Perceptions Of Mothers Research Articles

The Effect of Hot Application Applied to the Breast with the Help of the Thera Pearl in the Postpartum Period on Mothers' Milk Perception and Postpartum Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Breastfeeding difficulties are often present in the first weeks of the postpartum period, and various factors can cause a mother's early cessation of breastfeeding. Such factors include mothers' self-efficacy and perception of insufficient milk. This study aimed to examine the effect of a hot application on the breast with the help of the Thera Pearl in the postpartum period on milk perception and breastfeeding self-efficacy. This was a randomized controlled trial. This study was completed with 64 puerperal mothers, 31 of whom were control and 33 were experimental. A Personal Information Form, Breastfeeding Observation Form, Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale, and Insufficient Milk Perception Scale were used to collect data. The average breastfeeding self-efficacy scale scores of the experimental group were 42.46 and 62, respectively, at the first and last follow-up, while the control group's mean scores were 57.42 and 47. The average scores of the experimental group on the insufficient milk perception scale were 19, 28, and 48, respectively, from the first to the last follow-up, while those of the control group were 28, 24, and 34, respectively. As a result, self-efficacy and milk perception are important factors affecting breastfeeding. In this study, we found that Thera Pearl application increased breastfeeding self-efficacy but did not affect milk perception.

Abstract PO3-11-11: Reproductive concerns of Japanese young women with breast cancer: a longitudinal study

Abstract Background: Treatment-related infertility is one of the major concerns of young women with breast cancer. We explored the longitudinal change and factors associated with reproductive concerns of Japanese young women in a prospective cohort study. Method: Women under the age of forty with newly diagnosed, histologically confirmed, operable breast cancer were recruited to “Hope for YBC Project” (UMIN000034481). The participants were asked to respond to anonymous self-written questionnaire regarding reproductive concern, anxiety and depression, perception of motherhood and socio-economic status at baseline and 6M. Result: Among 215 participants who were enrolled in the study, the mean age of 143 participants who responded to both the questionnaire at baseline and 6M was 35.7 (range 25-39): 78 (54.5%) had a university degree or higher, 104 (72.7%) had a partner, 65 (45.5%) had more than one child, and 84 (58.8%) had a household income more than 5 million yen. 57 (39.9%) had desire for having a baby, 37 (25.9%) were unsure and 43 (33.6%) were not interested. Among 143, 33 (23%) attempted fertility preservation. Baseline score of Reproductive Concerns After Cancer scale (RCAC) had weak correlation with the total scores of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) (r=.397, p< .001) and Decision Conflict Scale (DCS) (r=.365, p< .001), respectively. Perceived “sufficient explanation of the risk of recurrence” and “sufficient explanation of the necessity and benefit of pharmacotherapy” were significantly associated with reduced DCS score at baseline (p< 0.001). The desire for having a baby changed in 15 women (10.5%) at 6M. Although both DCS and HADS significantly lowered at 6M, there was no difference between RCAC score at baseline and at 6M. RCAC score at 6M had correlation with RCAC(r=.793, p< .001), DCS(r=.439, p< .001), and HADS (r=.401, p< .001) scores at baseline. RCAC score at 6M was also associated with younger age (r=.311), non-existence of partner (p=.001), non-existence of child (p=.014), desire for having a baby (p< .001) at baseline, attempt of fertility preservation (p=.025) and not receiving endocrine treatment (p=.047). Conclusion: Reproductive concerns of young women remained throughout the treatment, and concerns at later treatment phase were associated with decision conflict and anxiety at diagnosis. These results shows that young women, especially those who have higher risk of having reproductive concern, need psychological and decision support at diagnosis, including thorough explanation of risk of recurrence and benefit of systemic treatment from oncologists. Citation Format: Chie Watanabe, Hiroko Bando, Akemi Kataoka, Mai Okazaki, Tadahiko Shien, Eriko Tokunaga, Takashi Kuwayama, Chikako Shimizu. Reproductive concerns of Japanese young women with breast cancer: a longitudinal study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO3-11-11.

