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Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mental health disorder that affects 10%–15% women globally. Longitudinal and meta-analyses have consistently demonstrated the negative impacts of PPD on both the affected mothers and subsequent infant development. Given the consideration that antidepressant side effects in breastfeeding infants and the cost-effectiveness considerations of psychotherapies, attention has been paid towards the promising role of social support interventions in order to prevent and reduce the PPD symptoms. Confirming the assertion, this narrative review examines the potential of five social support interventions to ameliorate PPD-related maternal and infant outcomes. The wide implications of psychoeducational strategy, nurses' supportive and non-directive counselling and home-visiting approach are outlined. Furthermore, the evidence underlying the role of peer support, culturally tailored intervention and community-based participatory approach in PPD is elucidated. In clinical practice, this review reinforce the roles of discharge educational intervention led by the experienced nurse during the postpartum stay, in order to maintain psychological mental health among the postpartum mothers. More importantly, the skilled and competence public health nurses act as valuable assets in treating PPD, and this effective treatment alternative should be considered by healthcare planners. In future, major investigations will be strategized to discover the synergistic effects of combined social support approaches to yield a better outcome in the prevention and treatment of PPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Babies spend a lot of their time with sleeping thus they need to have a safe sleep. Inadequate sleeping arrangements might heighten the likelihood of Sudden Unexpected mortality in Infancy (SUDI), including SIDS and lethal sleeping mishaps, which continue to be the most prevalent cause of mortality for individuals aged 1 to 1 year. Objective: The study aimed to assess safe baby sleep practices and associated factors among women receiving immunizations at government healthcare facilities in Dessie Town. Design: An institution-based cross-sectional study Methods: We conducted interviews with a total of 392 mothers using semi-structured questionnaires at public health facilities of Dessie town, in 2021. After the data were entered into the EPI data version 3.1, SPSS 23 was utilized for the analysis. Additionally, multivariate and binary logistic regression analyses were carried out. In multivariate analysis, a P -value less than.05 indicate a significant association. Results: About 38.3%, 21.9%, and 14.7% had safe infant sleep practice regarding sleep position, no soft-bedding and sleep arrangement respectively. Significant association was observed between safe infant sleep position with baby age less than 3 months (AOR = 2.96, 95% CI = 1.50-5.84), baby age of 7 to 9 months (AOR = 3.84, 95% CI = 2.15-6.85), maternal level of education(AOR = 4.48, 95% CI = 1.87-10.76), relative/friend as their source of information (AOR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.14-3.44), grandmother as their source of information (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.00-3.57).Additionally, baby age 4 to 6 months (AOR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.19-0.94) and maternal level of education (AOR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.04-0.92) shows a significant safe infant bed arrangement practice. Furthermore, baby age of 10 to 12 months (AOR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.25-0.98) and maternal education level of college and above (AOR = 3.44, 95% CI = 1.18-10.03) also shows significant association with safe soft-bedding practice. Conclusion: Mothers' safe infant sleep practices were found to be low in Dessie town. Therefore, efforts should be made to enhance mothers' attentiveness and engagement. This will help them follow healthy infant sleep practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rapid return to mobilisation and daily function is essential for recovery after an elective and emergency caesarean section, prevention of short- and long-term complications, and mothers' well-being. High pain levels may delay recovery. Considering the biopsychosocial model, recovery is additionally complex and comprises social and psychological aspects. Objective: This study examined the relationships between preoperative expectations, perioperative subjective experience, postoperative pain levels, and postoperative interruption of functioning and recovery. Methods: Overall, 306 women completed a set of questionnaires on the fourth day after a caesarean section regarding their demographic information, levels of expectation matching the caesarean section and the perioperative subjective experience, and the pain levels and interruption to daily activities 24 hours postpartum. Results: Using a structural equation model, a gap between preoperative expectations and perioperative experience related to a poorer perioperative subjective experience was found. This was associated with higher postoperative pain levels that were directly and indirectly related to the interruption of various functions and activities during the initial 24 hours postpartum. The model explained 58% of the variance in postpartum functioning and had good goodness-of-fit (χ2 = 242.74, df = 112, χ2/df = 2.17, NFI = 0.93, CFI = 0.96, TLI = 0.94, RMSEA = 0.06). Additionally, pain levels were higher and daily activities were more severely impaired for women who had undergone emergency caesarean section compared to those who had undergone elective caesarean section. Conclusion: The need for preoperative preparation and setting expectations, perioperative emotional support, continuous communication with the mother, and an efficient postoperative pain management was highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study examined the relationship among constructs of the Breastfeeding Relationship Scale and exclusive direct breastfeeding (EDBF) while controlling for covariates in US breastfeeding dyads in the first 3 months. Background: The Breastfeeding Relationship Scale was developed to measure mother-infant mutual responsiveness during breastfeeding in response to perceived insufficient milk, but there is no clear understanding about the relationships between the Breastfeeding Relationship Scale's constructs and EDBF. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used. The convenience sample of 589 directly breastfeeding mothers in the US whose infants were between 1 and 12 weeks of age were included for analysis using a structural equation model. Covariates for EDBF included mother's age, education, marital status, parity, prior breastfeeding experience, infant's age, weight, and sex. Results: Mother-Infant Breastfeeding Interaction and Breastfeeding Synchronicity were related (β = 0.33, p <.001), as were Breastfeeding Synchronicity and Perceived Adequate Milk Supply (β = 0.35, p <.001) and Mother-Infant Breastfeeding Interaction and Perceived Adequate Milk Supply (β = 0.08, p =.05). The relationship between Mother-Infant Breastfeeding Interaction and Breastfeeding Synchronicity with EDBF was fully mediated by Perceived Adequate Milk Supply, where the odds of EDBF was higher for mothers with higher scores on Perceived Adequate Milk Supply (OR = 1.61, p <.001) and prior breastfeeding experience (OR = 2.31, p =.006). Conclusions: Perceived Adequate Milk Supply and prior breastfeeding experience are major determinants of EDBF in the first 3 months. Breastfeeding Synchronicity can bolster Mother-Infant Breastfeeding Interaction and promote Perceived Adequate Milk. More attention should be paid to breastfeeding relationship to be the result of EDBF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Face culture is a crucial facet of East Asia. The most common self‐report measure for face concern is the unidimensional Loss of Face Scale. In this study, we examined the dimensionality, factor structure, and validity of the Loss of Face Scale in two samples. Sample 1 (N = 602) consisted of 303 Taiwanese mothers and 299 U.S. mothers. Sample 2 (N = 602) was an independent sample from Sample 1, consisting of 294 Taiwanese mothers and 308 U.S. mothers. We proposed a modified 15‐item four‐dimensional factor structure to better capture the complexity of face. Four sub‐domains emerged from the results of exploratory structural equation modelling: Low‐Profile, Over‐Preparation, Harmony Seeking, and Non‐Aggression. