Frontline training in mortality reports

Does frontline training act on recurrent themes in mortality reports? Baby Lifeline's recent report identifies gaps in maternity training and calls for proper investment in the maternity workforce

Emergency remote teaching for interprofessional education during COVID-19: student experiences

This is the third in a series of articles exploring experiences of engaging with interprofessional education during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article focuses on experiences of emergency remote teaching from the student perspective, considering the enablers and barriers to effective learning and taking into account the logistical, technological and theoretical considerations for facilitating an authentic learning experience in line with professional standards. A global perspective of interprofessional education during lockdown is provided through case studies, providing an opportunity to benchmark against examples of best practice to ensure online interprofessional education is successful in preparing students to work within a multiprofessional, multi-agency team to provide high-quality care through effective team working.

A qualitative exploration of mixed feeding intentions in first-time mothers

Background Breastfeeding intention can predict breastfeeding behaviour and is influenced by theory of planned behaviour constructs. Despite associations with reduced breastfeeding duration, there is a lack of research to explore the intention to mixed feed infants. Aims This study aimed to explore the factors that influence pregnant women's intentions to mixed feed their first child. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four women pregnant with their first child who intended to mixed feed. An in-depth idiographic multiple case study approach grounded in a ‘subtle realist’ epistemology was used. Results The interviews highlighted the importance of flexibility in feeding decisions, a perception of breastfeeding as restrictive and obstructive to normality and the presence of misinformation and unrealistic expectations about breastfeeding. Conclusions Women need to be informed and supported by professionals, peers, families and broader communities. Cultural narratives must be challenged to enable mothers to feel in control of feeding decisions and without the need to justify feeding activities to protect themselves from anticipated negative emotions.

The perception of episiotomy among Iranian women: a qualitative study

Background Around 70% of women who give birth vaginally experience perineal injury during childbirth, which may happen spontaneously or as a result of the incision made to facilitate childbirth. There are very few studies on the perceptions of episiotomy recipients about these services. Therefore, investigating these women's perception is crucial for providing appropriate care. Methods This qualitative study examined 20 women from hospitals and health centres who had undergone episiotomy using in-depth semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using conventional content analysis and the accuracy and rigour of the data were assessed using the Lincoln and Guba criteria. Results The ‘change in perception and behaviour’ theme encompassed one category of negative experiences and views about episiotomy and a second category covering positive views. Conclusions Women's perceptions of episiotomy contained both positive and negative views. Since healthcare systems should support mothers' physical and mental health, it is recommended that health policymakers devise plans to boost factors that lead to positive views and eliminate those contributing to negative experiences and views.

A qualitative exploration of the media's influence on UK women's views of breastfeeding

Background In the UK, rates of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months are at 1%, highlighting the need to encourage and improve the support provided to women to initiate and continue breastfeeding and to improve infant and maternal health. This study aimed to qualitatively explore the influence of media on the intention to initiate and continue breastfeeding. Methods This ethnographic study recruited 40 women; 31 with children and nine of childbearing age (19–28 years), with the intention to have children. Data were collected with semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. Results Five themes associated with sociocultural influences on breastfeeding perceptions and behaviour were identified: family influence, privacy, media as a double-edged sword, negative exposure to breastfeeding and planned behaviour versus experience. Conclusions Media influences strengthened preconceived notions of breastfeeding. Social media can play an important role in maintaining breastfeeding though support but can also put undue negative pressure on mothers who struggle to breastfeed.

Developing a fast-track COVID-19 vaccination clinic for pregnant people

A pilot fast-track COVID-19 vaccination clinic was created in the east of England to provide expert advice, education and support for pregnant people. As the COVID-19 pandemic has progressed, it is clear that pregnant people are at high risk of becoming seriously unwell with the COVID-19 virus. Establishment of the clinic led to a 20% increase in COVID-19 vaccine uptake in this group, with 211 vaccinations between 28 June and 30 September 2021. Almost two-thirds (59%) of pregnant people reported they would not have taken up the vaccination if they had not discussed it as part of this service. Over half of those attending (50.2%) reside within the index of multiple deprivation levels 1–4, the most severely deprived areas. This article explores the development of the fast-track vaccination service and seeks to support others wishing to replicate its delivery in their areas.

Analysing parent feedback

Experiences from the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust show how data from publicly available sources can be combined with AI-enabled analysis to deliver cost-effective, high-quality feedback