed in light PA, in the moderate and vigorous one. Key messages • Physical activity during pregnancy is a valuable tool for improving both mother and child well-being. • Physical activity interventions, implemented in CPCs, seem useful in order to raise awareness about PA importance and reduce sedentarism in PW.

Impact of Nested Vark (Visual, Auditory, Read, Kinesthetic) Strategies on Parental Attachment, Anxiety, Maternal and Fetal Outcome Among First Time Childbearing Couples: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The transition to parenthood is not only a tremendous joy but also great stress to a mother (especially a primigravida) both physically and psychologically. The purpose of this research is to improve confidence in first-time childbearing couples, increase parental attachment, alleviate anxiety and promote the maternal and neonatal outcomes of delivery. In a randomized controlled trial design, simple randomization was utilized to enroll 300 first-time childbearing couples who have completed the 24th week of gestation (150 in control and experimental arms). Nested refers to fully contained antenatal exercises, kick chart monitoring, and the use of a preggy imitator. VARK strategies indicate visual (information exhibited through demonstration), auditory (preference for information that is heard or spoken through lectures), read (information displayed as words, text-based input and output), and kinesthetic (preference for gathering information through experience and practice, simulated real, through concrete personal experiences) strategies along with routine care were executed on the experimental group. Data was collected using Condon’s Parental Attachment Scale and Perinatal Anxiety Scale during the pre-test at the 24th week and post-tests at the 32nd, 33-34, and 36-38 weeks of gestation respectively, after the intervention through the self-administration method. Maternal and fetal outcomes were identified through medical records within 24 to 48 hours after delivery. The pre-test parental attachment mean score was significantly increased in post-test (Mothers: 61.44±3.27 to 77.89±32.44, fathers: 51.44±1.93 to 58.89±24.86) the for experimental group after the intervention compared to the control group (Pre-test score mother: 61.41±2.98 to 66.43±31.55, father: 51.24±3.95 to 49.30± 23.55) at p <0.001. The pre-test anxiety mean score was significantly reduced after intervention (mother: 44.60±3.92 to 16.57± 8.18, father: 22.55±3.41 to 6.28±4.47) for the experimental group compared to the control group (mother=46.22±5.12 to 25.03± 13.89, father=22.62±3.39 to 17.92± 9.92) at p <0. 001. The study findings recommend VARK strategies to be advocated with existing hands-on childbirth preparation classes for childbearing couples.

Relationship Between Childbirth Experience and Sexual Function and Sleep Quality in Iranian Postpartum Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The current cross-sectional study analyzed the relationship between childbirth experience and sexual function and sleep quality among women 4 to 5 months postpartum (N = 216). Data were collected using a sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics questionnaire, and the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire-2, Female Sexual Function Index, and Postpartum Sleep Quality Scale. Mean scores of childbirth experience, sexual function, and sleep quality were 2.6 (SD = 0.5), 24.3 (SD = 6.3), and 47.9 (SD = 8.6), respectively. There were significant correlations between childbirth experience and sleep quality (r = 0.16, p = 0.017) and sexual function (r = 0.26, p < 0.001). Results of the general linear model indicated that sexual function (β = 3.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.27, 4.87]) and sleep quality (β = 2.7, 95% CI [0.29, 4.65]) scores increased significantly as the score of childbirth experience increased. Given the direct correlation between childbirth experience and sexual function and sleep quality in postpartum women, implementation of specific programs, such as childbirth preparation classes, is recommended to improve childbirth experience to prevent negative consequences, such as sexual dysfunction and impaired sleep quality. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 60(12), 49-55.].

Prevalence and maternal determinants of early and late introduction of complementary foods: results from the Growing Up in New Zealand cohort study.