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis indicated configural and metric invariance but failed to establish full scalar invariance across countries. Convergent validity was supported by positive correlations with other Asian cultural values. While all four domains of face showed small to moderate correlations with depression in the U.S., only Low‐Profile was associated with depression in Taiwan, suggesting that not all aspects of face concern are non‐adaptive in East Asian contexts. Future studies should consider the multidimensional nature of face as well as how different dimensions affect mental and social well‐being across cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used a multiple baseline across strategies design to determine the effect of technology-enhanced performance-based feedback on parent's use of preventive strategies to address children's challenging behaviors for two parent–child dyads. A father, mother, and each of their young children participated. We also measured associated child outcomes and parent's perceptions of the technology-enhanced performance-based feedback intervention. We observed a functional relation between our intervention and parent practice. Although variable, desired child behaviors increased, and challenging behaviors decreased. Finally, parents indicated that they perceived the intervention to be socially valid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has placed a significant emotional and psychological burden on mothers. We explored the association between the severity of ASD symptoms in children and the mental health of their mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study included 1,924 mothers of children with ASD, enrolled in a web-based cross-sectional survey over 85 consecutive days to gather clinical and sociodemographic data. The severity of ASD symptoms was obtained according to the children's age. Using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS-21) scale, we found that 35.8 percent of mothers experienced both anxiety and depression. A high education level and a high family income reduced the chance of concurrent anxiety and depression. Conversely, unemployment, a child using psychiatric medication, and higher severity of ASD symptoms increased the chance. Notably, the severity of the ASD symptom was the sole predictor of maternal co-occurring anxiety and depression across all age groups (<3 years aOR = 2.04, 95%CI 1.07–3.89; 3–5 years aOR = 2.76, 95%CI 1.67–4.56; ≥ 6 years aOR = 1.61, 95%CI 1.04–2.50). Recognizing the challenges associated with ASD leads to greater acceptance and tailored interventions, ultimately improving the overall well-being of both individuals with ASD and their mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: The prevalence of childhood obesity in the U.S. has increased, likely due to decreased physical activity, increased sedentary behaviour and unhealthy diets. Little is known about the relationships between these factors and weight gain in those under the age of three. Objectives: This study aimed to understand the longitudinal associations of weight gain over 6‐month intervals with child and parent characteristics as children develop from 6 to 36 months. Methods: Mother and infant data were collected at 6‐month intervals from 6 to 36 months. Weight (kg) was the primary outcome variable, and potential explanatory variables included child and parent characteristics, physical activity, motor development, diet and sleep. Structural equation modelling was used to assess associations between explanatory variables and 6‐month weight gain. Results: Weight increased ~1 kg per 6‐month interval (p < 0.001) from 6 to 36 months. Childcare outside of the home at 12 months was associated with 0.272 kg (p = 0.002) greater weight gain at 18 months, while children's physical activity was associated with 0.228 kg (per 2 SD, p = 0.051) less weight gain during the same time period. Mother's TV and screen media use (0.102 kg per hour/day, p = 0.046) and child's intake of high‐energy beverages at 18 months (0.387 kg, p = 0.037) were both associated with greater weight gain at 24 months. Conclusion: Childcare, physical activity, screen media use and high‐energy beverage consumption might affect weight gain at different time points in early childhood. These insights can inform efforts to prevent excessive weight gain and childhood obesity effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the conceptual assumption that attachment-related anxiety or avoidance negatively affects parenting, studies have not provided consistent evidence. Furthermore, most studies have included only mothers and focused on young children. This knowledge gap may limit family therapy practitioners' ability to address attachment-related issues effectively when working with parents. Using structural equation modeling to test an Actor-Partner Interdependence Model, we examined emotion dysregulation as a mediator between adult attachment-related anxiety and avoidance style and nurturing and harsh parenting behaviors. For fathers, attachment-related anxiety was negatively related to nurturing parenting. For mothers, harsh parenting was positively associated with attachment-related avoidance. Parent's nurturing behaviors tend to increase when the other parent has higher attachment-related anxiety through the associated difficulties they experience in some ER areas. Including both mothers and fathers in the same model allowed for the identification of gender differences between parents and has important implications for research and programmatic approaches to parenting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effects of journaling-based interventions on perceived relationship quality (i.e., mother-adolescent interactions and conflict) and gratitude among Chinese adolescents (ages 12–14 years) and their mothers (N = 339 dyads). Mother-adolescent dyads were randomly assigned to one of three conditions (i.e., gratitude, affection, and control), and kept a daily journal on assigned topics for 21 days. Participants' mother-adolescent relationship quality and level of gratitude were measured before and after the 21-day period. The findings showed that both the gratitude and affection interventions had positive impacts on mother-adolescent relationship quality (i.e., more positive mother-adolescent interactions and less conflict) with a small to medium effect size for adolescents but no impact for mothers. Gratitude did not change from pre-to post-intervention. The current study provides some preliminary support for implementing gratitude and affection interventions with Chinese adolescents to promote relationship quality, but suggests that the intervention works better for adolescents than mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition to parenthood creates a context for family reorganization that can place couples at risk for declining relationship satisfaction; however, few studies have examined the experiences of parents navigating this transition while parenting other children in the home. Further, there is a critical need to identify factors explaining unique trajectories of relationship satisfaction and determine whether these factors serve similar functions for first-time versus experienced parents. The goal of the present study was to examine relationship satisfaction across the pregnancy-postpartum transition for not only first-time, but also experienced parents, and identify prenatal couple dynamics and contextual factors that explain individual differences in these trajectories across parenting groups. We pursued these aims in a sample of 152 mixed-sex couples, across five waves of data spanning pregnancy to 2 years postpartum. First-time and experienced parents demonstrated unique trajectories of relationship satisfaction across the transition to parenthood. Greater mutually responsive orientation (i.e., MRO; an established system of attunement, reciprocity, cooperation, and warmth) between partners during pregnancy was associated with higher overall levels of relationship satisfaction spanning pregnancy to 2 years postpartum for first-time mothers and low-income experienced mothers and less relationship satisfaction decline over time for low-income experienced fathers. The present study replicates past work suggesting that experienced parents are also at risk for relationship discord across the pregnancy-postpartum transition and identifies prenatal MRO as a dyadic relationship quality that maintains and promotes satisfaction across this transition, warranting closer attention in future research and interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The current study aimed to examine: (1.1) causal beliefs about adolescent depression in a sample of adolescents with a clinical depression and their mothers and fathers; (1.2) within‐family overlap of causal beliefs; (2.1) mothers' and fathers' reflected causal beliefs about their child's perspective; (2.2) the accuracy of mothers' and fathers' reflected causal beliefs as related to their child's causal beliefs. Design: Qualitative study using a within‐family approach. Methods: Adolescents with a current clinical depression (MDD/dysthymia; N = 34) and their parents (N = 34 mothers, N = 26 fathers) were independently interviewed about their causal beliefs about the adolescents' depression. Parents were additionally interviewed about their perception of their child's causal beliefs (i.e., reflected causal beliefs). Results: The causal beliefs most frequently mentioned by adolescents, mothers and fathers are: characteristics of the child, social factors, school and various stressful experiences. Parent–child overlap was relatively low, specifically for the themes of bewilderment, cumulative effect and stressful life events, whereas overlap was relatively high for themes of social factors, school and stressful experiences outside of the family. Parents were relatively accurate in their reflected causal beliefs, but tended to underestimate their child's insights into possible causes of their depression. Accuracy of parents' reflected causal beliefs was particularly low for the theme cumulative effect and high for social factors. Conclusions: The various causal beliefs of adolescents and their parents could be used in therapeutic setting. Future research could examine whether (guided) conversations may promote alignment within families and treatment efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the current study was to investigate the influence of stress inoculation training (SIT) on the general health of mothers of children with visual impairments. The study population included the mothers of children with visual impairments aged 33–45 years during 2018–2019 academic year in Isfahan city. The participants were 34 mothers selected by convenient sampling method from Shahid Samani and Shahid Abedi schools. They were randomly divided into experimental (n = 17) and control (n = 17) groups. The experimental group received SIT in 10 sessions, while the control group did not. The instrument of study was General Health Questionnaire (Goldberg and Hiller, 1979). Data were analysed by using MANCOVA. The results indicated that the SIT had a significant effect on post-test scores of general health (P < 0.0001) in subjects. Based on these findings, SIT plays a critical role in the general health of the mothers of children with visual impairments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Examining the privacy experiences of mothers in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) can play a crucial role in bolstering patient privacy safeguards and elevating the overall quality of health care. However, our understanding of mothers' experiences regarding privacy issues they may face after their infants' hospitalization in the NICU is limited. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the experiences of mothers concerning privacy within NICUs to contribute valuable insights for improving infant care and privacy protection. Design: A qualitative content analysis using a conventional approach was conducted. A total of 18 participants, with diverse sociodemographic backgrounds, were interviewed using open‐ended questions. Qualitative content analysis was undertaken for data analysis. Setting: The study was conducted in the NICU of an urban teaching hospital in Iran. Results: The study identified four main themes: 'understanding of privacy', 'fluctuating respect for privacy', 'efforts to maintain privacy' and 'privacy barriers'. Participants viewed privacy as multidimensional, influenced by cultural and religious factors. Respect for privacy varied, with instances of both adherence and violation. Mothers employed strategies to preserve privacy, emphasizing the importance of their infants' privacy. Privacy barriers included hospital attire, the physical space of the NICU, inhomogeneous human resources and insufficient supervision and training. Conclusion: This study, the first of its kind in the NICU context, provides valuable insights into maternal experiences of privacy. Integrating these insights into practice and future research can contribute to creating more empathetic and privacy‐respecting NICU environments. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Health care providers can use these findings to enhance support for mothers, potentially reshaping physical spaces and communication practices within NICUs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The strong Black woman (SBW) stereotype is a universal phenomenon understood and experienced by Black women. In this qualitative study, I examined how 16 Black women who are mothers make sense of the SBW stereotype, highlighting how their lived experiences of mothering children in high-burden urban neighborhoods and their experiences at the intersection of race, class, and gender, shape their understanding of the SBW stereotype. Using qualitative phenomenological methods and semi-structured interviews, thematic analysis of interview data revealed three main themes regarding the perception and experience of the SBW stereotype as: (a) ambiguous and contested expectations central to Black motherhood, (b) engenders a sense of loss, and (c) shapes the experience and expression of depression. Study findings support and extend a growing body of work linking the SBW stereotype to depressive symptoms and overall mental health among Black women. This study also highlights the importance of examining how Black women's intersectional identities and contexts, in this case place or where one lives, shape the experience and perception of the SBW stereotype. My hope is that clinicians develop a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the SBW stereotype and its potential mental health effects for all Black mothers. Findings also suggest a need for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers to create empowering opportunities for Black mothers, especially those mothering in impoverished contexts, to express their authentic and whole selves in service of healing themselves, their families, and communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Initiation of breastfeeding right after birth and exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life is highly recommended. In this survey, we assessed the knowledge and practice of ever-married women towards early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding in the Nuristan province of Afghanistan. Methods: In a cross-sectional household survey, we enrolled 640 ever-married 15–49 years women having a child aged 0–23 months in the Parun district of Nuristan province from September to October 2021. Using a standardized data collection form and face-to-face interview, we measured self-reported demographic characteristics and the study outcomes (awareness and practice towards the initiation of breastfeeding within an hour of birth and exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life). We analyzed the data using survey methods and used bivariate and multiple Poisson regression to assess the covariates of the study outcomes. Results: About 46.9% of ever-married women were 25–34 years old, 67.5% never attended school, 30.4% were unemployed, and 86.4% had < $60 monthly income. Overall, 56.8% (95% CI 52.9–60.6) of the women had correct knowledge of the early initiation of breastfeeding, and 51.4% (95% CI 47.5–55.3) initiated breastfeeding early for their last baby. Also, 85.9% (95% CI 82.9–88.4) of the women had correct knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding, but only 32.6% (95% CI 29.1–36.4) exclusively breastfed their last baby for 6 months after birth. After adjustment for covariates, women who were 45–49 years old (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio [APR] = 1.26), Divorced/Separated (APR 1.68), ever attended school (APR 1.39), monthly income > $115 (APR 1.50) were more likely to start early breastfeeding. Moreover, women who were Divorced/Separated (APR 3.53) were more likely to exclusively breastfeed their babies for 6 months after birth. Discussion: Only over half of the women were aware of and initiated early breastfeeding. Although most women knew about exclusive breastfeeding, less than one-third exclusively breast their babies for 6 months after birth. We found several contributing factors, such as age, marital status, education, and income that should be considered for targeted interventions. Significance: Understanding the knowledge and practices of mothers towards knowledge and practices of exclusive breastfeeding will help social and behavior change, health and nutrition experts and public health practitioners design evidence based projects and interventions to reduce prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting in the community. The findings will also help researchers to further explore this topic and improve health and nutrition outcomes in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study investigates the impact of both maternal psychopathological factors and adaptive psychological changes within the couple on fetal growth, emphasizing the importance of evaluating pregnancy from the perspectives of the couple, the mother, and the fetus collectively. A "couple" in this context refers to heterosexual partners engaged in the pregnancy process together, whether married or in a stable relationship. Methods: We included 189 pregnant women in their first trimester, tracking maternal depression, anxiety, body appreciation, prenatal attachment, and the couple's adjustment level across each trimester. Fetal growth parameters measured include biparietal diameter, femur length, humerus length, abdomen circumference, head circumference, β-HCG, and amniotic fluid levels, with relationships between these variables being modeled accordingly. Results: Our findings indicate stable levels of maternal depression, anxiety, body appreciation, and couple's adjustment throughout the pregnancy, with a significant increase in prenatal attachment levels in each subsequent trimester. Prenatal attachment in the first trimester and maternal depression levels in the second and third trimesters were found to directly influence fetal growth, while other variables exhibited indirect effects. Conclusions: Fetal growth is influenced by a myriad of biopsychosocial factors. Ensuring healthy pregnancy and fetal development necessitates close monitoring and support of the mother's adaptive psychological changes, early identification and treatment of potential psychopathologies, and maintenance of the psychosocial health of the couple. Significance: Although there are studies on the effects of maternal psychopathology on fetal growth, there are few studies that study the effects of adaptive psychological changes during pregnancy and the couple's relationship on fetal growth together with maternal psychopathology. With this study, it was understood that there was only a change in the prenatal attachment levels of the mother during pregnancy, there was no significant change in anxiety, depression, body appreciation and dyadic adjustment, but the mutual interactions of these factors during each trimester had important effects on fetal growth. For a healthy pregnancy and healthy fetal development, it is necessary to closely monitor and support the adaptive psychological changes of the mother, early recognition and appropriate treatment of possible psychopathologies, and the psychosocial health of the couple. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unplanned or unwanted pregnancies and births are linked to adverse maternal outcomes, but the extent to which such relationships hold for all racial/ethnic groups remains unknown. In this paper, I use large-scale data to estimate unadjusted and inverse propensity weighted associations between a five-level measure of pregnancy intention and six indicators of maternal well-being among separate samples of white, Black, and Hispanic mothers. I find substantial racial/ethnic variation. White and Hispanic mothers who reported that their pregnancies were mistimed, unwanted, or that they were unsure how they felt were significantly more likely to experience adverse outcomes than same-race/ethnicity mothers who reported that their pregnancy was intended, but the pattern was much more tenuous for Black mothers. After adjusting for potential confounding variables, relationships between pregnancy intentions and adverse outcomes remain substantial only for white and Hispanic mothers. Significance: What is already known on this subject?: Recent research has found links between unplanned or unwanted pregnancies and adverse maternal outcomes, but the extent to which the relationship varies by race/ethnicity is unknown. What this study adds?: This study estimates unadjusted and inverse propensity weighted associations between a 5-level measure of pregnancy intention and six indicators of maternal well-being among separate samples of white, Black, and Hispanic mothers. Both unadjusted and inverse propensity weighted relationships are considerably stronger among Hispanic and white mothers than among Black mothers. Possible causes of these differences are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of mental health issues among UK undergraduate students is growing, and poor diet quality appears to be a risk factor for poor mental health although with limited research in this area. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the cross‐sectional associations between diet quality and common mental disorders (CMD) such as depression and anxiety in UK undergraduate students. A cross‐sectional survey consisting of demographic information and validated questionnaires (the Short‐Form Food Frequency Questionnaire [SFFFQ] and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]) was conducted to measure diet quality and anxiety and depression in young adults in 44 UK‐based universities. Multiple regression analysis adjusting for confounding factors was used to assess the associations between them. Undergraduate university students (n = 202, 67% female) with a mean age of 20.9 ± 3.6 years and a mean body mass index (n = 170) of 22.6 ± 3.2 kg/m2 took part in the study. Prevalence of anxiety was high, with 40% of the sample having an anxiety score in the severe range (≥12 points) while the prevalence of depression was lower, with 6% of the population having a depression score in the severe range (≥12 points). Diet quality was significantly higher for females than males (p = 0.034) and was poor for 38% of the sample, being more common in males compared to females, although not significantly so (43% and 36%, respectively). Diet quality was inversely associated with anxiety (β = −0.427; p = 0.029) and was more likely to be associated with anxiety in females than males (β = 0.743; p = 0.043). No significant relationship between diet quality and depression was found. Better self‐reported health, father's qualification and smoking status were also associated with less anxiety and depression. This research supports other research suggesting that UK universities should explore whether the implementation of dietary interventions and improving the food environment would be a cost‐effective option to reduce the high prevalence of anxiety among students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to determine the frequency of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and the influencing factors in children aged 4 to 9. The cross-sectional descriptive study included 1176 children between the ages of 4 and 9 who applied for Family Medicine Centers between March 1, 2017 and April 30, 2017 for various reasons. Pediatric Gastrointestinal Symptoms Questionnaire, Roma III Version (QPGS-RIII) was applied to the volunteers (children's parents or caregivers), and Beck Anxiety Scale was applied to the mothers accompanying their children. A total of 603 (51.9%) of the children included in the study were female and 559 (48.1%) were male. When the applied QPGS-RIII was evaluated with IBS diagnostic criteria, IBS was found in 137 children and IBS frequency was found to be 11.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]). Significant differences were found in socioeconomic level, eating habits, TV-watching habits, and IBS status (P <.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have evaluated postpartum depression (PPD) in women living with HIV (WLHIV) in Botswana, a high prevalence HIV setting. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to evaluate PPD symptoms in WLHIV (n = 300) and women who are HIV-uninfected (n = 131) in the Tshilo Dikotla study, an observational cohort study with a nested randomized trial. The EPDS was administered at 2, 6, and 12 months postpartum. We assessed the association of (1) HIV infection and (2) antiretroviral therapy (ART) with odds of PPD symptoms (EPDS ≥ 10 or thoughts of self-harm) in the first year postpartum using generalized estimating equations. Of WLHIV, 24 (8.00%) had PPD symptoms at one or more follow-up time points, compared to 9 (6.9%) women who were HIV-seronegative. There was no association between HIV status and PPD symptoms (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]:1.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.73–3.93, p = 0.225); however, WLHIV on efavirenz-based ART regimens had higher odds of experiencing PPD symptoms compared to dolutegravir-based ART (aOR:3.05, 95% CI:1.16–8.03, p = 0.024). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper draws on a qualitative case study of the motherhood experiences of visually impaired Chinese women. The aim is to explain how disability and gender intersected in terms of motherhood experiences. By applying an intersectionality analytical framework, the present study argues that as people with disabilities, visually impaired women encounter more barriers and receive excessive support that threatens their expression of agency throughout motherhood decisions and childcare; as women with disabilities, visually impaired women receive less support from their family of origins compared to men with disabilities. By reinterpreting disability, employing various strategies to resist societal stigmas, and emphasizing their roles in the public sphere, women with visual impairments challenge the boundaries between disability and ability and reframe their relations with the world as mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mother–child memory conversations are a nuanced and important factor in children's memory development. The current study focuses on maternal characteristics that are related to individual differences in maternal elaborative style. It also examines the role of maternal elaborative style in children's elaborativeness in the context of reminiscing and recounting. Two hundred and nine Turkish mothers (Mage= 36.32, SD = 4.99) and their 5- to 6-year-olds (Mage in months = 66.88, SD = 4.04) (110 girls, 99 boys) participated in the current study. Results revealed that maternal individuation and balanced self-construal type predicted maternal elaborativeness, which in turn predicted child elaborativeness in reminiscing and recounting. Yet, such a relation was not observed for maternal attachment styles or sensitivity. Findings suggested the importance of maternal individuation and balanced self-construal for mothers' and children's elaborativeness in memory conversations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to explore the lived experience of fertile Iranian mothers who adopted children. In a qualitative phenomenological method, 13 participants were selected by purposive sampling and interviewed in depth. Data were analyzed by Colaizzi's method. The results showed that although adoption was reported to be a positive experience for most mothers, it is still a kind of social stigma in Iran, and adoptive mothers face many challenges due to insufficient support and help from society and families. Also, the results will help professionals design pre-adoption interventions, prevent the termination of adoption, and help adoptive mothers solve their issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior studies on Japanese parents raising children with developmental disorders have predominantly emphasized negative psychological aspects like parenting conflicts and challenges. Purpose of this study was to construct a conceptual model to aid mothers in parenting children with developmental disorders by identifying effective parenting strategies. In this qualitative study, participants were mothers who engaged in a home program through individual outpatient occupational therapy. Therapy sessions occurred biweekly, totaling 12 sessions, each lasting 40 min. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews, and the data were analyzed through the Modified Grounded Theory Approach. Analysis of mothers' narratives revealed heightened physical burden, psychological distress, severe stress, and social isolation. Our findings highlight those mothers who engaged in the home program navigated the intricate parenting landscape through problem-solving, including managing negative emotions, their demanding schedules, and societal norms. This study offers insights into the perceptions, experiences, and behaviors of families in supporting the development of parenting strategies within the family. Occupational therapy should prioritize evaluating a mother's parenting context and her interactions with her environment. Furthermore, it is crucial to provide support for her to independently formulate suitable parenting strategies that resonate with the specific circumstances of her family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Perinatal mental health disorders (PMHDs) are associated with a myriad of negative outcomes for women, infants, and the rest of the family unit. Understanding the prevalence of these conditions is important to guide prevention and treatment pathways. Indeed, the burden of PMHDs has been studied in many countries, but for Malta, an island with an annual birth rate of 4500 births, this burden is still to be determined. The main objective of this study was to address this gap, determine the prevalence of PMHDs among postpartum women in Malta, and study associated psychosocial determinants for this population. Methods: A cross‐sectional epidemiological study was conducted between March