Second dose of measles-containing vaccine coverage and associated factors among children aged 24-36 months in Gondar city, Central Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia, 2023.

Measles caused 207,000 deaths worldwide in 2019. Ethiopia ranks among the top 10 countries in the world with the highest number of measles cases. However, the coverage of the second dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV2) remains low. To increase coverage, the government of Ethiopia launched a nationwide measles vaccination campaign. Despite this intervention, the coverage is still below target, and there is scarce information in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess MCV2 coverage and associated factors among children aged 24-36 months in Gondar city, Central Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia, 2023. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 621 children aged 24-36 months using a systematic random sampling technique from 25 April to 25 May. A pre-tested, interviewer-administered, and structured questionnaire was used and collected using Kobo Toolbox and then transferred to Stata version 17 for further analysis. The binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors, and the presence of an association was declared using a p-value of <0.05. Similarly, an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to interpret the direction and strength of an association. A total of 621 children, with a response rate of 98.1%, participated in the study. The coverage of the second dose of MCV was 75.68% (95% CI: 72.1-78.9). The following factors were significantly associated with measles-containing vaccine second dose (MCV2) coverage: father as the household head (AOR: 3.06, 95% CI: 1.43-6.44), first birth order (AOR: 4.45, 95% CI: 1.21-16.3), four and above antenatal care (ANC) follow-ups (AOR: 5.18, 95% CI:1.62-16.5), postnatal care (PNC) service utilization (AOR: 2.57, 95% CI:1.27-5.15), at least two doses of vitamin A uptake (AOR: 6.39, 95% CI: 2.67-15.2), mothers having high awareness (AOR: 1.97, 95% CI:1.15-3.4), and good perception (AOR: 3.6, 95% CI: 2-6.47) about measles vaccination. The coverage of MCV2 in the study area is lower than the national and global target of above 95%. Head of household, birth order, ANC follow-up, PNC service utilization, vitamin A uptake, awareness, and perception of mothers about measles vaccination were significant factors for MCV2 coverage. Creating awareness, increasing the perception of mothers about measles vaccination, and strengthening the ANC and PNC services will increase the coverage.

Investigation of the Relationship Between Mothers' Perceptions of Risky Play and Their Children's Self-Concepts

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between the perceptions of mothers of children attending preschool institutions about risky play and children's self-concept and the relationship between gender. In line with this purpose, it was conducted using the relational survey model, one of the quantitative research methods. The sample of the study was determined using the convenience sampling method. The sample of the study consisted of 257 volunteer children and the mothers of the same children. In the study, a general information form developed by the researcher was used to obtain information about the demographic characteristics of the children and their families. As a data collection tool, "Scale for the Attitudes Towards Risky Play at Early Childhood - Parent Form (SATRPEC-PF)" was used to evaluate mothers' perceptions about risky play, and Perception of Child Self-Concept (PCSC) was used to evaluate children's self-concept. The data obtained from the study were created using Spearman Rank Correlation analysis. When the scores obtained from SATRPEC-PF and PCSC were compared, a positive correlation was found between PCSC scores and Pro-beliefs scores from SATRPEC-PF sub-factors, and a negative correlation was found between Feeling Anxiety. No significant relationship was found between Distinguishing Risky Behaviors, Supporting Children, and Parental Support factors. While there was a significant relationship between girls' PCSC scores and SATRPEC-PF Pro-beliefs sub-factor, Distinguishing Risky Behaviors sub-factor, and Feeling Anxiety sub-factor, no significant relationship was found between the Supporting Children and Parental Support sub-factors. A significant relationship was found only between boys' PCSC scores and the Pro-beliefs sub-factor of SATRPEC-PF. Suggestions were presented in line with the findings obtained from the study.

PERCEPTIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF MOTHERS WITH A HISTORY OF EPISIOTOMY ON BARRIERS AND SOCIAL SUPPORT IN BREASTFEEDING

Abstract Background: Breastfeeding rates in Indonesia have decreased significantly in recent years. In 2021, less than half of babies in Indonesia (48.6 percent) were breastfed in the first hour of life, down from 58.2 percent in 2018. Only 52.5 percent were exclusively breastfed in the first six months, which is a decrease sharply from 64.5 percent in 2018. The success of breastfeeding is determined by several inhibiting and supporting factors, one of which is anxiety due to an episiotomy. Episiotomy is often performed to prevent more severe perineal tearing during labor, but there is controversy regarding the benefits and risks of episiotomy, as well as its impact on breastfeeding practices. Objective: To describe the perceptions and experiences of mothers with a history of episiotomy regarding barriers and support in providing breast milk at 7 days postpartum at Airlangga University Hospital, Surabaya City. Method: This research was conducted using qualitative methods with a phenomenological approach/Interpretive Phenomelogical Analysis (IPA). The method for taking subjects used purposive sampling. This research involved a total of 8 informants. The analysis method used is content analysis. Results: It was found that the perception of mothers with a history of episiotomy regarding breastfeeding and their intention to breastfeed was still low. The experience of providing breast milk varies greatly and mothers tend to be physically and emotionally uncomfortable. Social support is very important for mothers' behavior in providing breast milk. There are physical and psychological barriers associated with episiotomy including pain, physical discomfort, anxiety about health and recovery so that breastfeeding behavior becomes disrupted.

Developing and Testing PREDHIS (Pregnant Dental Health Information System): A Self-Detection Tool for Oral Disease Risk Factors in Pregnant Women

During pregnancy, gum sensitivity and the possibility of gum bleeding increases. Thedental and oral examination program during pregnancy can be carried out in conjunction with thepregnancy check-up program schedule and suggests the use of the Pregnant Women's Healthy Dental Card (KASIH) for dental and oral disease risk assessment since early pregnancy which is then referred to the Dental Clinic. However, the implementation has not been maximized due to the lack of cooperation of the party in charge of health services, as well as the insignificant number of visits of pregnant women referred to the dental clinic from the MCH clinic due to the mother's perception of the need for a healthy oral cavity. This study aims to produce a detection tool application that is feasible according to experts and acceptable to pregnant women as a tool that is able to detect risk factors for oral and dental disease in pregnant women independently. This study was Research and Development with a sample of 15 pregnant women as a test sample for acceptance of the development model. the result is PREDHIS as self-detection tool which android- based mobile apps, said to be very feasible according to the assessment of information technology experts, dental health experts and maternal and child health experts, and has a good level of user acceptance in providing usefulness and convenience based on the assessment of pregnant women. Hence, this study shown that a system can be built, namely the PREDHIS which is able to detect risk factors for oral and dental disease in pregnant women independently which is feasible and acceptable according to needs assessment.

Nurse-mother communication and support: Perceptions of mothers in neonatal units

IntroductionHaving a hospitalized neonate is a stressful experience for parents, especially mothers. Thus, in recent years, a paradigm shift occurred in the neonatal units, focusing on the needs of parents and supporting them in addition to caring for neonates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nurse-mother communication and support in neonatal units in Bushehr, Iran. MethodThis descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in neonatal units of 6 hospitals in Bushehr, Iran, in 2022. Using the census method, all eligible mothers who met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. Data collection tools included demographic information form, nurse-parent support tool and nurse-parent communication questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS version 24 using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation test. ResultsThe total mean score of nurse-parent support tool was 3.72 ± 0.72 and the total mean score of nurse-parent communication questionnaire was 59/27 ± 12/82. Caregiving support had the highest mean score (4.07 ± 73 0.73) and emotional support had the lowest (3.42 ± 91 0.91). Also, a statistically significant difference was seen between the admitted unit variable and the mean score of nurse-mother communication and support. Additionally, there was a statistically significant difference between the mechanical ventilation status of the neonate and the mean score of nurse-mother support. A significant positive correlation was seen between the neonatal gestational age and the mean score of nurse-mother communication. ConclusionsThe total mean score of nurse-parent support and communication was moderate. Therefore, nursing support and communication need to be improved. Planning is needed to enhance the role of neonatal nurses and strengthen their support and communication skills in line with the family-centered care approach.

