Women and birth : journal of the Australian College of Midwives
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There is worldwide concern with increasing rates of pharmacologically induced labour and operative birth. Many women would like to avoid medical or surgical interventions in childbirth; a desire that may contribute towards the popularity of complementary and alternative medicine/therapies. ⋯ Further research is required on whether acupressure can shorten labour duration, augment prolonged labour or initiate onset of labour by stimulating uterine contractions. Clinical trials should report the basis for acupressure treatment described in the STRICTA (minus needling) and CONSORT non-pharmaceutical guidelines.
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What are the experiences of midwives working in midwifery-led models of care in NSW who undertake the credentialling process? ⋯ Credentialling was recognised as being valuable for all midwives to undertake as it encourages both a review of, and reflection on, practice. The process has further developed into Midwifery Practice Review (MPR) and is administered by the national professional association for midwifery.
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To critically examine the evidence for simulation based learning in midwifery education. ⋯ There is evidence that simulated learning of midwifery skills is beneficial. Simulation learning has an educational and clinical impact and advantages over didactic approaches. Where clinical practice is infrequent i.e. obstetric emergencies, simulation is an essential component of curricula. Simulation enhances practice and therefore may reduce the time taken to achieve competence; however there is no evidence from the literature that simulation should replace clinical practice.
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Multicenter Study
Effect of audit and feedback on the availability, utilisation and quality of emergency obstetric care in three districts in Malawi.
Facility-based maternal death reviews and criterion-based clinical audit, were introduced in three districts in Malawi in 2006. ⋯ There is need to increase availability of emergency obstetric care by upgrading some health centres to EmOC level through training of staff and provision of equipment and supplies.
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Perinatal mental health problems have been studied in more than 90% of high income countries but this information is available only for 10% of low and middle income countries. A study on the relationship between anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum depression has not been performed in Iran. This prospective study aimed to investigate whether anxiety and fear of childbirth during pregnancy is an independent predictor of postpartum depressive symptoms. ⋯ The findings from this study suggest that antenatal state and trait anxiety, assessed by interview, is an important predictor of postpartum depression. Therefore, it should be routinely screened in order to develop specific preventive interventions.