and April 2022 to determine the point prevalence of postpartum PMHDs in Malta. A representative, random sample of 243 postnatal mothers were recruited and screened for mental health issues using a two stage approach incorporating symptom scales and a diagnostic interview. Results: The point prevalence of postnatal PMHDs in Malta, according to a diagnostic interview, was found to be 21.4%. Anxiety disorders were the most prevalent conditions (16.8%), followed by obsessive‐compulsive disorder (6.1%) and borderline personality disorder (5.6%), respectively. A higher rate of 32.1% was identified with self‐report measures. Conclusions: PMHDs are highly prevalent, affecting approximately 20% of women in Malta across the first postnatal year. The value of this finding accentuates the need for service availability and the implementation of perinatal mental health screening programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the peripartum, putative mechanisms in the transmission of prenatal contextual risk and maternal psychological distress include biological and social processes. In this study, path analyses were used to test unique, cascading pathways of prenatal contextual risk and pre- and postnatal maternal psychological distress through social mediators (parenting) and biological mediators (infant stress physiology) on infant temperament and toddler adjustment. The sample is comprised of racially and ethnically diverse first-time mothers (N = 200) living in low-income contexts (<200% poverty) who were followed from pregnancy to 18–36 months postpartum. In pregnancy, mothers reported contextual risk and psychological distress (anxiety, depression). In the postpartum, mothers reported their psychological distress. At 2–4 months postpartum, observed mother–infant interactions were coded for sensitive responsiveness. Infant cortisol baseline and reactivity to a lab stressor were collected when infants were 4–6 months old. Mothers reported on infant's temperament (negative affect, effortful control) at 10–12 months and on child adjustment (internalizing, externalizing symptoms) at 18–36 months. Prenatal contextual risk predicted infant cortisol reactivity. Prenatal psychological distress predicted postnatal distress but, when accounting for postnatal distress, did not predict putative mediators or indicators of child adjustment. In contrast, maternal postnatal depression predicted subsequent maternal sensitive responsiveness, which in turn predicted later infant baseline cortisol and cortisol reactivity. Baseline cortisol predicted infant negative affectivity, which predicted toddler internalizing and externalizing symptoms. There was no evidence of mediated effects of prenatal variables on child adjustment outcomes, whereas contextual risk, postnatal psychological distress, and parenting were more salient predictors of child adjustment. Public Significance Statement: Children growing up in low-income contexts are more likely to have adjustment problems compared with advantaged peers. The mechanisms of this are not well-understood. This study tests potential contributors to children's adjustment outcomes from pregnancy to toddlerhood, finding that for families living in the context of low income, contextual risk factors, a mother's mental health after giving birth, a child's stress physiology, and parenting behaviors all contribute to children's adjustment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Machine learning techniques (MLT) build models to detect complex patterns and solve new problems using big data. Aim: The present study aims to create a prediction interface for mothers breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months using MLT. Method: All mothers who had babies aged 6–24 months between 15.09.2021 and 15.12.2021 and to whom the surveys could be delivered were included. 'Personal Information Form' created by the researchers was used as a data collection tool. Data from 514 mothers participating in the study were used for MLT. Data from 70% of mothers were used for educational purposes, and a prediction model was created. The data obtained from the remaining 30% of the mothers were used for testing. Results: The best MLT algorithm for predicting exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months was determined to be the Random Forest Classifier. The top five variables affecting the possibility of mothers breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months were as follows: "the mother not having any health problems during pregnancy," "there were no people who negatively affected the mother's morale about breastfeeding," "the amount of water the mother drinks in a day," "thinking that her milk supply is insufficient," "having no problems breastfeeding the baby". Conclusions: Using created prediction model may allow early identification of mothers with a risk of not breastfeeding their babies exclusively for the first 6 months. In this way, mothers in the risk group can be closely monitored in the early period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The ways that people seek support during times of stress influence their mental health outcomes, including depression. Insecure attachment is a risk factor for depression and may also interfere with adaptive support and feedback‐seeking behaviour during stress. The purpose of the present study was to test theorized associations between insecure attachment, support and feedback seeking, and changes in depression symptoms over 1 year, in a sample of mothers of school‐age children in the context of stress elicited by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods: Participants (N = 70 mothers) completed self‐report measures of anxious and avoidant attachment and depression severity at baseline in spring 2020 and then completed measures of past‐year engagement in direct and indirect support seeking and excessive reassurance seeking (ERS), preference for negative feedback, and depression severity at a follow‐up assessment in summer 2021. Results: Greater attachment anxiety at baseline predicted more frequent direct support seeking, indirect support seeking, and ERS during the 1‐year follow‐up period. In turn, greater indirect support seeking predicted greater increases in depression from baseline to follow‐up. Greater attachment avoidance at baseline predicted less direct support seeking during the 1‐year follow‐up period. Greater attachment avoidance at baseline also predicted depression severity at follow‐up, particularly among mothers with moderate to high levels of attachment anxiety, although none of the examined support and feedback‐seeking behaviours mediated this association. Conclusions: These results provide support for the role of activated attachment systems in determining support and feedback‐seeking behaviour during stress, as well as the role of support and feedback‐seeking behaviour in the maintenance and exacerbation of depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internationally, over one-third of women experience birth trauma, leading to adverse mental health outcomes. Poor communication with healthcare professionals is a primary contributing factor. Paramedics attend various clinical presentations, including childbirth, yet their potential impact on women's birth experiences has been largely overlooked. A systematic literature search was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodological framework. The search identified 1015 potentially suitable articles, and 5 articles met the inclusion criteria. Data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis from a feminist standpoint. Three themes were generated: 1. First Impressions Count: paramedic demeanour impacted the woman's sense of safety and perception of paramedic clinical competence. 2. Choice as a Pathway to Control: when paramedics involved women in decision-making, it led to empowerment, while non-involvement led to women becoming passive participants. 3. Exposed, Violated and Disempowered: some paramedics disrespected and abused women, treating them solely as objects for the purpose of producing a baby. This review highlights the influence of paramedic communication on women's birth experiences. While some paramedics communicated respectfully, other paramedics were the perpetrators of Obstetric Violence. Future research should inform paramedic education and improve outcomes for birthing women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parents have long been concerned with the transition to adulthood of their children with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) particularly with financial issues. The purpose of this study was to explore the financial concerns of mothers of adults with IDD. Five mothers of adults with IDD participated in a focus group to share their experiences, opinions, concerns, and challenges related to finances. Five themes emerged from the qualitative data analysis: (a) job-related difficulties, (b) living expenses, (c) access to essential services, (d), skills deficits and/or challenging behavior, and (e) long-term care. Mothers in general indicated tremendous financial burdens, loss of income, and expressed concerns about long-term care of their children with IDD. These themes are discussed and implications for practice and research are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early diagnosis is extremely important for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as other children having developmental disabilities. In early diagnosis, which is one of the most important elements of the treatment process, parents have a special place with different factors. Considering the importance of parents in early diagnosis, the aim of the study is to examine the opinions of the mother on early developmental differences in children with autism. The research is a case study designed in a qualitative research model. Accordingly, an interview form was developed by the researchers and data were collected in the scanning model in