Postnatal Ward Research Articles

An exploratory study on midwives' fear of childbirth in Türkiye.

This study examines Fear of Childbirth (FoC) among pregnant midwives in Türkiye using the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire-Version A (W-DEQ A). A cross-sectional design was employed, including 270 healthy pregnant midwives in their 28th to 40th gestational weeks, who were employed in healthcare and had internet and social media access. Data were gathered through social media between platforms February and July 2023 using the Participant Introduction Form and W-DEQ A, and analyzed with SPSS 25.0 (p<0.05).The mean W-DEQ A score was 78.70 (±26.59), indicating severe FoC, with 53.3% experiencing clinically significant levels. FoC scores were higher among midwives working in labor and gynecology units compared to postnatal wards (p<0.05). Positive correlations were identified between FoC and variables such as age, midwifery experience, and perceived labor pain severity. These findings underscore the influence of professional settings on FoC, emphasizing the need for targeted support and training to improve outcomes.

LoVE4MUM Mobile App to Prevent Postpartum Depression: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Postpartum depression remains a significant concern, posing substantial challenges to maternal well-being, infant health, and the mother-infant bond, particularly in the face of barriers to traditional support and interventions. Previous studies have shown that mobile health (mHealth) interventions offer an accessible means to facilitate early detection and management of mental health issues while at the same time promoting preventive care. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Leveraging on Virtual Engagement for Maternal Understanding & Mood-enhancement (LoVE4MUM) mobile app, which was developed based on the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy and psychoeducation and serves as an intervention to prevent postpartum depression. This single-blinded, pilot randomized controlled trial includes 64 mothers recruited from the postnatal ward and randomized using a 1:1 ratio to receive either postpartum care (treatment as usual) or postpartum care (treatment as usual) plus the self-guided LoVE4MUM mobile app. The primary outcome is the effectiveness of the mobile app at improving postpartum depression. Secondary outcomes are changes in the mental health literacy score and negative automatic thoughts, which are collected using a self-reported questionnaire. Patient recruitment began on September 1, 2024. As of January 1, 2025, recruitment was successfully completed, with a total of 72 participants enrolled: 36 in the intervention group and 36 in the control group . The final results are anticipated to be available by March 2025, and publication is expected by the end of 2025. By examining the LoVE4MUM app alongside standard postpartum care, this pilot randomized controlled trial seeks to offer preliminary evidence on the potential of mHealth tools to improve maternal mental health as well as to reduce postpartum depression symptoms. The findings are expected to contribute to the future development of effective, accessible, and scalable interventions for mothers. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06366035; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06366035. PRR1-10.2196/63564.

Unstructured Parental Feedback at A Tertiary Maternity Hospital: A Cohort Study Using Routinely Collected Health Data.

Hospital care for neonates can be challenging for parents, and a negative parental experience can affect the well-being of the infant after discharge. A family-centred approach is the gold standard of care in neonatology. This study aimed to identify common themes in voluntary unstructured feedback received from parents and caregivers of infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit, special care nursery or postnatal ward or followed up by neonatal outpatient services at a tertiary Australian Women and Children's Hospital. These findings are intended to inform the development of effective family-centred neonatal care approaches. This single-centre observational study used routinely collected unstructured parental voluntary feedback received between 2010 and 2021. All feedback is entered prospectively in the online consumer feedback module of a reporting database (RiskMan). Deductive thematic analysis (whereby themes, codes and categories were chosen prior to the analysis) was used to analyse the extracted quotations. During the study period, 3533 unstructured feedback items were received. Most of the feedback received was compliments (2725/3533, 77.1%). The main feedback category was 'staff competency and efficiency', which accounted for 80.8% (2201/2755) of the compliments and 45.0% (364/808) of the complaints. Most complaints were from outpatient services and postnatal wards and centred around 'infrastructure and systems' (280/808, 34.7%) and 'information, explanation and communication' (152/808, 18.8%). Parental satisfaction was positively affected by 'staff competency and efficiency'. This study supports collecting and analysing unstructured feedback to reflect parental experiences and drive quality improvement.