Highly Educated Mother's Perception of Childhood Vaccination Hesitancy in Kazakhstan: A Thematic Analysis.

Vaccine hesitancy among parents directly affects the child's vaccination status since they are the legal decision-makers regarding vaccinating their children. The study aimed to describe the perceptions of highly educated Kazakhstani mothers about childhood vaccination hesitancy. The study utilized a thematic analysis to explore the mothers' perceptions. A sample of 95 participants comprehensively answered the free-text questions in an online questionnaire from January to February 2023. The analysis of the free-text responses followed a semantic thematic analysis approach. The data were coded manually. From the in-depth analysis of the data, 285 initial codes were extracted. The combination of similar meanings and concept codes led to 14 sub-themes and finally yielded four significant themes: misconceptions about childhood vaccination, fear of the effect of vaccine on children, distrust of the healthcare system, and social learning factors. The perceptions of Kazakh mothers about childhood vaccination hesitancy may lead to behaviors of delaying and refusing some or all childhood vaccines. Therefore, motivational and educational strategies can be used by healthcare providers to instill trust in parents about childhood vaccines and their safety and effectiveness.

The role of maternal health beliefs in prevention of preschoolers' obesity.

Childhood obesity is one of the most serious global public health challenges of the 21st century, affecting every country in the world. Mothers' beliefs and perceptions about their children's obesity and overweight are key to obesity prevention. Given the importance of this issue, the present study aimed to determine perceptions and beliefs of mothers' nutritional behaviors related to overweight preschool children. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 350 mothers of preschool children with health records who were referred to child health assessment centers. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire based on the health belief model. SPSS19 was used for data analysis. P < 0.05 was considered significant. The participants (350) included 52% 25-36 years old, and 57.3% live in rural areas. There was a significant difference in the mean perceived susceptibility between mothers with obese children and normal-weight children (P < 0.05). There was a significant positive relationship between severity and perceived benefits and a significant negative relationship with mothers' knowledge. There was also a significant negative relationship between self-efficacy and perceived barriers (P > 0.05). The results of this study showed that maternal health beliefs were effective in the formation of obesity prevention behaviors in children. In this regard, educational interventions can play an important role in the proper practice of such behaviors.

Benefits and Challenges of Implementing an Adaptation of Family Integrated Care in a Ugandan Setting.

Family Integrated Care (FICare) integrates parents as partners in neonatal intensive care unit care. Our team adapted and implemented this approach in a Ugandan unit for hospitalized neonates. This qualitative descriptive study examined the perceptions of mothers and healthcare professionals (HCPs) of the benefits and challenges of this new approach to care. Fifty-one mothers of hospitalized neonates born weighing greater than 2000 g participated in the program. They were taught to assess neonate danger signs, feeding, and weight. After discharge, a subsample (n = 15) participated in focus groups to explore benefits and challenges of their participation in care. Interviews with 8 HCPs were also conducted for the same purpose. Transcripts from focus groups and interviews were analyzed using inductive content analysis to describe the benefits and challenges from the perspectives of mothers and HCPs. For mothers a benefit was decreased stress. Both mothers and HCPs reported that the knowledge and skills mothers acquired were a benefit as was their ability to apply these to the care of their neonate. Improved relations between mothers and HCPs were described, characterized by greater exchange of information and HCPs' attentiveness to mothers' assessments. Mothers felt ready for discharge and used their knowledge at home. HCPs noted a decrease in their workload. Challenges included the need for mothers to overcome fears about performing the tasks, their own well-being and literacy skills, and access to equipment. Mothers' participation in their neonates' care can have benefits for them and their neonate.