the first step of the study. In the second step of the study, data were obtained by using the semi-structured interview method, which is one of the qualitative research methods. In the study group of the research, 110 mothers were interviewed, whom were selected via purposeful sampling, and 87 mothers, who gave full answers to the questions, were included in the study. The data obtained were subjected to descriptive and thematic analysis. As a result of the study, it was found that children diagnosed with autism and children with development showed similar developmental characteristics during pregnancy and after birth. It was observed that mothers with a child diagnosed with autism have the awareness on the suspicion of autism in their children when they are between 18 and 24 months and 31 and 36 months, and they experienced problems in breast-feeding and falling asleep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parenting a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may lead to emotional distress. However, it has been recognized that it can also be accompanied with positive experiences that may conduce parents to posttraumatic growth (PTG). Few studies have investigated the factors that may be associated with growth. The present study aimed to assess the role of maternal perceptions, coping strategies and depressive symptoms to PTG. Method: In this cross-sectional study, 123 mothers of ASD offspring completed self-reported questionnaires to assess posttraumatic growth (PTGI); coping strategies (Βrief-COPE); perceptions about ASD (B-IPQ) and depressive symptoms (PHQ-9). Hierarchical regression analysis was used to assess their independent associations. Results: A significant proportion of mothers (56.1%) reported moderate to high growth levels (PTGI ≥ 63). Nearly half of the mothers (46.3%) reported clinically significant depressive symptoms. Engagement (b = 0.361), cognitive reframing (b = 0.214), personal control (b = 0.200) and depressive symptoms (b = −0.232) were independently and significantly associated with PTG. Conclusions: Mothers of children with ASD may experience moderate to high PTG. Engagement, cognitive reframing, personal control and depressive symptoms were significant predictors of growth level. Interventions aiming to support mothers to potentiate their personal control over ASD, to use adaptive coping strategies and to reduce distress may facilitate their growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I investigated subjective well-being (SWB)—happiness, meaningfulness, sadness, stress, and tiredness—of 7,087 mothers, engaged in 11,154 cases of activities in which their children were present, using the Conservation of Resources theory. Results of OLS analysis of data from the American Time Use Study suggested that the presence of her parent(s) during the activities was associated positively with the mother's happiness and negatively with her stress. Total time spent with her parent(s) was positively associated with the mother's tiredness. Co-residence with parents was not significantly related to the mother's SWB. The association between the mother's SWB and her involvement with parents was positively moderated by demographic variables that may have increased her need for core resources in the form of kin support. The focus on sandwiched activities in which a mother engaged with her children and parents permitted direct assessment of how those activities affected the mother's SWB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is to determine the predictors of positive and negative parenting practices among mothers of two-to-three-year-old children in Tirana, Albania. Cross-sectional data were obtained from a representative sample of 328 mothers of two-to-three-year-old children recruited through eight randomly selected public nurseries in Tirana. Results from bivariate regressions showed significant associations between the key relevant maternal characteristics and maternal parenting practices, in line with previous studies conducted in Western societies. Results from multiple regressions showed that maternal attitudes towards child maltreatment were a dominant significant predictor of negative parenting practices (punitive parenting, inconsistent parenting, and child maltreatment) and that maternal sense of parental competence was a dominant significant predictor of positive parenting practices. The findings suggest a strong, consistent link between maternal belief systems and parenting practices among mothers of toddlers in Tirana and call for the implementation of parent training programmes that address attitudes towards child maltreatment and sense of parental competence in the Albanian society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harmonious family relationships are integral to well-being. Given that family relationships are fundamentally interdependent, parents' well-being may be shaped not only by satisfaction with their own relationships with their family members but also by their perceptions of their family members' relationships with each other. This study examines how parents' mental health is shaped by satisfaction with (their perceptions of) the relationships among their children (i.e., perceived children–sibling relationships) and between their spouses and their children (i.e., perceived spouse–child relationships). Analyses using HILDA survey data (N = 43,913 person-years) suggest that parents' satisfaction with their children's relationships with each other and their spouse's relationship with their children are indeed associated with better mental health, primarily through their roles in shaping satisfaction with parent–child and spousal relationships, respectively. Parent–child and spouse–child relationship satisfaction are especially important to mothers' mental health. Findings contribute to family systems research and offer practical implications for promoting family well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mothers experiencing homelessness are seldom asked about past trauma that may be causal to housing instability and poor health. There are also few validated trauma-focused interventions in family shelters. To address this gap, we tested the feasibility and acceptability of the trauma-focused clinical ethnographic narrative intervention (CENI-TF) in increasing mothers' trauma disclosure, appraisal of its meaning in their lives, and help-seeking behaviors. We also present the qualitative findings to contextualize the intervention. Findings are organized under three major domains and nine subthemes that capture participants' voices and experiences. The CENI-TF has the potential to promote help-seeking behaviors and interrupt recurring cycles of trauma and housing instability in this at-risk population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infants requiring neonatal care often face initial breastfeeding challenges, leading them to receive expressed breast milk from their mother or donor milk. While emphasizing the mother's own milk as the gold standard for infant nutrition, the utilization of donor milk stands as the preferred alternative over infant formula due to its numerous benefits. To facilitate the provision of donor milk to preterm and ill infants in neonatal units, the active participation of women willing to contribute their breast milk is crucial. This study aims to enhance the understanding of women's experiences in the donation process, thereby contributing to efforts aiming at alleviating the shortage of donated breast milk by improve the care and support for breast milk donors. Methods: This descriptive qualitative study took an inductive approach based on individual semi-structured interviews conducted during 2021 with 15 breast milk donors in Sweden. The data were analysed with thematic analysis. Results: Two themes were identified in the analysis: motivation to donate and challenges to overcome. Many of the women struggled to overcome the apparent challenges of not only starting the process of donating breast milk but also maintaining it. Despite the strain, they were motivated to donate their breast milk and seeking information by themselves to do something important for someone else. Only a few of the women talked about the financial benefits of donating breast milk; donating seemed to be mostly based on altruistic reasons. Conclusions: Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 restrictions, time consumption, and the hard work of sterilizing pump utensils, women continued to donate their milk driven by altruism. To enhance donor support and increase milk donation, several improvements are suggested: providing comprehensive information and resources, simplifying the donation process, offering flexible scheduling, and recognizing donors' contributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Public health initiatives (e.g., the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative) have led to an increase in breastfeeding rates worldwide. However, as (exclusive) breastfeeding duration is still below WHO recommendations, it is crucial to understand the factors that influence decisions on breastfeeding practice. Modifiable psychological factors such as intention to breastfeed have therefore become targets of recent interventions. As the intention to breastfeed is among the strongest predictors of breastfeeding duration, reliable tools for measuring the intention to breastfeed are needed. The Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS) measures attitudes towards infant feeding and is used in various languages and across different cultural contexts. However, there has been no German version of the IIFAS (IIFAS-G) so far. The aim of this study was to investigate reliability, validity, and associations of the IIFAS-G with feeding method and breastfeeding duration. Methods: Between August and November 2022, a total of 353 mothers (Mage = 35 years, SDage = 4.2 years) of singleton infants (47.3% female (1 undetermined), Mage = 10.8 months, SDage = 4.7 months, age range: 3-547 days; 90.4% living in Switzerland) participated in an online survey. The IIFAS-G was administered as a part of a larger study on early child development and infant feeding method. Results: The translated IIFAS-G showed unsatisfactory model fit for the two factor 17-item solution. Four items showed low factor loadings. After item reduction, a 13-item two factor solution showed satisfactory model fit (CFI = 0.92, TLI = 0.90, RMSEA = 0.07) and high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.85). The IIFAS-G score was higher for mothers who exclusively breastfed their infants compared to mothers who additionally or exclusively fed infant formula. Moreover, mothers with higher IIFAS-G scores were less likely to stop breastfeeding their child over the course of 1.5years (HR = 0.87). Conclusion: A shorter two-factor IIFAS-G is proposed to investigate attitudes towards breastfeeding and formula feeding in German-speaking mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined whether maternal depression is related to Early Childhood Developmental (ECD) delay among children by quantifying the mediating contribution of responsive caregiving. We used data from 1235 children (Children's mean age = 50.4 months; 582 girls, 653 boys, 93.9% were Han), selected through convenience sampling, in 2021. 