The Effect of Hot Application Applied to the Breast with the Help of the Thera Pearl in the Postpartum Period on Mothers' Milk Perception and Postpartum Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Breastfeeding difficulties are often present in the first weeks of the postpartum period, and various factors can cause a mother's early cessation of breastfeeding. Such factors include mothers' self-efficacy and perception of insufficient milk. This study aimed to examine the effect of a hot application on the breast with the help of the Thera Pearl in the postpartum period on milk perception and breastfeeding self-efficacy. This was a randomized controlled trial. This study was completed with 64 puerperal mothers, 31 of whom were control and 33 were experimental. A Personal Information Form, Breastfeeding Observation Form, Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale, and Insufficient Milk Perception Scale were used to collect data. The average breastfeeding self-efficacy scale scores of the experimental group were 42.46 and 62, respectively, at the first and last follow-up, while the control group's mean scores were 57.42 and 47. The average scores of the experimental group on the insufficient milk perception scale were 19, 28, and 48, respectively, from the first to the last follow-up, while those of the control group were 28, 24, and 34, respectively. As a result, self-efficacy and milk perception are important factors affecting breastfeeding. In this study, we found that Thera Pearl application increased breastfeeding self-efficacy but did not affect milk perception.

Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the transition of primiparas becoming mothers scale.

BACKGROUND: The transition to motherhood is an important life event in a woman's life and represents an important developmental process that brings physical, psychological and social changes to gain a new role. However, research on the transition to motherhood in Turkish society is scarce. There is a need for a comprehensive, practical and reliable tool to evaluate the transition to motherhood in primiparous mothers. This study evaluated the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Transition of Primiparous Becoming Mothers Scale (TMP-S) to evaluate the transition process of primiparous mothers to motherhood. METHODS: This methodological research was carried out in obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinics, pediatric outpatient clinics, and family health centers of a hospital in Türkiye. The sample consisted of primiparous mothers of 0 to 6- month-old babies who visited clinics and family health centers for routine postnatal examinations (n ​​= 305). After evaluating the language equivalence and content validity of the scale, test-retest reliability, internal consistency and construct validity were examined. Factor analysis, Pearson's correlation, retest reliability, and Cronbach's alpha were employed to evaluate structural validity and reliability. RESULTS: The final TPM-S had two dimensions with 25 items. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a two-factor solution, which accounted for 59.276% of the variance. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the model fit of the two-factor model also reached a satisfactory model ft after modification. The comparative fit index was 0.894, the Tucker‒Lewis index was 0.882, and the root mean square error of approximation was 0.079. The content validity index of the scale ranged from 0.56 ~ 0.77. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.93 for the total scale, and the test-retest reliability was 0.96. CONCLUSIONS: It is a valid and reliable tool for evaluating the transition to motherhood among primiparous mothers of 0 to 6 month-old babies in Türkiye. Turkish researchers and healthcare professionals can routinely apply this measurement tool to primiparous mothers in the first six months after birth to evaluate their transition to motherhood.

Effect of Warm and Cold Acupressure Applied to the LI4 Acupressure Point on Childbirth Comfort During Labor: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Context: Labor pain is considered one of the most well-known types of severe pain. For this reason, non-pharmacological methods employed for managing labor pain are necessary to help pregnant women cope with labor pain and increase their childbirth comfort. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cold and warm acupressure applied to the LI4 acupressure point on childbirth comfort in primiparous women during labor. Design: This study was designed as a randomized controlled experimental trial. Setting: The study was conducted between August 2020 and March 2021 at 2 hospitals in northern Turkey offering similar maternity services. Participants: The sample consisted of 129 healthy pregnant women: 44 in the warm acupressure group, 44 in the cold acupressure group and 41 in the control group. Intervention: Participants were randomly assigned to one of the three groups. The researcher applied cold or warm acupressure pouches, respectively, on the women in the 2 experimental groups on the LI4 acupressure point for 10 minutes during the active and transition phases of labor. The application was suspended for 1 hour, and then repeated 3 more times. No acupressure was administered in the control group. Outcome Measures: The Personal Information Form (PIF), Labor Monitoring Form (LMF), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Childbirth Comfort Questionnaire (CCQ) were used to gather study data. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between both the intergroup and intra-group pain scores in the experimental and control groups (P < .05) and childbirth comfort scores in the experimental and control groups in terms of groups and timing (P < .05). Conclusion: In this study, both warm and cold acupressure were found to alleviate labor pain. The warm acupressure, in particular, had a more positive effect on childbirth comfort. Thus, warm and cold acupressure can be recommended to relieve labor pain and increase childbirth comfort.