Assessment of the Knowledge and Perception Regarding Breast-feeding and Immunization Among the Post-natal mothers at a Tertiary Care Hospital, Bangalore - A Cross-sectional Study

Background Breastfeeding and immunization play a pivotal role in ensuring infant and child well-being encompassing vital aspects of survival nutrition growth and development. Maternal and child health is a critical concern globally with significant implications for public health. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of breastfeeding and immunization practices among postnatal mothers and the associated factors intertwined with these practices.Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from August to September 2023 involving 262 post-natal mothers admitted to post-natal wards inborn wards Kangaroo-mother-care KMC and post-partum care units at Vanivilas Hospital Bangalore. Using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire data were collected through a face-to-face interview method were entered in Microsoft-Excel and analysed using SPSS version 26.0.Results The study showed that postnatal mothers had strong knowledge about breastfeeding and immunization with 92.4 planning to exclusively breastfeed. Most avoided pre-lacteal feeds 90.8 and started breastfeeding within 2-3 hours of delivery 42.8. A high percentage 87 were aware of colostrum benefits and most adhered to frequent feeding schedules. Mothers also showed strong commitment to following the National Immunization Schedule.Conclusion The study revealed that most postnatal mothers had good knowledge of breastfeeding and immunization with a strong commitment to exclusive breastfeeding and timely immunization. However gaps in awareness about adequate feeding signs suggest the need for enhanced prenatal education and increased support from lactation consultants to improve the feeding practices.

The birth satisfaction scale: Igbo adaptation, validation, and reliability study

BackgroundAn important indicator of mothers’ satisfaction with their care is birth satisfaction. Maternal health care can only be deemed to be of good quality if mothers are satisfied with the care they received. This increases maternal joy. A vital tool for understanding the delivery process from the mother’s point of view is the Birth Satisfaction Scale - Revised (BSS-R). Nigeria stands to gain from the modification and implementation of BSS-R in terms of improving care, measuring maternal health, and reducing the high prevalence of adverse obstetric outcomes.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to convert the Birth Satisfaction Scale - Revised (BSS-R) into the Igbo language and examine its validity and reliability.Materials and methodsA study with a cross-sectional design was conducted on 500 women who gave birth at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching hospital in Abakaliki between March 1 and August 31, 2019. In the postnatal ward, data were gathered using the BSS-R questionnaire. SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the collected data. Through validation and reliability analyses, the scale’s characteristics were examined. P-values less than 0.05 indicate a significant level.ResultsThe mean age of the women was 28.8 ± 4.7 years; the majority (230, 46.0%) were between the age group of 30–40 years. Three-fifth of the study participants had formal education. The majority (460, 92.0%) were multipara and had delivered mostly (326, 65.2%) at Full Term. Three Component loading were identified in the Scale. Examination of the pattern matrix showed three components/themes: support by staff during labour (I felt well supported by staff during my labour and birth (r = 0.875); parturient confidence during labour (I felt out of control during my birth experience (r = 0.714) and distraught during labour (I was not distressed at all during labour (r = 0.821). Communality value (r2) mostly ranged between 0.507 and 0.801. The scale had a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.62. This increased to 0.70 following removal of “I was not distressed at all during labour” responses from the analysis.ConclusionThe Igbo version of BSS-R has good internal consistency. It is a valid and a reliable scale to be employed in assessing maternal satisfaction among Igbo speaking women in the study area and Nigeria in general.

Differences between neonatal units with high and low rates of breast milk feeding for very preterm babies at discharge: a qualitative study of staff experiences