Dysphoric milk ejection reflex among Japanese mothers: a self-administered survey

BackgroundThe dysphoric milk ejection reflex (D-MER) is a reflex that causes temporary discomfort during milk ejection. D-MER develops due to the effects of hormones involved in lactation, and it has been reported that it is a physiological symptom different from postpartum depression, but the actual situation is unknown in Japan.MethodsThis study was conducted using a self-administered, anonymous survey of mothers of children who had undergone health checkups at three years of age at five health centers in Kagoshima city and aimed to clarify the reality and perceptions of mothers regarding D-MER. The survey period was from May to September, 2022. The questionnaires were distributed to 389 mothers, and 216 (55.5% recovery rate) responses were received, of which 202 (valid response rate 93.5%) were included in the analysis.ResultsRegarding the experience of D-MER, 202 mothers in the study population had given birth to a total of 403 children and experienced D-MER when breastfeeding 62 children (15.4%). Of the 202 mothers included in the analysis, 47 (23.3%) answered that they had experienced D-MER with at least one child while breastfeeding. Sixty-six mothers (32.7%) knew about D-MER. Compared to those who had not experienced D-MER, those who had experienced D-MER had significantly higher scores on the items related to having had trouble breastfeeding (odds ratio (OR]: 3.78; 95% confidence interval (CI]: 1.57, 9.09) and knowing about D-MER (OR 2.41; 95% CI 1.20, 4.84). Regarding symptoms, irritability (n = 24, 51.1%), anxiety (n = 22, 46.8%), and sadness (n = 18, 38.3%) ranked high. Coping strategies included distraction, focusing on the child, and, in some cases, cessation of breastfeeding. Thirty mothers (63.8%) answered that they did not consult anyone, citing reasons such as a belief that no one would be likely to understand their symptoms, and that they could not sufficiently explain their symptoms.ConclusionThe low level of awareness of D-MER suggests that it is necessary to inform and educate mothers and the public about the physiological symptoms of D-MER. Moreover, it is necessary to listen to the feelings of mothers with D-MER and support them in coping with their symptoms.

Perception of fathers and mothers about the sports practice of young athletes: a qualitative study

Perception of fathers and mothers about the sports practice of young athletes: a qualitative study

The Lum emotional availability of parents scale among Portuguese adolescents: a psychometric evaluation

ABSTRACT Emotional availability of parents plays a crucial role in the psychological well-being and development of adolescents. However, previous studies have primarily focused on assessing maternal emotional availability. The Lum Emotional Availability of Parents (LEAP) scale was developed, considering both mothers’ and fathers’ emotional availability. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the LEAP scale among Portuguese adolescents (N = 202). The results confirmed the unifactorial structure of the LEAP scale. Convergent construct validity was supported. Specifically, adolescents’ perceptions of higher emotional availability from parents were related to better health-related quality of life. The LEAP scale also demonstrated small but positive associations with emotion regulation, with higher emotional availability being linked to lower use of expressive suppression and greater use of cognitive reappraisal. In conclusion, the findings suggest that the LEAP scale is a valid instrument for assessing adolescents’ perceptions of both mothers’ and fathers’ emotional availability.

"…He's not beating me"-Socio-cultural construction of intimate partner violence and traditional birth attendants: implications for maternal & child health in rural communities in Hohoe, Ghana.

