Search

Objective: Nearly half of all cases of perinatal depression are not detected, despite routine appointments with healthcare professionals (HCP) during pregnancy and after childbirth. Early identification of perinatal depression is crucial to provide the required support and offer timely treatment. This study aimed to explore women's experiences of perinatal depression to help identification and management of perinatal depression by HCPs., Design: Theoretical perspective of symbolic interactionism and methodological design of ethnography was adopted. Face-to-face individual interviews were used. Thematic analysis was conducted to analyse interview data., Participants: Fifteen women who had experienced perinatal depression in the last five years were interviewed., Findings: Three themes were identified: 1) Getting closer to the perinatal depression; 2) Decision to disclose or hide real feelings; 3) Hidden face of perinatal depression., Key Conclusions and Implications for Practice: Findings demonstrate the importance of HCPs' attitudes towards women, as if women perceive they being dismissed or neglected by HCPs, may have an impact on women refraining from disclosing their feelings., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

The authors report the process and results of an evaluation of a midwifery aromatherapy service for mothers in labour: This study of 8058 mothers in childbirth, is the largest research initiative in the use of aromatherapy within a health-care setting. The study involved a wide range of participants, from mothers who experienced a low risk, spontaneous labour and birth, to those whose labour was induced, and those who had vaginal operative delivery and Caesarean section. The study-took place over a period of 8 years, which enabled a more challenging test of the effect of aromatherapy on intrapartum midwifery practice and outcomes. In the study a total of 10 essential oils were used, plus a carrier oil, which were administered to the participants via skin absorption and inhalation. The study found little direct evidence that the practice of aromatherapy per se reduces the need for pain relief during labour, or the incidence of operative delivery. But a key finding of this study suggests that two essential oils, clary sage and chamomile are effective in alleviating pain. The evidence from this study suggests that aromatherapy can be effective in reducing maternal anxiety, fear and/or pain during labour. The use of aromatherapy appeared to facilitate a further reduction in the use of systemic opioids in the study centre, from 6% in 1990 to 0.4% in 1997 (per woman). Aromatherapy is an inexpensive care option. In 1997 when 1592 mothers used aromatherapy, the total cost was 769.17 Pounds. The study reports a minimal incidence of associated symptoms. Out of 8058 mothers, 1% (100) recorded an associated symptom. These were mild in nature. The successful model of integrated practice that this aromatherapy study presents, offers a useful example for other units to consider.

This paper explores the issues which nurses face in attempting to use research-based literature and when conducting research in the field of complementary therapies. Despite the significant interest amongst nurses in using such therapies, there can be difficulties in gaining access to such literature and using it to inform practice. Rising standards of accountability create expectations for nurses to draw on sources of information which inform safe and effective practice. The issue is examined and illustrated by looking at the example of nurses use of essential oils. Strategies are explored to help nurses to practice in an informed way and to engage in research activity in this area. This article is based on a paper given at the Research Council for Complementary Medicine Conference 'Research from Concept to Publication', at the Royal Society of Medicine, London 1993.