The effectiveness of erector spina plane, quadratus lumborum blocks, and intrathecal morphine for analgesia after cesarean: a randomized study.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective randomized study was conducted at Ataturk University Medical Faculty Hospital, Department of Anesthesia and Reanimation, from June 2022 to May 2023. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block, quadratus lumborum block, and intrathecal morphine to decrease postoperative pain after cesarean section. METHODS: Sixty-term pregnant women who were scheduled for elective cesarean sections with spinal anesthesia were included. Patients were randomly divided into three groups (n=20 for each group): Group 1: Patients were administered intrathecal morphine during spinal anesthesia; Group 2: Patients performed bilateral erector spinae plane block postoperatively; and Group 3: Patients performed bilateral quadratus lumborum block postoperatively. In the postpartum care unit, patients received intravenous Patient-Controlled Analgesia. The Patient-Controlled Analgesia devices were set to administer an intravenous bolus of 25 µg fentanyl, with a lockout interval of 10 min. Opioid consumption and maximum pain score in the 24 postoperative hours were recorded. RESULTS: Patients in Group 1 had a longer time to first analgesic requirement compared to Group 2 (p=0.017). Opioid consumption and resting and moving visual analog score scores in the first 24 h postoperatively were similar between groups. CONCLUSION: All three methods, including intrathecal morphine, erector spinae plane block, and quadratus lumborum block, are efficacious and comparable in providing postoperative analgesia after cesarean under spinal anesthesia.

The effectiveness of erector spina plane, quadratus lumborum blocks, and intrathecal morphine for analgesia after cesarean: a randomized study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This prospective randomized study was conducted at Ataturk University Medical Faculty Hospital, Department of Anesthesia and Reanimation, from June 2022 to May 2023. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block, quadratus lumborum block, and intrathecal morphine to decrease postoperative pain after cesarean section. METHODS: Sixty-term pregnant women who were scheduled for elective cesarean sections with spinal anesthesia were included. Patients were randomly divided into three groups (n=20 for each group): Group 1: Patients were administered intrathecal morphine during spinal anesthesia; Group 2: Patients performed bilateral erector spinae plane block postoperatively; and Group 3: Patients performed bilateral quadratus lumborum block postoperatively. In the postpartum care unit, patients received intravenous Patient-Controlled Analgesia. The Patient-Controlled Analgesia devices were set to administer an intravenous bolus of 25 μg fentanyl, with a lockout interval of 10 min. Opioid consumption and maximum pain score in the 24 postoperative hours were recorded. RESULTS: Patients in Group 1 had a longer time to first analgesic requirement compared to Group 2 (p=0.017). Opioid consumption and resting and moving visual analog score scores in the first 24 h postoperatively were similar between groups. CONCLUSION: All three methods, including intrathecal morphine, erector spinae plane block, and quadratus lumborum block, are efficacious and comparable in providing postoperative analgesia after cesarean under spinal anesthesia.

The effects of conventional, warm and cold acupressure on the pain perceptions and beta-endorphin plasma levels of primiparous women in labor: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to determine the impact of different acupressure procedures, performed on women's hands during labor, on ß-endorphin plasma levels and labor pain perception. DESIGN: Randomized controlled experimental trial SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: This study was conducted with 140 pregnant women in the delivery rooms of a university research and training hospital and a state hospital in a province in the Black Sea Region of Turkey. METHODS: This study was conducted with three experimental groups (who had conventional, warm and cold acupressure on their LI4 acupressure point) and one control group (no acupressure). Each group included 35 pregnant women. The data were collected using a personal information form, the Labor Intervention Follow-up Form, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Verbal Category Scale (VCS). Its main outcomes were the women's labor pain perceptions and ß-endorphin plasma levels. RESULTS: The experimental and control groups had homogeneous introductory characteristics. The experimental groups had significantly higher mean VAS and VCS posttest scores than the control group (p<0.001). The experimental groups' mean posttest ß-endorphin plasma levels were also significantly higher (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study, conventional, warm and cold acupressure reduced the women's labor pain and increased their ß-endorphin plasma levels. Midwives can use acupressure to reduce labor pain.

The Relationship of Emotional Intelligence and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy in Mothers in the Early Postpartum Period.