BackgroundBreast milk has significant benefits for preterm babies, but ‘very preterm’ babies are unable to feed directly from the breast at birth. Their mothers have to initiate and sustain lactation through expressing milk for tube feeding until their babies are developmentally ready to feed orally. There are wide disparities between neonatal units in England in rates of breast milk feeding at discharge. This study explored health professionals’ experiences of barriers and facilitators to their role in supporting breast milk feeding and breastfeeding for very preterm babies.Methods12 health professionals were interviewed, from four neonatal units in England with high or low rates of breast milk feeding at discharge. Interviews were analysed using comparative thematic analysis.ResultsFive themes were developed: ‘The role of the infant feeding specialist’, ‘Achieving a whole team approach to breast milk feeding’, ‘Supporting initiation of breastfeeding’ ‘Supporting long-term expressing’, ‘Supporting the transition to breastfeeding’. There were notable differences between neonatal units in the time allocated to specialist feeding support, the team’s sense of collective responsibility for supporting feeding, leadership, the use of external standards as levers for change, and training for the multi-disciplinary team. The feeding challenges faced by mothers of very preterm babies could be made worse where there was no joined-up working between neonatal and postnatal staff; inadequate facilities for mothers to stay with their babies; and when opportunities were missed to give information about the importance of early initiation of expressing and to support mothers’ confidence during the transition to direct breastfeeding.ConclusionsEffective support can be influenced by having a supernumerary post dedicated to infant feeding; strong leadership that champions breast milk feeding and breastfeeding within Family Integrated Care; maintaining accountability by using existing quality improvement tools and accredited standards for neonatal units; and training for the whole multi-disciplinary team that encourages and enables every member of staff to take an appropriate share of responsibility for consistently informing and assisting mothers with expressing and breastfeeding. Joined-up working between staff on antenatal and postnatal wards and neonatal units is important to enable integrated feeding support for the mother-baby dyad.

Variations in physiological responses to painful stimuli in preterm and term neonates: an observational study

Background: Appropriate neonatal pain assessment and management is a key component of quality medical care. Assessment of pain, however, is a challenge due to their inability to verbalize this subjective sensation. Preterms are hyper-sensitive to pain and experience it for prolonged periods but it is postulated that they may not express it as robustly and reliably as term neonates. This paper aims to assess and compare the behavioral and physiological pain responses in these groups. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the outpatient and post-natal wards of a tertiary care teaching hospital. 90 clinically stable term and late preterm neonates requiring IV cannulation, IV blood sampling or heel prick were included. NIPS Pain Scale Scores and physiological parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate, SpO2, mean arterial pressure, total crying time) were recorded before and after the procedure. Results: 90 neonates were analysed. Significant pain response was noted in both groups post-procedure. In response to the same procedures, preterm neonates demonstrated lower NIPS Scores (4.00 vs. 4.93, P=0.003) and shorter cry times (64.30s vs. 87.35s, P=&lt;0.05). Also noted were higher heart rates and respiratory rates with a prolonged fall in SpO2 and Mean Arterial Pressures in this group. Conclusions: Preterms, compared to term neonates demonstrate a blunted behavioral response to pain but a heightened and prolonged physiological response. This potential underestimation of pain in preterms indicate the need for incorporation of behavioral cues, physiological parameters and gestational age in the assessment of pain in newborns.

Factors Associated with the Prolonged Use of Donor Human Milk at the Da Nang Hospital for Women and Children in Vietnam.

Donor human milk (DHM) from a human milk bank (HMB) is used to feed low-birthweight (LBW) and preterm infants when mothers cannot provide their own breastmilk. The misuse of DHM could interfere with mothers' breastmilk and weaken breastfeeding efforts. This study aimed to identify factors behind prolonged DHM usage during the first six years of Vietnam's first HMB. Data were extracted from the Da Nang HMB's digital monitoring system. We defined prolonged DHM use as four or more days in the neonatal unit and two or more days in postnatal wards. Over six years, 25,420 infants received DHM, with 45.3% of the infants being female, 54.7% being male, 70.0% being born via cesarean section, and 77.2% being full-term. In the neonatal unit (n = 7001), 38.0% of infants used DHM for ≥4 days. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for prolonged use were 0.14 for infants weighing <1000 g, 0.78 for infants weighing 1000-<1500 g, and 0.67 for infants weighing ≥2000 g (p < 0.01), compared to those weighing 1500-<2000 g. Compared to gestational ages of 32-<34 weeks, the aORs were 0.26 for <28 weeks, 0.71 for 34-<37 weeks, and 0.35 for ≥37 weeks (p < 0.01). In postnatal wards (n = 18,419), 53.1% of infants used DHM for ≥2 days. Compared to term, normal-weight infants, the aORs were 1.25 for LBW-preterm, 1.17 for LBW-term, and 1.21 for normal-weight-preterm infants (p < 0.05). Prolonged DHM use was associated with cesarean births in neonatal units (aOR 2.24, p < 0.01) and postnatal wards (aOR 1.44, p < 0.01). DHM is used briefly to bridge nutritional gaps and transition to mothers' breastmilk, but LBW, preterm births, and cesarean births are linked to prolonged use. Healthcare providers should support those at risk of prolonged DHM use and prioritize reducing unnecessary cesarean births.