4.7% of children had ECD delay, 34.3% of mothers had depression. Children with depressed mothers were less likely to receive responsive caregiving (OR 4.35, 95% CI 2.60–7.27), and those who did not receive responsive caregiving were more likely to experience ECD delay (OR 3.89, 95% CI 1.89–8.02). Responsive caregiving partly mediated the relationship between maternal depression and ECD. Early intervention for children with depressed mothers is worthy of further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This paper outlines a pilot of a new memory aide for breastfeeding conducted in the Northeast of England and North Cumbria between April and August 2023. The United Kingdom has some of the lowest rates of breastfeeding, particularly in the Northeast of England, and as such more needs to be done to support mothers to breastfeed for as long as they would like to. Good support from health professionals can be effective in influencing decisions to breastfeed as well as helping to ensure initiation and continuation of breastfeeding but there is evidence to suggest that professionals and students do not always feel adequately trained and it is here, where memory aides may have value. Methods: Key breastfeeding practitioners and educators were brought together to select one of two memory aides for principles of attachment for effective breastfeeding. The selected memory aide, LATCHS, was piloted with 57 participants with a key role in promotion and support of breastfeeding in the Northeast of England and North Cumbria. Results: Participants conveyed mixed views about the proposed memory aide with more experienced staff reporting more favourable opinions than student midwives and early years practitioners. Experienced staff felt the new memory aide would complement an early memory aide, CHINS, which focused on principles of positioning. Discussion: Findings of the pilot indicate there is a role for a mnemonic to help practitioners understand, recall, and retain theory around attachment for effective breastfeeding and that memory aides can play an important role in complementing existing approaches to education and practice. The participants felt the proposed memory aide had some limitations and suggested important ways for it to be improved, particularly in adding an E to reflect the expecting wording. This produced the final memory aide: LATCHES. Conclusion: Using data from the pilot, the memory aide was refined, and the final version LATCHES agreed for wider dissemination. Future research is needed to understand the value of LATCHES on the wider breastfeeding workforce and whether any future improvements can be made to enhance its utility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suicide accounts for 33% of deaths of women during the postnatal period in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Resilience refers to an ability to adapt and recover from adversity or misfortune. Resilience building against mental health challenges during pregnancy and the postnatal period is critical for women to raise their child efficiently and maintain a healthy life. The exploration of maternal resilience against mental health challenges including its developmental processes and the determinants of its successful or unsuccessful cultivation among mothers during pregnancy and childbirth is of paramount importance. Understanding why a subset of mothers effectively develops resilience while others significantly struggle is critical for devising targeted interventions and support mechanisms aimed at improving maternal well-being. This inquiry not only seeks to delineate the factors that contribute to or hinder the development of resilience but also aims to inform the creation of comprehensive support systems that can bolster maternal health outcomes. This paper endeavors to present a comprehensive analysis of maternal resilience, aiming to cultivate a nuanced and profound understanding of the concept within the framework of previous traumatic events and adverse pregnancy outcomes in LMICs. The eight-step method approach proposed by Walker and Avant was utilized for this concept analysis. Several defining attributes were identified in the analysis including social adaptation, support system, optimistic approach, and mindfulness. This analysis contributes to knowledge advancement regarding maternal resilience and provides nurses and other healthcare professionals with a clear understanding of the concept of maternal resilience to help promote resilience among mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rates of non-communicable diseases are disproportionately high among Native Hawaiian (NH) people, and the proportion of NH infants being fed human milk (HM) is the lowest among all ethnicities within the state of Hawaiʻi. The aim of this study was to explore biological, socio-economic, and psychosocial determinants of the initiation and duration of human milk feeding (HMF) among a study of NH mothers and infants. Methods: A sample of 85 NH mother-infant dyads who were participating in a larger prospective study were involved in this research. Recruitment for the parent was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Recruitment started in November 2020 and continued until April 2022. Questionnaires were distributed at birth, two-months, four-months, and six-months postpartum. Questionnaires addressed topics relating to maternal and infant characteristics and infant feeding practices. Descriptive statistics, comparative analysis, and multivariate logistic regression tests were conducted. Results: The majority of participating mothers were aged between 31 and 35 years, had some college education or more, were employed, and multiparous. The majority of infants were receiving HM at each timepoint (94% at birth, 78% at two-months postpartum, and 76% at four and six-months postpartum). Factors found to be significantly associated with HMF initiation and duration were prenatal intention to HMF, maternal educational attainment, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participation, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipiency. A prenatal intention to HMF was found to be a strong predictor of HMF at birth (aOR = 64.18, 95% CI 2.94, 1400.28) and at two-months postpartum (aOR = 231.55, 95% CI 2.18, 2418.3). Participants not involved with WIC were more likely to be HMF at four-months postpartum (aOR = 6.83, 95% CI 1.01, 46.23). Conclusion: This research supports existing evidence that prenatal intention to HMF and higher maternal educational attainment are positive predictors of HMF. WIC participation and being a SNAP recipient were found to be negatively associated with HMF which suggests a need for more culturally tailored support. Further research is required to reduce the gap in knowledge related to the determinants of HMF in NH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Japan, many pregnant women and mothers suffer from anxiety, depression, and other postnatal issues that can be exacerbated by their birth experiences. While benefiting from advanced medical care, these women's mental and psychological health may be disregarded in their maternity care. Midwives have the potential to play a significant role in improving women's birth experiences. Hence, this study aimed to explore the meaning of the woman–midwife relationship, with a specific focus on sensing peace of mind and trust to improve women's birth experiences. Using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach, 14 Japanese women were interviewed. Sensing peace of mind and trust was one of the significant meanings of the woman–midwife relationship and is articulated across five themes: (1) attuning to the world, (2) different kinds of safety and trust, (3) relying on and entrusting midwives, (4) making a mother, and (5) an emotional bridge. The positive relationship with midwives enhanced the women's mental well-being through allowing the women to attune to the peaceful mind which directed their future perspectives and sustained them in motherhood. They became confident mothers by trusting their midwives. The maternity care system in Japan needs to shift to more relationship-based care to ensure continuity of midwifery care that will improve women's birth experiences and their long-term well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breastfeeding is the optimal form of nutrition for infants and young children. The World Health Organization recommends that babies are breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months of life, and up to the age of 2 years or beyond in combination with complementary food. Breastfeeding initiation and continuation