Evaluation of the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy on tocophobia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Non-medical approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have been proposed for the management of tocophobia. A new method of performing CBT is through internet. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of internet-based and traditional CBT on tocophobia. A literature search was conducted on qualitative and quantitative articles from 2000 to 2019 in Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane databases using search terms referring to tocophobia and CBT. Identified articles were screened in two steps; 1) title and abstract and 2) full text screening. The quality of the quantitative and qualitative studies was assessed using the quality criteria proposed by the Cochrane Collaboration and Jonna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist respectively. Out of the 382 relevant studies, 9 studies were eligible for the review. A high level of heterogeneity was observed in the studies (I2 = 94%, P < 0.001). The meta-analysis showed that both internet-based, and traditional CBT were effective in reducing tocophobia. CBT was more effective in interventions in the Middle Eastern compared to European countries. More than five CBT sessions could significantly reduce tocophobia. Healthcare providers and midwives should have basic knowledge on physiological interventions to reduce tocophobia.

Postpartum sexual function in women and infant feeding methods.

OBJECTIVE: To assess postpartum sexual function in mothers using different infant feeding methods. METHODS: The comparative cross-sectional study comprising women referred to health centres in Mashhad, Iran, was conducted from July 7 to December 11, 2011. Sexual function and infant-feeding method of the subjects were assessed four months after childbirth. Data was collected using the standard Female Sexual Function Index and baby's feeding method questionnaire. SPSS 11.5 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: There were 366 women in the study with a mean age of 26.70±4.70 years who were using four methods of infant-feeding: exclusive breastfeeding, breastfeeding plus complementary feeding, formula milk, and breastfeeding plus formula. There was a significant difference between women's sexual function score and infant-feeding method (p=0.04). The highest score 6.23±3.5 belonged to women who had exclusive breastfeeding. CONCLUSIONS: There was a difference in women's sexual function between different groups of infant feeding methods. The highest score of sexual function was found in breastfeeding women. Women need to be educated about exclusive breastfeeding and its positive effects on sexual function.