Technology-enabled anticipatory guidance and peer support in empowering parents to prevent early childhood caries: a randomized controlled trial

IntroductionDental caries is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases of childhood. Early childhood caries (ECC), defined as onset of dental caries before 6 years of age, is preventable and reversible in the early stages with proper interventions. The purpose of the study is to assess the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of technology-enabled anticipatory guidance and peer support in empowering parents to establish good diets, feeding and oral hygiene practices to prevent ECC.Methods and analysisMother-child dyads will be recruited from pre-natal clinics and post-natal wards of a tertiary care hospital in Singapore. The control group will receive conventional oral health education materials while the intervention group will join four rounds of online parent empowerment sessions focusing on anticipatory guidance and peer-support. Mothers will complete a questionnaire and food frequency checklist when their child turns 12, 24 and 36 months; each child will undergo an oral examination at the age of 24 and 36 months. Chi-square tests and two-sample t-tests, or their non-parametric equivalents will be used to compare proportions of children with caries by decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft) and decayed, missing and filled surfaces (dmfs) scores between groups. Effect sizes and their confidence intervals will be calculated along with number needed to treat. Multivariable analyses will be carried out to assess the effect of the intervention on primary outcomes (caries incidence at 24 and 36 months) and secondary outcomes (including parental efficacy, child’s oral health behaviours and oral hygiene status, quality of life). Cost-effectiveness analyses will also be carried out.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by Domain Specific Review Board (DSRB 2024/00244). Results will be published in international peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberThe trial was retrospectively registered on ClinicialTrials.gov (NCT06558955) around the time of the commencement of patient recruitment, but prior to the commencement of any intervention.

Proportion of Low Birth Weight (LBW) Among Newborn Babies Delivered at Dhaka Medical College Hospital

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Background&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: Low birth weight (LBW) remains a major public health problem especially in developing countries like Bangladesh. We assessed the proportion of LBW of the newborn babies delivered at DMCH and its associated maternal factors. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Methodology: &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 57 mother and newborn pairs delivered at Postnatal obstetrics wards of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Dhaka. Data was collected from each participants by face to-face interview using a semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire which included socio-demographic information and information about birth weight and its associated maternal factors. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Result: &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;This study involved 257 participants with a mean age of 25 years (±4.26), primarily aged 21 to 30 (64.97%). Approximately 38.13% had a monthly family income below 15,000 taka, and 10.98% of mothers were illiterate. One-third received 2 to 4 antenatal visits, with 8.56% having none. Delivery methods were nearly equal, with 49.02% vaginal and 50.97% cesarean. Common complications included PROM (14.39%), pre-term labor (11.67%), and GDM (10.89%). Term pregnancies accounted for 70%, while among preterm births, 20.23% were low birth weight (LBW) and 4.67% very low birth weight (VLBW), surpassing general population rates. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Conclusion: &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;Lack of regular antenatal care (ANC) visits and poor maternal diet significantly impact newborn birth weight. To reduce low birth weight (LBW), it is essential to monitor maternal diets and ensure at least four ANC visits for all mothers. LBW infants are at higher risk of mortality and chronic diseases, making its reduction vital for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on infant mortality. Further multi-center studies are needed to accurately assess LBW prevalence in Bangladesh.

Hearing loss in newborn infants with hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy: protocol for a case–control study

IntroductionHypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE), a condition where the brain does not receive enough oxygen and/or blood flow around the time of birth, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Systemic...

Gender, gestation, and birthweight-based differences in the timing of passage of first urine and meconium in neonates: A prospective observational study.