rates are suboptimal globally and very low in the Republic of Ireland where health promotion initiatives and healthcare professional support predominantly focus on the important phase of initiation and early months of the breastfeeding journey. This qualitative descriptive study aimed to explore the experiences of women who chose to breastfeed their children beyond 1 year of age in the Republic of Ireland. Fourteen women participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was conducted. The analysis generated three overarching themes: (1) Influences on breastfeeding beyond 1 year, (2) Sustaining breastfeeding and (3) Benefits of breastfeeding beyond 1 year. Family, friends, peers, culture and commercial milk formula marketing had an influence on breastfeeding journeys. Support, determination, knowledge, bed-sharing and Covid-19 pandemic social restrictions helped to sustain breastfeeding beyond 1 year. Benefits of breastfeeding beyond 1 year such as nutrition, strengthening of emotional bonds, development of a parenting tool, and protection of child and maternal health were identified. Our findings support the need for discussions and further research on the normalization of breastfeeding beyond 1 year in the Republic of Ireland, targeted health promotion initiatives and education programmes for healthcare professionals on supporting the continuation of breastfeeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stressful events are inherently emotional. As a result, the ability to regulate emotions is critical in responding effectively to stressors. Differential abilities in the management of stress appear very early in life, compelling a need to better understand factors that may shape the capacity for emotion regulation (ER). Variations in both biologic and behavioural characteristics are thought to influence individual differences in ER development. We sought to determine the differential contributions of temperament and heart rate variability (HRV; an indicator of autonomic nervous system function) to infant resting state emotionality and emotional reactivity in response to a stressor at 6 months of age. Participants included 108 mother‐infant dyads. Mothers completed a measure of infant temperament at 6 months postnatal. Mother and infant also participated in a standardized stressor (the Repeated Still Face Paradigm) at that time. Electrocardiographic data were acquired from the infant during a baseline resting state and throughout the stressor. Fast Fourier Transformation was used to analyse the high frequency (HF) domain of HRV, a measure of parasympathetic nervous system activity. Infant ER was measured via standardized coding of emotional distress behaviours from video‐records at baseline and throughout the stressor. Severity of mothers' depressive symptoms was included as a covariate in analyses. Results of linear regression indicate that neither temperament nor HRV were associated significantly with an infant's emotional resting state, although a small effect size was found for the relationship between infant negative affectivity and greater emotional distress (β = 0.23, p = 0.08) prior to the stressor. Higher HF‐HRV (suggesting parasympathetic dominance) was related to greater emotional distress in response to the stressor (β = 0.34, p = 0.009). This greater emotional reactivity may reflect a more robust capacity to mount an emotional response to the stressor when infants encounter it from a bedrock of parasympathetic activation. Findings may inform eventual markers for assessment of ER in infancy and areas for intervention to enhance infant management of emotions, especially during stressful events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Violence against women has numerous devastating effects. Exposure to violence not only impacts women but also affects their children both physically and psychosocially. Aims: The study aimed to evaluate the psychosocial problems of children living with their mothers in women's shelters from the mothers' perspective with a phenomenological approach. Methods: Utilizing the phenomenological research method, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 14 individuals in a women's shelter in a province in northern Türkiye. The criterion sampling method, a purposive sampling technique, was employed to select participants. Interviews continued until data saturation was achieved. All interviews were audio recorded and then transcribed, and thematic analysis was applied to analyze the data. The study adhered to the COREQ checklist for reporting. Results: The data analysis revealed four main categories (effects of violence on the mother, actions taken to protect children from violence, effects of violence and staying in a shelter on the child, and psychosocial needs for the protection of the child's mental health in the shelter) and 10 sub-themes (psychological effects, physical effects, social effects, domestic actions, organizational actions, psychological effects, physical effects, social effects, support system, and coping). Conclusion: The study concluded that violence significantly impacted the mental, physical, and social well-being of both women and children, posing challenges to their ability to cope with the aftermath. Women exerted considerable effort in protecting their children from violence, and they needed psychosocial support to ensure the well-being of their children's mental health during their stay in shelters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on continuing bonds theory, this research examined the experience and manifestations of continuing bonds of bereaved Muslim mothers with their children who died in home accidents. This qualitative phenomenological study is based on interviews with 15 bereaved mothers (aged 28–46 years) whose children (aged 1–6 years) died 2–7 years before the interviews. Analysis revealed three themes: efforts to continue the physical bonds, challenges in the continuing bonds in cases of traumatic death, and belief in afterlife as the main element of the continuing bonds. The traumatic circumstances of the death challenged the ability to maintain the bond based on positive memories without it being overwhelmed by the traumatic memories of the last moments of the child's life. Religious beliefs played an important role in the characteristics of the bond. Maintaining the bond requires professionals to provide a therapeutic environment where bereaved mothers feel safe talking about it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine the association between partner support for women's antidepressant treatment and depressive symptoms in pregnant women, those planning pregnancy, and mothers who ever used antidepressants. Methods: We included 334 women (n=44 planners, n=182 pregnant, n=108 mothers) ever treated with antidepressants within the HEALTHx2 study, a web-based cross-sectional study conducted across Norway in June 2020 to June 2021. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and two questions of the Patient Health Questionnaire measured depressive symptoms, by degree of severity and for depressed mood, anxiety, and anhedonia sub-dimensions. Partner support was measured using one item from the Antidepressant Compliance Questionnaire. Association was estimated via unadjusted and adjusted linear and logistic regression models. Results: Being unsupported by the partner was associated with increased odds of reporting moderate-to-very-severe depressive symptoms in mothers (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 3.57; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04–12.19) and pregnant women (aOR, 3.26; 95% CI, 0.95–11.14), relative to being supported. Pregnant women (adjusted mean difference (β), 0.76; 95% CI, 0.14–1.38) and mothers (β, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.23–1.64) with no support for their antidepressant treatment presented greater symptoms of anhedonia; for women planning pregnancy, this association emerged in relation to anxiety symptoms (β among non-users of antidepressant, 2.58; 95% CI, 1.04–4.13). Conclusions: Partner support for women's antidepressant treatment may play a key role in depressive symptoms severity and the subtypes of anhedonia and anxiety, among women planning pregnancy, pregnant women, and mothers. This highlights the importance of partner inclusion in the complex decision-making process for antidepressant treatment around the time of pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Maternal cortisol levels in pregnancy may support the growth of or adversely affect fetal organs, including the brain. While moderate cortisol levels are essential for fetal development, excessive or prolonged elevations may have negative health consequences for both the mother and the offspring. Little is known about predictors of altered hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activity during pregnancy. This study examined maternal hair cortisol concentration (HCC) in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy in relation to severe psychopathology. Methods: Hair samples were collected from 69 women, 32 with a lifetime diagnosis of severe mental disorders (bipolar I or II disorder, moderate or severe depressive disorder, schizophrenic spectrum disorder), and 37 non-clinical controls. Hair samples were collected during the 3rd trimester, and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used for cortisol assessment. Psychiatric diagnosis and current level of symptomatic functioning were assessed using the structured clinical interview from the DSM-5 and the global assessment of functioning scale. Results: Women with a lifetime diagnosis of severe mental illness had significantly elevated HCC compared to controls. Poorer current symptomatic functioning was also significantly associated with elevated HCC in pregnancy. Conclusions: The implications of alterations in HCC on both maternal and infant health need further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]