ORCID Profile
0000-0001-7287-1655
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Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.WOMBI.2016.06.006
Abstract: Midwives frequently witness traumatic birth events. Little is known about responses to birth trauma and prevalence of posttraumatic stress among Australian midwives. To assess exposure to different types of birth trauma, peritraumatic reactions and prevalence of posttraumatic stress. Members of the Australian College of Midwives completed an online survey. A standardised measure assessed posttraumatic stress symptoms. More than two-thirds of midwives (67.2%) reported having witnessed a traumatic birth event that included interpersonal care-related trauma features. Midwives recalled strong emotions during or shortly after witnessing the traumatic birth event, such as feelings of horror (74.8%) and guilt (65.3%) about what happened to the woman. Midwives who witnessed birth trauma that included care-related features were significantly more likely to recall peritraumatic distress including feelings of horror (OR=3.89, 95% CI [2.71, 5.59]) and guilt (OR=1.90, 95% CI [1.36, 2.65]) than midwives who witnessed non-interpersonal birth trauma. 17% of midwives met criteria for probable posttraumatic stress disorder (95% CI [14.2, 20.0]). Witnessing abusive care was associated with more severe posttraumatic stress than other types of trauma. Witnessing care-related birth trauma was common. Midwives experience strong emotional reactions in response to witnessing birth trauma, in particular, care-related birth trauma. Almost one-fifth of midwives met criteria for probable posttraumatic stress disorder. Midwives carry a high psychological burden related to witnessing birth trauma. Posttraumatic stress should be acknowledged as an occupational stress for midwives. The incidence of traumatic birth events experienced by women and witnessed by midwives needs to be reduced.
Publisher: Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Date: 22-03-2021
DOI: 10.1055/A-1392-1324
Abstract: Einleitung In Europa verstarben im Jahr 2015 insgesamt 726 Säuglinge am Sudden Infant Death Syndrom (SIDS). Bed sharing wird häufig als mögliche Ursache für SIDS diskutiert. Die vorliegende Arbeit untersucht die Studienlage zum Einfluss von bed sharing auf das SIDS-Risiko und betrachtet die offiziellen Empfehlungen einzelner EU-Länder zum sicheren Babyschlaf. Methode Es wurde ein integratives Literatur Review durchgeführt. In den Datenbanken Cochrane Libary, Pubmed, CINAHL, MIDRIS, wurde mit den Schlagworten „Sudden Infant Death Syndrome“, „SIDS“, „bed sharing“, „breastfeeding“ and „baby sleep“ nach Artikeln in deutscher oder englischer Sprache gesucht, die zwischen 2012 und Februar 2019 erschienen sind. In einem zweiten Schritt wurden offizielle Empfehlungen für sicheren Babyschlaf aus 6 EU-Ländern analysiert. Ergebnisse Das Risiko für SIDS im bed sharing ist bei Säuglingen die mindestens 3 Monate alt sind nicht erhöht, sofern keine Risikofaktoren vorliegen. Ergebnisse zu bed sharing und SIDS in den ersten 3 Lebensmonaten sind heterogen. Nicht alle betrachteten EU Länder Empfehlungen zur SIDS Prävention differenzieren zwischen Säuglingen, die älter als 3 Monate sind und Säuglingen die jünger als 3 Monate alt sind. Konklusion Eltern und Gesundheitspersonal brauchen evidenzbasierte Informationen, um Schlafumgebungen des Neugeborenen optimal gestalten zu können. Offizielle Empfehlungen zum Thema sicherer Babyschlaf sollten Aussagen zum Thema bed sharing im Hinblick auf ihre Übereinstimmung mit dem aktuellen Forschungsstand prüfen.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.MIDW.2008.04.003
Abstract: it is widely acknowledged that caring can cause emotional suffering in health-care professionals. The concepts of compassion fatigue, post-traumatic stress disorder and secondary traumatic stress are used to describe the potential consequences of caring for people who are or have experienced trauma. Empathy between the professional and patient or client is a key feature in the development of secondary traumatic stress. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the conceptual development of theory about dynamics in the midwife-woman relationship in the context of traumatic birth events, and to stimulate debate and research into the potential for traumatic stress in midwives who provide care in and through relationships with women. the relevant literature addressing secondary traumatic stress in health-care professionals was reviewed. it is argued that the high degree of empathic identification which characterises the midwife-woman relationship in midwifery practice places midwives at risk of experiencing secondary traumatic stress when caring for women experiencing traumatic birth. It is suggested that this has harmful consequences for midwives' own mental health and for their capacity to provide care in their relationships with women, threatening the distinct nature of midwifery care. opportunities for research to establish the existence of this phenomenon, and the potential implications for midwifery practice are identified.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-11-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12913-021-07238-X
Abstract: High numbers of women experience a traumatic birth, which can lead to childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD) onset, and negative and pervasive impacts for women, infants, and families. Policies, suitable service provision, and training are needed to identify and treat psychological morbidity following a traumatic birth experience, but currently there is little insight into whether and what is provided in different contexts. The aim of this knowledge mapping exercise was to map policy, service and training provision for women following a traumatic birth experience in different European countries. A survey was distributed as part of the COST Action “Perinatal mental health and birth-related trauma: Maximizing best practice and optimal outcomes”. Questions were designed to capture country level data care provision (i.e., national policies or guidelines for the screening, treatment and/or prevention of a traumatic birth, service provision), and nationally mandated pre-registration and post-registration training for maternity professionals. Eighteen countries participated. Only one country (the Netherlands) had national policies regarding the screening, treatment, and prevention of a traumatic birth experience/CB-PTSD. Service provision was provided formally in six countries (33%), and informally in the majority (78%). In almost all countries (89%), women could be referred to specialist perinatal or mental health services. Services tended to be provided by midwives, although some multidisciplinary practice was apparent. Seven (39%) of the countries offered ‘a few hours’ professional re-registration training, but none offered nationally mandated post-registration training. A traumatic birth experience is a key public health concern. Evidence highlights important gaps regarding formalized care provision and training for care providers.
Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Date: 06-2021
Abstract: Empirische Studien dokumentieren Respektlosigkeit und Gewalt in der Geburtshilfe als globales Phänomen. Respektlosigkeit und Gewalt in der Geburtshilfe können das Wohlbefinden von Frauen und ihren Familien langfristig über den Zeitraum der Geburt hinaus beeinträchtigen. Um dies zu vermeiden, müssen nationale gesundheitspolitische Strategien die Wichtigkeit respektvoller Betreuung für eine qualitativ hochwertige Geburtshilfe anerkennen.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 09-2020
DOI: 10.1093/EURPUB/CKAA165.908
Abstract: The transition to parenthood presents opportunities to promote mother-child health. Though of varying quality, internet information-seeking is prevalent while attendance in antenatal classes is low. Digital innovation can support access to timely and valid information for all, key component of WHO's Respectful Maternity Care. ”Baby Buddy Forward” assessed the cross-national transferability of the innovative Baby Buddy (UK) healthy pregnancy and early parenthood app to the medicalized and decentralized birth environment in Cyprus. Within a Participatory Action Research (PAR) framework, formative qualitative and quantitative methods were employed to engage with the professional and mums-to-be community and deliver a locally relevant resource to enhance user-provider communication and shared decision-making. We (a) assessed available resources in a structured quantitative and qualitative rating exercise, (b) identified gaps and priorities in an eDelphi survey (N = 275 mums and 193 professionals, re-rated at annual Midwifery conference), (c) gained in-depth understanding of information-seeking behaviours in a series of focus groups with a erse set of mums-to-be (N = 100) and (d) explored perceptions about the use of internet for information in pregnancy and the quality of communication with professionals in a questionnaire survey (N = 200). New health communication material was co-created with participants and an intervention for embedding the tool in clinical practice was proposed within the COM-B behavioural change framework. In a “changing landscape” of antenatal education, Baby Buddy functions as “proof of concept” for cross-national innovation exchange. Beyond a learning experience, the use of PAR provided ground for building transdisciplinary alliances and creating a public health digital resource to enhance the health literacy of new parents and support the educational role of maternal and child health professionals. Digital resources can reduce social disparities, enrich the user-provider exchange and support the educational role of professionals. PAR provides a framework for co-creation and sense of common purpose.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 09-2021
Abstract: While the transition to parenthood is critical for mother-child health, traditional antenatal education has been questioned. Digital resources provide opportunities for reducing social disparities and enhancing health literacy, particularly important in a medicalized and decentralized birth environment with high caesarean and low breastfeed rates. Within a Participatory Action Research (PAR) framework, formative qualitative and quantitative methods were employed to assess the cross-national transferability of Baby Buddy (UK), and deliver a locally relevant resource to inform, enhance user-provider communications and support shared decision-making. Using consensus-building and priority-setting techniques, we engaged with the local health professional community and parents-to-be to assess available resources, identify gaps and priorities in an eDelphi survey (N = 275 mums, 193 professionals) and gain an in-depth understanding on information-seeking behaviours and participation in decision-making in a series of focus groups with antenatal educators (N = 20) and new mums/ mums-to-be (N = 62). New material was co-created with participants and an intervention for embedding the tool in clinical practice was proposed within the COM-B behavioural change framework. The project is a “proof of concept” for exchange of innovation and a “complimentary” model of maternal healthcare delivery. Beyond a learning experience for the participants, the use of PAR provided ground for building transdisciplinary alliances. Other than enhancing health literacy, digital resources can support the educational role of health professionals PAR provides a framework to engage with the community, building a sense of common purpose
Publisher: Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Date: 19-06-2013
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-07-2022
DOI: 10.1111/BIRT.12666
Abstract: A positive childbirth experience promotes women’s health, both during and beyond the perinatal period. Understanding what constitutes a positive childbirth experience is thus critical to providing high‐quality maternity care. Currently, there is no clear, inclusive, woman‐centered definition of a positive childbirth experience to guide practice, education, and research. To formulate an inclusive woman‐centered definition of a positive childbirth experience. A six‐step process was undertaken: (a) Key concepts associated with a positive childbirth were derived from a rapid literature review (b) The key concepts were used by interdisciplinary experts in the author group to create a draft definition (c) The draft definition was presented to clinicians and researchers during a European research meeting on perinatal mental health (d) The authors integrated the expert feedback to refine the working definition (e) A revised definition was shared with women from consumer groups in six countries to confirm its face validity and (f) A final definition was formulated based on the women’s feedback (n = 42). The following definition was formulated: “A positive childbirth experience refers to a woman’s experience of interactions and events directly related to childbirth that made her feel supported, in control, safe, and respected a positive childbirth can make women feel joy, confident, and/or accomplished and may have short and/or long‐term positive impacts on a woman’s psychosocial well‐being.” This inclusive, woman‐centered definition highlights the importance of provider interactions for facilitating a positive childbirth experience. Feeling supported and having a sense of control, safety, and respect are central tenets. This definition could help to identify and validate positive childbirth experience(s), and to inform practice, education, research, advocacy, and policy‐making.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-04-2022