The cut-off for referral to a higher center and further investigations for the delayed passage of first urine and meconium by a neonate have been traditionally kept after 48 hours of birth. There are very few studies regarding this in Indian neonates, and previous studies have relied primarily on the mother's recall of the event which may have led to recall bias. Therefore, through this study, we wanted to use hospital intake/output records to identify the risk factors that affect the timing of passage of first urine and stool in neonates delivered at our center and to find out if the cut-off of 48 hours to call it a delay is justifiable. This was a single-center, prospective observational study conducted in Eastern India. After obtaining ethics committee approval, the eligible neonates delivered at the center were prospectively enrolled between June 2020 to December 2022. The timing of passage of first urine and meconium was noted using 3 hourly collected information from the input/output charts maintained by the nursing staff in the postnatal wards. The median time of passage of first urine and meconium was compared across gender, gestation, and birth weight. To find the factors associated independently with delayed passage of meconium, multivariable logistic regression was used. A total of 330 neonates were enrolled prospectively in the study. Approximately two-thirds of them passed first urine (69.7%) and meconium (62.7%) within 6 hours after delivery. The median and interquartile range (IQR) of the time of passage of the first urine was 4 (1-7) hours of life. This did not vary significantly for gender, gestation, and birthweight categories. The median (IQR) of time of passage of meconium was 4 (1-8) hours of life, which was significantly higher for male [5 (2-8.5), (P = 0.029)] and preterm neonates [6.3 (2.5-12), (P = 0.001)], but did not vary significantly for birthweight categories. On multivariable logistic regression, twin gestation [OR 4.15 (95% CI 1.09-15.76); P = 0.036] and preterm birth [OR 2.97 (95% CI 1.18-7.43); P = 0.02] increased the odds of passage of meconium beyond 12 hours' postnatal age. 99.39% and 98.77% of the neonates passed urine and meconium respectively within 24 hours. The median time of passage of first urine was not influenced by gender, gestation at birth, and birthweight categories. The median time of passage of meconium was significantly higher for male and preterm neonates. Also, with early initiation of direct breastfeeding and good feeding support most neonates pass their first urine and stool by 24 hours of life. So, maybe it's time to revise the cut-off for referrals or investigations from 48 hours to 24 hours of life. However, further studies with larger sample sizes will be required to confirm this cut-off.

Prevalence of Acute Low Back Pain after Cesarean Delivery in Health Care Centers

Background: Low back pain is the common problem faced by mothers after cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia. Application of spinal anesthesia leads to severe acute and chronic low back pain post-delivery. Physiotherapy plays an important role during and after pregnancy as it helps in reducing the incidence of low back pain and others musculoskeletal pain post-delivery. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of acute low back pain after cesarean section and to assess the percentage of population aware about antenatal and postnatal physiotherapy and percentages had taken the treatment in Heath care centers. Materials and methods: Study population comprised of 162 caesarean delivery females out of which 104 were selected of age between 19 to 35 having acute low back pain in postnatal cesarean ward of Heath care centers. Population was chosen through convenient sampling. Data collection tools were modified questionnaire. The data collected was analyzed through SPSS software Version 29.0.2.0(20). Prevalence and awareness were measured through descriptive statistics. Result: 64.1% postpartum caesarean section females had low back pain under spinal anesthesia.18.2% had mild pain,34.6% had moderate pain,30.7% had severe pain and 16.4% had very severe pain. Only18.3% were aware of antenatal and postnatal physiotherapy out of which only 6.7% had taken treatment.81.7% were unaware and 93.3% had not taken physiotherapy treatment. Low back pain is dependent upon Occupation and daily activity of the patient, awareness about antenatal and postnatal treatment is dependent upon educational level and patient age is seen as an associative factor for the patient dependency. Conclusion: Majority of postpartum caesarean delivery females complained of acute low back pain and very less had taken physiotherapy treatment during and after delivery. The majority were unaware about the antenatal and postnatal physiotherapy as they were not recommended by the gynecologist doctors. KEYWORDS: Acute back pain, Caesarean delivery, Spinal anesthesia, Antenatal, Postnatal, Physiotherapy, Awareness.

A national survey of first line antibiotic use in neonatal units - and the potential scope for iatrogenic sensorineural hearing loss prevention.

