Role of Intrapartum Social Support in Preventing Postpartum Depression.

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.

Translation and Validation of the Mongolian Version of the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire.

Women's experiences of childbirth have a significant impact on mother and child health and well-being as well as quality of care. A valid and reliable tool is needed to assess women's experience. This study aim was to adapt the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire to the Mongolian context and assess its psychometric properties. The study conducted between October and January 2019 at the public maternity hospital in Ulaanbaatar by recruiting a total of 828 low-risk postpartum women. The response rate was 92% (n = 761). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a good fit for the 4-factor model. Reliability was good for the overall instrument (Cronbach's alpha = 0.83) and for individual domains (Cronbach's alphas ranging from 0.45 to 0.80). The overall and domain scores were significantly higher among women who had previous birth experience, who did not receive oxytocin augmentation, and who experienced a shorter labor duration (<12 h).The Mongolian version of the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool for exploring the childbirth experience. It can be used to promote women-centered, respectful care in maternity hospitals.

A holistic view from birth to the end of life: end-of-life doulas and new developments in end-of-life care in the West.

The relatively newly-developed profession of birth doulas, who accompany perinatal women and their families during the birth process, has been in existence since the 1990s. End-of-life (EoL) doulas are another emerging profession in developed Western countries. Doulas provide non-medical support for both childbearing women and people at the EoL, as well as their families. Although birth and death would appear to be opposites, they share common characteristics and challenges, such as tending to be treated in medicalised care settings, and that they both concern vulnerable parties. Doulas, with a holistic view encompassing birth and death, may be able to contribute to the improvement of the healthcare system in modern societies.