DOI: 10.1111/BIRT.12634
Abstract: Many women experience giving birth as traumatic. Although women's subjective experiences of trauma are considered the most important, currently there is no clear inclusive definition of a traumatic birth to help guide practice, education, and research. To formulate a woman‐centered, inclusive definition of a traumatic childbirth experience. After a rapid literature review, a five‐step process was undertaken. First, a draft definition was created based on interdisciplinary experts’ views. The definition was then discussed and reformulated with input from over 60 multidisciplinary clinicians and researchers during a perinatal mental health and birth trauma research meeting in Europe. A revised definition was then shared with consumer groups in eight countries to confirm its face validity and adjusted based on their feedback. The stepwise process confirmed that a woman‐centered and inclusive definition was important. The final definition was: “A traumatic childbirth experience refers to a woman's experience of interactions and/or events directly related to childbirth that caused overwhelming distressing emotions and reactions leading to short and/ or long‐term negative impacts on a woman's health and wellbeing.” This definition of a traumatic childbirth experience was developed through consultations with experts and consumer groups. The definition acknowledges that low‐quality provider interactions and obstetric violence can traumatize in iduals during childbirth. The women‐centered and inclusive focus could help women to identify and validate their experiences of traumatic birth, offering benefits for practice, education, and research, as well as for policymaking and activism in the fields of perinatal mental health and respectful maternity care.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.MIDW.2016.12.001
Abstract: to develop a comprehensive model of personal, trauma event-related and workplace-related risk factors for posttraumatic stress subsequent to witnessing birth trauma among Australian midwives. a descriptive, cross-sectional design was used. members of the Australian College of Midwives were invited to complete an online survey. the survey included items about witnessing a traumatic birth event and previous experiences of life trauma. Trauma symptoms were assessed with the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale Self-Report measure. Empathy was assessed with the Interpersonal Reactivity Index. Decision authority and psychological demand in the workplace were measured with the Job Content Questionnaire. Variables that showed a significant univariate association with probable posttraumatic stress disorder were entered into a multivariate logistic regression model. 601 completed survey responses were analysed. The multivariable model was statistically significant and explained 27.7% (Nagelkerke R square) of the variance in posttraumatic stress symptoms and correctly classified 84.1% of cases. Odds ratios indicated that intention to leave the profession, a peritraumatic reaction of horror, peritraumatic feelings of guilt, and a personal traumatic birth experience were strongly associated with probable Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. risk factors for posttraumatic stress following professional exposure to traumatic birth events among midwives are complex and multi-factorial. Posttraumatic stress may contribute to attrition in midwifery. Trauma-informed care and practice may reduce the incidence of traumatic births and subsequent posttraumatic stress reactions in women and midwives providing care.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.MIDW.2019.03.019
Abstract: Emotional care underpins women's positive experiences during labour andbirth but is under-researched. Applying an attachment theory approach may inform the measurement of emotional aspects of maternity care. To develop and validate a self - report measure for midwives to assess their emotionally attuned intrapartum care. A staged approach to tool development was followed. Item generation was informed by a critical review of the literature and expert review. Following a pilot test, the draft scale was psychometrically assessed. Principal component analysis with varimax rotation was used to establish construct validity. Cronbach's alpha determined internal reliability. Concurrent validity was tested with the 'empathic concern' and the 'personal distress' subscales on the Interpersonal Reactivity Index. The study was conducted with midwives (n = 705) who are members of the Australian College of Midwives. The Cronbach's alpha for the scale was 0.88. Principal component analysis revealed a one- factor solution. Significant but low correlations with Interpersonal Reactivity Index subscales of 'empathic concern' (rho = .256, p <.001) and 'personal distress' (rho = -.249, p<.001) confirmed concurrent validity. The Emotional Availability and Responsiveness in Intrapartum Care Scale appears to be a valid and reliable measure of emotional aspects of midwives' caregiving. An Attachment Theory approach validates women's perspectives and elucidates our understanding of the importance of emotional labour support.
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
No related grants have been discovered for Julia Leinweber.