National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance for the management of neonatal sepsis recommends a first-line antibiotic regimen containing an aminoglycoside (gentamicin). Aminoglycoside exposure causes sensorineural hearing loss in individuals with a specific mitochondrial genetic variant (m.1555A>G). This variant can be detected promptly (in <30 min) by a point of care test. NICE does allow for variation in antibiotic regimes depending on local microbiology guidance. As practices can vary, this survey aimed to determine the current use of first-line antibiotic agents within neonatal units and postnatal wards across the UK. A telephone survey was conducted across all neonatal units in the United Kingdom. Responses were requested from a member of the neonatal team experienced in neonatal septic screening processes. One response was recorded per unit. Of the 187 neonatal units, 186 (99%) responded to the survey. One unit declined to participate. The survey results show most neonatal units (93%) and postnatal wards (74%) across the United Kingdom use aminoglycosides as first-line antibiotic agents. Antibiotic regimes varied between different units and between different locations within the same hospital (NICU vs. postnatal wards). In cases where there was a contraindication to aminoglycosides, the most common alternative antibiotic was cefotaxime. Most neonatal units in the UK use an aminoglycoside antibiotic as first-line agent for suspected sepsis. This places infants with the m.1555A>G genetic variant at risk of iatrogenic hearing loss. There needs to be integration of point-of-care genetic testing within the neonatal septic screening pathway.

A descriptive study to assess the knowledge on breast milk bank among postnatal mother's in postnatal ward at Thoothukudi Medical College and Hospital , Thoothukudi.

A quantitative and descriptive research design was chosen to assess the knowledge on breast milk banking among postnatal mother. The study was conducted in postnatal ward at Thoothukudi medical college and hospital, Thoothukudi.The sample comprises of 60 between the age group of 18-45 years of postnatal mother's. The samples were selected by convenient sampling techniques. Knowledge on breast milk bank was assessed by using a self structure questionnaire method

An open-label, phase IV randomised controlled trial of two schedules of a four-component meningococcal B vaccine in UK preterm infants

ObjectiveTo compare immunological responses of preterm infants to a four-component meningococcal B vaccine (4CMenB; Bexsero) following a 2+1 vs a 3+1 schedule, and to describe reactogenicity of routine vaccines.DesignAn open-label,...

A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Educational Package in Terms of Knowledge Regarding Essential New Born Care among Mother in the Postnatal Wards of Selected Hospital, Nadiad

BACKGROUND: The neonatal period, covering the first 28 days of life is a vital stage marked by significant physiological changes and the new borns adjustment to the crucial for the baby’s survival and long term health. Proper new born care is essential in decreasing neonatal illness and death promoting healthy growth and development. Worldwide neonatal mortality is a major public issue, especially in low and middle income nations. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that nearly 2.4 million children die within their first month of life annually, with most of these deaths happening within the first week. Infection are a leading cause of neonatal mortality, responsible for about one-third all neonatal deaths. New born are practically vulnerable to infection due to their underdeveloped immune system. Education on essential new-born care, covering aspects like infection prevention, breastfeeding thermal care, and immunization, plays a critical role in decreasing these fatalities. Postnatal wards offer a special chances to educate mothers about essential new-born care. During this period mothers are typically more open to learning and incorporating new practice that can benefit their infants. Tailored educational programs designed for postnatal mothers of essential new-born care practice and encourage their adoption. AIM This study assess the effectiveness of an educational package design to enhance mothers' knowledge regarding essential new born care in selected hospital in Nadiad. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of an educational package on mothers' knowledge about essential new born care in post natal wards. METHODS A quasi experimental study design was employed. The study include 40 mothers in post natal wards from selected hospital in Nadiad. Participants were divided into two groups: An experimental group receiving the educational package and a control group receiving standard care. Pre-test and post- test knowledge assessments were conducted using a structured questionnaire. INTERVENTION: The educational package comprised informative flip book interactive session focus on essential new born care such as breast feeding, hygiene, immunization and recognizing dangerous sign.RESULTS: The pre-test knowledge scores of both groups were comparable. Post intervention, the group showed a significant increase on knowledge scores compared to the pre- test. Statistical analysis using paired T test revealed that the educational package effectively improved mother’s knowledge of essential new born care (p&lt; 0.05). The educational package significantly enhanced mother’s knowledge regarding essential new born care in post natal wards. Implementing such educational interventions can improve new born health outcomes by empowering mothers which crucial care. Further studies are recommended to assess long term retention of knowledge and its impact on new born health.