A nationally generalisable cohort (n 5770) was used to determine the prevalence of non-timely (early/late) introduction of complementary food and core food groups and associations with maternal sociodemographic and health behaviours in New Zealand (NZ). Variables describing maternal characteristics and infant food introduction were sourced, respectively, from interviews completed antenatally and during late infancy. The NZ Infant Feeding Guidelines were used to define early (≤ 4 months) and late (≥ 7 months) introduction. Associations were examined using multivariable multinomial regression, presented as adjusted relative risk ratios and 95 % confidence intervals (RRR; 95% CI). Complementary food introduction was early for 40·2 % and late for 3·2 %. The prevalence of early food group introduction were fruit/vegetables (23·8 %), breads/cereals (36·3 %), iron-rich foods (34·1 %) and of late were meat/meat alternatives (45·9 %), dairy products (46·2 %) and fruits/vegetables (9·9 %). Compared with infants with timely food introduction, risk of early food introduction was increased for infants: breastfed < 6months (2·52; 2·19-2·90), whose mothers were < 30 years old (1·69; 1·46-1·94), had a diploma/trade certificate v. tertiary education (1·39; 1·1-1·70), of Māori v. European ethnicity (1·40; 1·12-1·75) or smoked during pregnancy (1·88; 1·44-2·46). Risk of late food introduction decreased for infants breastfed < 6 months (0·47; 0.27-0·80) and increased for infants whose mothers had secondary v. tertiary education (2·04; 1·16-3·60) were of Asian v. European ethnicity (2·22; 1·35, 3·63) or did not attend childbirth preparation classes (2·23; 1·24-4·01). Non-timely food introduction, specifically early food introduction, is prevalent in NZ. Interventions to improve food introduction timeliness should be ethnic-specific and support longer breast-feeding.

Percepción de la atención sanitaria en la primera experiencia de maternidad y paternidad

ObjectiveTo explore the perceptions of new mothers and fathers about the health care received during the transition to parenthood. MethodQualitative study based on 12 semi-structured interviews with seven women who conformed a self-help group, and five of their partners, in Segovia, Spain (2018–2019). A qualitative content analysis was used. ResultsFive categories were identified: (1) health care received during the prenatal stage; (2) health care received during childbirth; (3) postpartum care for women; (4) health response during parenting; and (5) gestation and benefits of a self-help group. In the prenatal period they needed more information about childbirth and postpartum and preparation to support them in the transition to parenthood. In childbirth, there was a failure to meet expectations regarding the health care received. In the postpartum period, they expressed the need for greater follow-up of women from a biopsychosocial perspective. In pediatric visits, the importance of encouraging the participation of fathers was reported. Women stated that there are currently no health benefits that favor the establishment of support networks and safe spaces where they can express their feelings and emotions. ConclusionsIt is necessary to reformulate existing spaces such as childbirth preparation classes and breastfeeding support groups, and to implement new strategies from the health care point of view. It is also essential to reinforce comprehensive, humanized health care that encourages parental involvement.

Dissemination of atopic dermatitis and food allergy information to pregnant women in an online childbirth preparation class.

Evidence-based allergy prevention strategies have been reported, but strategies for dissemination have not been evaluated. Improving health literacy and awareness of allergies in pregnant mothers is 1 example of dissemination and implementation science that could help prevent allergic diseases and promote early detection of allergic diseases in children. We evaluated the usefulness of an online childbirth preparation class about prevention and early detection of allergic diseases in offspring. From January 2021 to August 2021, an online allergy class for pregnant mothers was provided at the hospital in Tokyo. We conducted an online survey about allergy topics before and after the online childbirth preparation class. A total of 106 pregnant women attended the online allergy class, and 92 (86.8%) responded to the online survey. Of the respondents, 90 (97.8%) were worried about the development of allergies in their children. The topic that attracted the most attention in the lecture was the prevention of atopic dermatitis by means of skin care. The percentages of correct responses regarding allergy prevention strategies increased after the class. All mothers believed that the class was useful, the information should be disseminated to the public, and the practices should be implemented. In online childbirth preparation classes, information about allergy based on dissemination and implementation science could strengthen allergy literacy among pregnant women.