Midwifery
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A randomised clinical trial of the effect of low-level laser therapy for perineal pain and healing after episiotomy: a pilot study.
to evaluate the effects of low-level laser therapy for perineal pain and healing after episiotomy. ⋯ this pilot study showed that LLLT did not accelerate episiotomy healing. Although there was a reduction in perineal pain mean scores in the experimental group, we cannot conclude that the laser relieved perineal pain. This study led to the suggestion of a new research proposal involving another irradiation protocol to evaluate LLLT's effect on perineal pain relief.
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the goal of women-centred care (WCC) is respect, safety, holism, partnership and the general well-being of women, which could lead to women's empowerment. The first step in providing WCC to all pregnant women is to describe women's perceptions of WCC during pregnancy in different health facilities. The objectives of this study were to ask (a) what are the perceptions and comparison of WCC at Japanese birth centres, clinics, and hospitals and (b) what are the relationships between WCC and three dimensions of women's birth experience: (1) satisfaction with care they received during pregnancy and birth, (2) sense of control during labour and birth, and (3) attachment to their new born babies. ⋯ health-care providers should consider the positive correlation of WCC and women's perception of satisfaction. Every woman should be provided continuity of care with respectful communication, which is a core element of WCC.
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the Malabar Community Midwifery Link Service was developed to meet the needs of women from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in suburban Sydney, Australia. This paper reports the evaluation from the perspective of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who accessed the service. ⋯ further research into ways to ensure that services like Malabar can address issues like smoking in pregnancy and the range of social and emotional issues faced by Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and families needs to be undertaken. More community-based appropriate services should be developed for these families.
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to develop a scale to measure maternal satisfaction with birth to evaluate women's experiences in labour and the early postpartum period. ⋯ the scales can contribute to the assessment of women's satisfaction with different aspects of care, the quality of care and developments in maternity services.