Improving Post-discharge Weight Gain Among Neonates received Kangaroo Mother Care: Two Years Experience of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Background: “Kangaroo Mother Care” is an effective alternative care strategy for preterm and low birth weight babies. It also causes substantial reduction of neonatal mortality due to hypothermia. Objective: To observe the status of ongoing kangaroo mother care service in a tertiary care hospital and its outcome. Material and method: This retrospective study was carried out over the period of 1st July 2020 to 30th June 2022. Newborns who received kangaroo mother care in neonatal intensive care unit and postnatal ward of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka during the study period, were enrolled in this study. Results: A total of 384 (97% of eligible candidates) newborn received kangaroo mother care. Kangaroo mother care was provided both in Neonatal intensive care unit (86% of total admission) and also in the postnatal ward. Mean gestational age was 32.02+2.85 weeks (28 weeks-41 weeks) and mean weight of starting KMC was 1367.48 g (730 g – 1970 g). Average age of initiating KMC was 6 days (ranging from 1 to 13 days of age). Mean duration of providing KMC was 6 hours and 50 minutes. More than two third (74.4%) patients came for follow up. During each follow up, an increasing trend was observed regarding weight gain and mean weight gain was 15.9+1.2 g/ kg/day. Conclusion: Kangaroo mother care was provided to most of the eligible patients and persistent weight gain was observed among all KMC candidates after discharge.

Prevalence of postpartum complications and associated factors among postpartum women in Uganda, a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPostnatal care exhibits the lowest coverage levels in the obstetric continuum of care. The highest rates of maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality occur within 24 h of birth. Assessment of women in this time period could improve the detection of postpartum complications and maternal outcomes. This study determined the patterns of maternal assessment and the factors associated with postpartum complications.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study involving observations of immediate postpartum care provided to women following uncomplicated vaginal births at three health facilities in Mpigi and Butambala districts (Uganda) from November 2020 to January 2021. Data were collected using an observation checklist and a data abstraction form for maternal and newborn social demographic data. The collected data were analyzed using Stata version 14.0. Maternal assessment patterns were summarized as frequencies, and the prevalence of postpartum complications was calculated. Logistic regression analysis was performed at both bivariate and multivariate levels to identify factors associated with developing postpartum complications among these women.ResultsWe observed 263 women receiving care at three health facilities in the immediate postpartum period. The level of maternal assessments was very low at 9/263 (3.4%), 29/263(11%) and 10(3.8%) within the first two hours, at three hours and at the fourth hour, respectively. The prevalence of postpartum complications was 37/263 (14.1%), with 67.6% experiencing postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), 13.5% having perineal tears, and 10.8% having cervical tears. Mothers who did not undergo a postpartum check in the first three hours (p = 0.001), those who were discharged after 24 h (p = 0.038), and those who were transferred to the postpartum ward after two hours (p = 0.001) were more likely to have developed postpartum complications.ConclusionThe maternal assessment patterns observed in the population were suboptimal. Women who were not assessed at the third hour and those transferred after two hours to the postnatal ward were more likely to have developed postpartum complications.

Joint British Association for Sexual Health and HIV and Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists national UK guideline for the management of herpes simplex virus (HSV) in pregnancy and the neonate (2024 update).

This updated national UK guideline offers recommendations on the management of genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) in mothers and pregnant people during pregnancy and within 4 weeks following birth. It includes recommendations for first episode and recurrent HSV, HSV in preterm pre-labour rupture of membranes and in co-infection with HSV and HIV. Recommendations around management of the neonate are made, on prevention of postnatal transmission, management of breastfeeding, and the management of clinically discordant couples. This guideline is aimed at healthcare professionals working in sexual health clinics, maternity units, and those working on postnatal wards and neonatal units in the UK. However, the principles of the recommendations should be adopted across all services, including community care.