Most research on Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) focuses on the physical, sexual and psychological abuse, with less focus on the financial abuse. This study explores nursing mothers' experiences and perceptions of financial and material support from their significant others and traditional birth attendants' (TBA) observations of support to nursing mothers in their communities. Using purposive sampling, focus groups and interviews were conducted primarily in Ewe language among nursing mothers and TBAs in rural communities in Hohoe, Volta region, Ghana. All discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed for analysis. Thematic analysis guided by the social constructivist framework was used in data analysis. Twenty-seven women participated in the study, ranging in ages from 19 to 82 (20 nursing mothers; 7 TBAs). Most participants were married (19) and about 65% reported working outside the home (10 nursing mothers; 7 TBAs). Two themes emerged from the data analysis: Lack of support from partners for housekeeping chores and finances; and TBAs as mediators. Nursing mothers who reported lack of financial support did not perceive it as abuse, rather as hinderance to their efforts to care for their children. TBAs act as mediators interceding on behalf of nursing mothers with their husbands and fathers of their children, while also seeking resources to support them. Understanding the perceptions and socio-cultural meanings women attached to IPV experience is essential for effective intervention to reduce IPV. In addition, TBAs can be a resource in intervening to alleviate IPV in their communities, thereby improving maternal and child health.

The Meaning of Motherhood: Perception of Mothers Living with HIV in Southern Thailand

Introduction: Women should have their rights to become mothers regardless of their health conditions. The literature suggests that HIV-positive mothers want to become a mother but encounter many difficulties. However, little is known about the meaning of motherhood among southern Thai women living with HIV. This paper explores the perception of motherhood among these mothers. Methods: Semi-structured in-depth interviewing and drawing methods were combined to collect data from 30 HIV-positive mothers. Thematic method was employed to analyse the data. Results: Three themes were constructed from data analysis: 1) meaning of motherhood and desire to have children, 2) what makes women to be more confidence to have more children, and 3) the importance of children: A social capital value. Motherhood was perceived as an important role in producing children for the future of society and they desired to have children because becoming a mother signified their womanhood. Having a child could fulfill their married life as the child would nourish their relationship as a couple and provide social support for them. They were confident that their children would have high chance of survival rate because of the advanced modern medical care they had access to. Mothers strictly followed the advice and kept appointments to help reduce the chance of HIV transmission to babies. Conclusion: Children were seen as social capital to HIV-positive mothers and thus had a special meaning to them. However, the desire and the rights to become a mother among Thai HIV-positive mothers were common and deserved greater attention.

PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS TEENAGE PREGNANCY AND LIFESTYLES DETERMINANTS AMONG PREGNANT ADOLESCENTS

Teenage pregnancy is still a social problem with physical and psychological implications in many countries worldwide. This study aimed to examine the perceptions of teenage mothers toward pregnancy and their lifestyle determinants. A cross-sectional study was carried out among a convenience sample of 30 teenage mothers who attended one purposefully selected Maternal Child Health Clinic in Kuching. The study involved 30 teenage mothers between 13 and 19 years of age who had registered with an antenatal clinic and attended the follow-up. The perceptions of teenage mothers towards pregnancy were more often negative, with 19 (63.3%) having no knowledge of prevention and 11 (36.7%) having some knowledge of pregnancy prevention. Lifestyle determinants of teenage mothers included parents who were concerned about social limitations; loitering or socializing with friends and consuming alcohol can increase the desire for sex, clubbing, and smoking. Findings from this study have shown that 87% of teenage mothers enjoyed loitering or socializing with friends, with clubbing as their main activity. It was found that 66.7% were smokers and 73% consumed alcohol. In addition, 80% of the teenage mothers claimed they were having less communication with their parents despite staying with them. In conclusion, the perceptions and lifestyles adopted by teenagers were significantly related to being pregnant at a young age.

Studying Mothers' Knowledge and Perceptions of Adolescent Reproductive Health

Background: Reproductive health education is obtaining information and forming attitudes and beliefs about sex, sexual identity, relationships, and intimacy. Mothers are the primary caregivers and have an essential role in providing reproductive health and sexual education to adolescents. Parents' lack of reproductive health education triggers deviation; therefore, parents, especially mothers, can provide comprehensive reproductive health education to prevent free sexual behaviour and sexual crimes in adolescents. Purpose: To measure the knowledge and perception of mothers about adolescent reproductive health Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a descriptive design. The study involved 135 respondents who were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Analysis using descriptive, T-test and Pearson correlation. Results: More than 50% of respondents answered that adolescents' reproductive health education should be parents' responsibility and education should begin during elementary school. There was a correlation between mothers' knowledge and perception of adolescent reproductive health (r=0.44, p&lt;0.001). Most mothers were afraid of providing sex education due to their ignorance of teaching methods and their lack of knowledge, and mothers wanted to learn about adolescent reproductive health from experts. Conclusion: Mothers want to learn more about sex education from experts or health workers. They were interested in male/female sexual structure and sexual physiology. Open communication between mother and child on sex-related issues is essential. Providing accurate and up-to-date sex education information to parents is vital to effectively educating their children at home.