Introduction: Women have widespread breastfeeding problems in postpartum period. Emotional intelligence (EI) is thought to be important in problem-solving related to breastfeeding. Research Aims: The study was conducted to investigate the correlation between the EI and breastfeeding self-efficacy (BFSE) of women in the early postpartum period and the associated factors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in cesarean-postpartum service of a hospital in Erzurum between May 2015 and May 2016. The sample of the study consisted of 271 women. The dependent variables constituted the EI and BFSE mean scores. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t tests, one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Pearson correlation analysis were used. Results: The age, education level, perceived income status, and the status of planned pregnancy of the mothers affected their EI mean score, whereas their residence place, income status, the number of pregnancy and living children, and status of receiving prenatal care affected their BFSE levels. No significant correlation was found between the EI and BFSE mean scores in the early postpartum period (r = 0.77, p = 0.207). Conclusions: No significant correlation was determined between the EI and BFSE in the early postpartum period.

Bishop scoring: Perceived benefits of using in labour induction by Turkish midwives.

It is not always possible to achieve a successful induction. Bishop scoring system is an efficient method used in determining whether the induction will be effective or not. The aim of this study was to train midwives on the benefits and use of the Bishop scoring system and to minimize the unnecessary use of induction. This study was conducted as pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design. This study was conducted in a maternity hospital in Erzurum between 01 February and 31 July 2012. In the study, the midwives received training on the use of the Bishop scoring system, and changes in their knowledge levels and application during practice of induction were then evaluated. While only 20% of midwives were using the Bishop score before the training, 56.7% started to use this tool after the training. Comparing the examinations performed on pregnant women by the midwives in the pre-induction period before and after the training, the mean of the Bishop score changed from 7.26 to 9.68 after the training. It was determined that the training could increase the knowledge levels of midwives regarding the Bishop scoring system and their attention paid to the Bishop scoring system in the practice of induction.

The Sexual Beliefs of Turkish Men: Comparing the Beliefs of Men With and Without Erectile Dysfunction.

Sexual beliefs underlying male sexual dysfunction are known to emphasize excessively high sexual performance, among other inaccuracies. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of certain sexual beliefs among Turkish men with and without erectile dysfunction. In this comparative-descriptive study, demographic data and participant views regarding 50 common sexual beliefs were collected with a questionnaire. The study was conducted at the urology clinic of a university hospital in Turkey between May 2011 and August 2013. Participants were 815 men: 304 with erectile dysfunction and 511 without. Men with erectile dysfunction endorsed 8 beliefs about sexual activity more frequently than did men without erectile dysfunction. Findings indicate the association of certain cognitions with erectile dysfunction. Most of these cognitions concerned high expectations of male sexual function.

Turkish women's knowledge and views regarding mother's milk banking.

PURPOSE: The main aim of the study was to determine the knowledge and views of Eastern Anatolian women towards mother's milk banking. METHODS: The descriptive research was conducted between March and May 2009. The study population comprised 350 married women aged between 15 and 49 years who gave birth and who were registered with a family health center in Erzurum, Turkey. The data were collected by a questionnaire form. The questionnaire form included open-ended and closed questions regarding the descriptive characteristics and about knowledge and views of mothers on milk banking. The questionnaire form was completed by the women individually. RESULTS: Of the women surveyed, 90.6% indicated they had not previously heard anything about breast milk banking, 64.0% said that they could donate their milk, 36.3% stated it constituted a problem from a religious aspect, and 28.9% said it leads to social and moral problems. CONCLUSION: The hospital and maternity authorities may consider establishing a "milk mother file". This report addresses the first step in raising awareness of the valuable contribution of donor milk to babies and the organization of human milk donation for use in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Maternal identity development education on maternity role attainment and my baby perception of primiparas.

PURPOSE: There are no interventional study results directed at maternal identity development education, including all stages of maternity role attainment, for expectant mothers with healthy babies. This research was conducted to assess the effect of maternal identity development education on the maternity role attainment and my baby perception of primigravidas. METHODS: The research was carried out by using pretest-posttest quasi-experimental model with control group. A total of 120 mothers and their babies participated in this study. In the collection of the data, Personal Information Form, Semantic Differentation Scale-Myself as Mother and My Baby and the Pharis Self-Confidence Scale were used. RESULTS: It was detected that the training of identification development given for the mothers increased score averages taken from the scales of Myself as Mother, My Baby and the Pharis Self-Confidence Scale; this increase was statistically significant. There was a significant positive correlation between the Pharis Self-Confidence Scale post-test score averages and scales of Myself as Mother and My Baby. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses should offer maternal identity development education, support the baby perception process in the early postnatal stages, and help develop the self-confidence of the mother in order for mothers to develop successful motherhood behaviors. Maternal identity development education should be routinely offered to all expectant mothers by specialized nurses, not just to primigravidas. There is a requirement for similar studies to be conducted on broader populations related to the subject.