Multisensory stimulation and its effect on breast milk volume production in mothers of premature infants.

Introduction: In a significant number of NICUs, mothers are unable to provide enough maternal milk to feed their premature babies, so healthcare workers rely on human milk banks. Unfortunately, this service is not available in many countries, such as Peru, where premature infants receive formula. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of multisensory stimulation on mother's own milk production. Methods: Participants in this study were postpartum mothers of preterm infants 27-37 weeks gestational age. The participants were assigned to three groups: (1) audiovisual stimulation (SAV) (n = 17), (2) audiovisual and olfactory stimulation (SAVO) (n = 17), and (3) control (n = 16). A questionnaire was used to collect demographic and obstetric data, including a record of mother's own milk volume. Results: There was no significant difference between the SAV, SAVO and control groups regarding age, marital status, education level, occupation, number of children, mode of delivery, Apgar and birth weight. On the other hand, a significant difference was observed between the SAV and SAVO groups regarding the amount of milk produced, with higher production between the fourth and seventh day (Tukey p < 0.05). Similarly, milk volume was significantly greater in the SAVO group compared to the SAV and control groups (OR = 1.032, 95% CI = 1.0036-1.062, p < 0.027). Conclusion: Multisensory stimulation in postpartum mothers of preterm infants caused an increase in the volume of mother's own milk production. However, more research is needed to explain the findings presented in this study.

A Qualitative Analysis of Latina Migrant Farmworkers' Perception of Mental Health: Voices From Wisconsin.

INTRODUCTION: Despite evidence showing Latinos' high prevalence of mental health, little is known about Latina migrant farmworkers' mental health experiences, especially those working in Midwestern states. Considering the multiple vulnerabilities observed among Latina migrant farmworkers, it is necessary to gain insight from own accounts and perceptions of mental health and mental health-seeking experiences. METHOD: A qualitative descriptive approach, using in-depth semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions, served to retrieve data from 34 Latina migrant farmworkers. This study was informed by Chicana, postcolonial, and Black feminist epistemologies. RESULTS: Thematic analysis identified themes within the data. These findings pertained to the conceptualization of mental health within the contexts of family, capacities, stigma, denial, and faith. DISCUSSION: Our results demonstrate the need for health care providers to consider Latina migrant farmworkers' perceptions about mental health and apply those in designing and implementing culturally informed policy and practice.

Successful substance use disorder recovery in transitional housing: Perspectives from African American women.

Through the lens of Black Feminist Thought, the intersectionality of poverty, racism, and sexism in the lives of urban dwelling African American women was explored. Reflections on recovery among women previously enrolled in a transitional housing treatment program were gathered via semistructured interviews, using an instrumental case study design. Four major themes surrounding the context of recovery were identified and analyzed: Knowledge and awareness of addiction, importance of social support and support groups, peace of mind that resulted from a new lifestyle, and women's desire to maintain their recovery status. Many women did not realize that their drug use constituted an addiction prior to their enrollment in the program. Social support and support groups such as AA, NA, and AODA helped the women to maintain their recovery, and this newfound recovery resulted in additional stress relief. Finally, many women felt empowered to maintain their recovery, not only for themselves but also their children. Paradigm shifts in treatment and recovery processes are needed to better serve minority populations, specifically focusing on women and African Americans. Recovery services must shift from previously male centered, hegemonic, pathology-oriented treatment modalities to serve populations more efficiently and equitably. Furthermore, to create effective social change in recovery, programs must address the social determinants of substance misuse, addictive behaviors, and underlying structural inequalities resulting from the intersection of racism, sexism, and classism. Deeper understandings of complex social issues must be disseminated, particularly for women battling substance misuse who are homeless, racially discriminated against and marginalized. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Application of Postcolonial Feminist Theory, Chicana Feminist Thought, and Black Feminist Thought in Analyzing the Mental Health Needs of Latina Migrant Farmworkers: A Shared Legacy.

The purpose of this theoretical article is to analyze the utility of postcolonial, Black, and Chicana feminist frameworks to inform nursing research and practice specific to mental health needs of Latina women migrant farmworkers. Twentieth-century Western feminist narratives overlooked the intersecting systems of oppression experienced by women of color, including Latina women. Feminist epistemologies are useful in understanding the complex sociopolitical contexts that have impacted women's health outcomes and well-being. This analysis is critical to shaping nursing care that meets the unique health needs of migrant farmworker women while considering their sociopolitical realities.

'I was broken in so many different ways': The intersection of complex factors impacting homeless and at-risk African American women's mental health and well-being.

African American women are at higher risk of poor mental ill health compared with other racial and ethnic groups in the United States. For low-income and homeless African American populations, the risk of poor mental ill health is even higher. The purpose of our study was to learn what programmes at a long-term transitional living centre helped at-risk and homeless African American mothers to succeed on their own, in accordance with self-identified goals. We conducted ten focus group interviews with 39 graduates of a long-term transitional living centre located in a Midwestern city, and an individual interview with the founder of that centre (N = 40). Our study was informed by Black Feminist Thought, Life Course Theory, and an instrumental case study design. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns in the qualitative data collected. Findings pertaining to mental health included impacts of adverse childhood experiences, lack of social networks, child placement in foster care, and implications on self-esteem and self-worth. Our findings demonstrate the need for healthcare providers to take into account the intersecting factors facing African American women experiencing homelessness undergirded by systemic racism, which impacts their mental health and well-being.

The Role of Nurses as Allies Against Racism and Discrimination: An Analysis of Key Resistance Movements of Our Time.

The remnants of colonialism manifesting as structural violence, racism, and oppression continue to plague our society as evidenced by the persistence of health inequities, particularly for minority populations in the United States. As a profession bound by moral and ethical mandates, nursing must resist and deconstruct oppression in all its forms. Nurses, informed by critical race theory, intersectionality, and historical trauma, can become formidable allies with marginalized populations in the fight for social justice and health equity.