발달장애학생 어머니가 인식하는 삶의 질, 가족지지 및 사회적지지

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the perception of mothers of students with developmental disabilities on quality of life, family support, and social support. Method: The participants of the study were 304 mothers of students with autism spectrum disorder and 174 mothers of students with intellectual disabilities. The data on quality of life, family support, and social support of 478 mothers of students with developmental disabilities were collected through an electronic questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and two independent samples t test, F test, and stepwise multiple regression analysis were implemented for analyzing the data. Results: First, there were differences of quality of life, family support, and social support perceived by the mothers of students with developmental disabilities according to the type of disability and the educational placement of their child. Second, there was no difference of quality of life, family support, and social support perceived by the mothers of students with developmental disabilities according to the gender and the grade of their child. Lastly, instrumental support and emotional support of family support, and material support and emotional support of social support had an impact on the quality of life of mothers of students with developmental disabilities. Conclusions: The type of developmental disability, educational placement, family support, and social support should be considered in developing programs and policies for improving the quality of life of the mothers of students with developmental disabilities.

Black men's perceptions of mothers as primary support for wellness

AbstractBlack men regard their mothers as the source of primary support and may benefit from having counselors incorporate their mothers into the counseling process. In this study, the researchers attempted to understand Black men's lived experiences and the impact of their mother's influence upon their wellbeing. Drawing on interviews with 10 Black men, the researchers excavated 5 themes related to development and wellness of Black men as clients. The researchers discussed the results with implications for counselors, along with current study's limitations.

Exploring Breastfeeding Mothers’ and Lactation Consultants’ Experiences of Lactation Consultancy Throughout the Restrictions Put in Place Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background Breastfeeding rates in Ireland are among the lowest in the world. Lactation consultancy provides mothers with support and information on how to cope with any challenges they encounter. There is emerging evidence that COVID-19 restrictions impacted access to and the quality of breastfeeding support. The aim of this study was to explore breastfeeding mothers’ and lactation consultants’ experiences of breastfeeding support throughout the COVID-19 restrictions in Ireland. It also aimed to explore what adaptations had to be made to the delivery of lactation consultancy and how these changes impacted mothers’ experiences of breastfeeding support. Methods A qualitative research design was chosen. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight participants, three breastfeeding mothers and five lactation consultants. Interviews were conducted online via Zoom, audio-recorded and transcribed. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Five key themes were identified: ‘Lack of Support’, ‘Adapting to COVID-19 Restrictions’, Emotional Response to COVID-19 and Restrictions’, Vaccination as a Barrier to and Facilitator of Support’ and Inconsistency of Lactation Support Across Ireland’. Both lactation consultants and mothers identified similar issues however, slight variations within lactation consultants' perceptions of mothers’ and mothers’ attitudes towards online services were seen. An unanticipated finding was the lack of support in hospitals pre-COVID-19. Conclusions Both mothers’ and lactation consultants’ experiences of lactation consultancy were impacted by the COVID-19 restrictions. Although exacerbated by COVID-19, the lack of support in hospitals existed before COVID-19. Provision of better breastfeeding support is required. Increased availability of lactation consultants and the implementation of breastfeeding rooms within hospitals is required in addition to debrief counselling sessions for lactation consultants. Further research is required to understand the unavailability of lactation consultants in hospital settings and to identify how to manage breastfeeding support in future emergency situations.