One of the valuable benefits for Lamaze International members is a subscription to Lamaze International's official journal - The Journal of Perinatal Childbirth Education (JPE), whose mission is to promote, support, and protect natural, safe, and healthy birth through education and advocacy. The journal publishes peer-reviewed articles and evidence-based, practical resources that childbirth educators and other health care professionals can use to enhance the quality and effectiveness of their care or teaching to prepare expectant parents for birth.

Through evidence-based articles, the JPE advances the knowledge of aspiring and seasoned educators in any setting-independent or private practice, community, hospital, nursing or midwifery school-and informs educators and other health care professionals on research that will improve their practice and their efforts to support natural, safe, and healthy birth.

The JPE also publishes features that provide practical resources and advice health care professionals can use to enhance the quality and effectiveness of their care or teaching to prepare expectant parents for birth. The journal's content focuses on pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period, breastfeeding, neonatal care, early parenting, and young family development. In addition to childbirth educators, the JPE's readers include nurses, midwives, physicians, and other professionals involved with perinatal education and maternal-child health care.

Consider joining Lamaze International to receive this member benefit along with other perks. There is value and benefit to all birth professionals.

This quarter's publication is, as usual, chock full of useful information. Here are the abstracts for your review:

In This Issue—The Optimal Time to Give Birth

Author: Budin, Wendy C., PhD, RN-BC, LCCE, FACCE, FAAN

Abstract: In this column, the editor of The Journal of Perinatal Education discusses factors associated with determining the optimal time to give birth. The editor also describes the contents of this issue, which offer a broad range of resources, research, and inspiration for childbirth educators in their efforts to promote, support, and protect natural, safe, and healthy birth and postpartum.

Research Update: Healthy Birth Practice #1—Let Labor Begin on Its Own

Author: Amis, Debby, RN (Retired), BSN, CD(DONA), LCCE, FACCE

Abstract: This article is an adaptation for print of Debby Amis’s presentation at the 2022 Lamaze Virtual Conference. She discusses worldwide recommendations as to the optimal time for routine labor induction for low-risk pregnant persons, the recent research about the optimal time for routine labor induction, and recommendations to help the pregnant family make an informed decision about routine induction. This article includes an important new study not included in the Lamaze Virtual Conference that found an increase in perinatal deaths for low-risk pregnancies that were induced at 39 weeks as compared to low-risk pregnancies not induced at 39 weeks but were delivered no later than 42 weeks.

A Pilot Study of an Educational Intervention to Increase Postpartum Medical Visit Attendance in Home-Visited Mothers

Authors: Cluxton-Keller, Fallon, MA, PhD, Bruce, Martha L., MPH, PhD

Abstract: Socioeconomically disadvantaged women experience barriers to attending postpartum medical visits (PMV). This three-phase pilot study explored the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of an educational intervention to increase PMV attendance in mothers enrolled in early childhood home visiting. Phases 1 and 2 occurred prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Phase 3 occurred during the pandemic. Home visitor implementation of the intervention with mothers was feasible and acceptable in all phases. All mothers who received the intervention reported PMV attendance. Overall, 81% of mothers reported they discussed all questions with healthcare providers at the PMV. These findings provide preliminary effectiveness for a brief educational intervention in increasing PMV attendance in home-visited mothers.

Outcomes of Childbirth Education for Women With Pregnancy Complications

Authors: Vanderlaan, Jennifer, PhD, MPH, CNM, Gatlin, Tricia, PhD, RN, CNE, Shen, Jay, PhD

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine associations between pregnancy outcomes and childbirth education, identifying any outcomes moderated by pregnancy complications. This was a secondary analysis of the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, Phase 8 data for four states. Logistic regression models compared outcomes with childbirth education for three subgroups: women with no pregnancy complications, women with gestational diabetes, and women with gestational hypertension. Women with pregnancy complications do not receive the same benefit from attending childbirth education as women with no pregnancy complications. Women with gestational diabetes who attended childbirth education were more likely to have a cesarean birth. The childbirth education curriculum may need to be altered to provide maximum benefits for women with pregnancy complications.

Role of Intrapartum Social Support in Preventing Postpartum Depression

Authors: Fukuzawa, Rieko Kishi, Park, Chang Gi

Abstract: A cross-sectional, multicenter study examined the role of intrapartum social support (SS) on postpartum depression (PPD), using survey data that covered eight of the 25 PPD risk factors identified by a recent umbrella review. A total of 204 women participated at an average of 1.26 months after birth. An existing U.S. Listening to Mothers-II/Postpartum survey questionnaire was translated, culturally adapted, and validated. Multiple linear regression found four statistically significant independent variables. A path analysis determined that prenatal depression, pregnancy and childbirth complications, intrapartum SS from healthcare providers and partners, and postpartum SS from husbands and others were significant predictors of PPD, while intrapartum and postpartum SS were intercorrelated. In conclusion, intrapartum companionship is as important as postpartum SS in preventing PPD.

Educating Housekeeping Staff to Encourage a Culture Supportive of Breastfeeding

Authors: Blumenfeld, Julie, DNP, CNM, IBCLC, FACNM, Miller, Melanie, MA, IBCLC

Abstract: Latina women breastfeed at high rates immediately postpartum but also frequently introduce formula. Formula negatively affects breastfeeding, and maternal and child health. The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) has been shown to improve breastfeeding outcomes. A BFHI-designated hospital must facilitate lactation education for clinical and non-clinical personnel. Housekeepers, often the sole hospital employees sharing the linguistic and cultural heritage of Latina patients, have frequent patient interactions. This pilot project at a community hospital in New Jersey investigated Spanish-speaking housekeeping staff’s attitudes and knowledge regarding breastfeeding before and after implementing a lactation education program. After the training the housekeeping staff overall had more positive attitudes toward breastfeeding. This may, in the short-term, contribute to a hospital culture more supportive of breastfeeding.

Tags