Parental experiences of early postnatal discharge: A meta-synthesis

Parents' Postnatal Sense of Security: A Concept Analysis

AIM

Parents' postnatal sense of security is often mentioned in recent publications, but there is no consensus on its definitions and measurement. A concept analysis was conducted to clarify the definition, the attributes, antecedents and the consequences of parents' postnatal sense of security and to promote consistency in its usage.

DESIGN

Walker and Avant's eight-step concept analysis model was adopted to define the concept of parents' postnatal sense of security.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of multiple databases (Sinomed, CNKI, Wanfang database, CINAHL, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, ProQuest, PsyInfo and Cochrane Library) was conducted to identify relevant articles from the inception of the databases until December 2022. In addition, a manual search was performed to gather any additional papers related to the topic. Ultimately, a total of 48 articles were included in the concept analysis.

RESULTS

Three attributes were identified: perceive one's physical well-being not being threatened, feel confident and in control of the parenting role, feel confident in one's available relationships. The identified antecedents were: being prepared for child rearing, being in familiar or safe environment, general well-being of the baby and parents, support from medical staff and family members, being empowered by medical staff. Consequences of parents' postnatal sense of security included successful adaptation to the parental role, decreased postpartum depression symptoms in mothers, successful infant care and the development of parent-infant relationship.

Women's expectations, preferences and needs in midwifery care - results from the qualitative Midwifery Care (MiCa) study: Childbirth and early parenthood

OBJECTIVE

The main goals of our study were (I) the investigation of expectations and preferences as well as (II) the determination of needs of women in regard to midwifery care.

DESIGN

Descriptive phenomenology was used to investigate the ways in which women experienced childbirth and early parenthood. A descriptive qualitative research design was chosen, using focus groups.

SETTING

ix online focus groups were carried out with 19 women for this part of the Midwifery Care (MiCa) study, mainly from the north of Germany.

PARTICIPANTS

Women shortly after birth, in puerperium and the first year after childbirth were recruited in Germany. A purposeful strategy according to maximum variation sampling was applied to reach diversity in the sample regarding age and previous children. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis, according to Mayring, with support of the qualitative data analysis software MAXQDA 2022.

FINDINGS

Six main categories were derived for both childbirth and early parenthood: (a) involvement of family, (b) need for information, (c) physical and psychological aspects and (d) orientation in the healthcare system. In each group, one main category about provision of healthcare was developed: (e) care around childbirth and (f) midwifery care in early parenthood. Women attached great importance to the communication with midwives and favoured the involvement of their partners in the childbirth process and during parenting. Based on different experiences and inconsistency of information, women would prefer consistency in staff and communication as well as standardised information.

CONCLUSIONS

From the user's perspective, midwifery care is crucial during childbirth and the child's first year of life. Current health care during and after childbirth and early parenthood lacks individualised care models, emotional support, adequate and professional communication between different health care providers, and consistency in midwifery care. Our findings should be translated into health care delivery with effective interprofessional teamwork within the continuity of midwifery care. Further quantitative research should analyse the individual healthcare situations of women in the reproductive phase of their life as well as of the applied healthcare models in order to personalise care and to improve healthcare quality.

Effects of digital parenting interventions on self-efficacy, social support, and depressive symptoms in the transition to parenthood: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Parenting self-efficacy is essential for the transition to parenthood. As digital parenting educational interventions are rapidly being developed, their effects have not been examined by pooling available randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

OBJECTIVES

To comprehensively investigate the effects of digital educational interventions on parents' self-efficacy, social support, and depressive symptoms in the first year after childbirth and identify the significant associated factors.

METHODS

This study searched six electronic databases for relevant RCTs examining the efficacy of digital parenting interventions from inception to September 2022. The studied outcomes included changes in parent's self-efficacy, social support, and depressive symptoms observed after participating in a digital parenting program. The random-effects model was used to pool results. Subgroup and moderator analyses were performed.

RESULTS

In total, seven RCTs enrolling 1342 participants were included. The parents who received digital parenting interventions had higher parenting self-efficacy (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 1.06, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.40-1.71, p =.002) and social support (SMD: 2.72, 95 % CI: 0.38-5.07, p =.02) and decreased depressive symptoms at 3 months postpartum (SMD: -0.39, 95 % CI: -0.73 to - 0.04, p =.03). Providing the interventions for ≥ 6 weeks (SMD: 1.62, 95 % CI: 1.18-2.06, p <.001), providing in-person orientation (SMD: 1.88, 95 % CI: 1.32-2.44, p <.001), including a guided curriculum (SMD: 2.00, 95 % CI: 1.78-2.22, p <.001), and conducting interventions in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries (SMD: 1.98, 95 % CI: 1.78-2.19, p <.001) were identified as significant moderators.

CONCLUSIONS

Digital parenting interventions significantly increase parenting self-efficacy and social support as well as alleviate depressive symptoms for parents during their first year after childbirth. Such interventions can be beneficial for parents who prefer online education. Future studies investigating the long-term effects of these interventions are warranted.

REGISTRATION

The protocol for this systematic review and meta-analysis is registered in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42021243641).

Psychometric evaluation of the early postnatal questionnaire for Swedish population

BACKGROUND

Previously developed instruments measuring the quality of postnatal care, based on women's experiences and views, are mainly country-specific which makes it important to have studies for specific populations. The aim of this study was to explore validity and reliability evidence of a previously developed postnatal questionnaire for women living in Sweden.

METHOD

A cross-sectional study based on self-report questionnaire. The questionnaire included the Early Postnatal Questionnaire (EPQ), and was administered to 1061 women who gave birth in two regional hospitals in Swedish during 2017. Validity evidence of the EPQ was undertaken using principal component analysis. Regarding reliability, Cronbach's alpha was used.

RESULTS

The questionnaire was returned by 483 postnatal women. The analysis resulted in three components: Information, Postnatal Environment and Caring Relationship. The Cronbach alpha values of the components ranged from 0.762 to 0.879. Foreign-born women scored higher (more positively) in all three components, compared to women born in Sweden.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that the instrument EPQ is a psychometrically useful tool, suitable for both research and clinical settings. The three-component structure provides researchers with the opportunity to conduct a more detailed exploration of various aspects of postnatal care to develop postnatal care. Further studies focusing on foreign-born women's experiences of postnatal care are warranted.

Digital solutions to follow up on discharged new parents-A systematic literature review

New parents and their newborns are followed up after discharge either through home visits from midwives/nurses or using information and communication technology. This follow-up focuses on individual needs related to breastfeeding and infant feeding, practical advice on caring for babies, supporting and strengthening the new mother's knowledge and self-confidence concerning child development and parenting skills, and supporting the relationship between parents and baby. This systematic review aims to integrate available research results that describe new parents' experiences when health and care providers used telemedicine as a platform for follow-up after discharge from the childbirth department. This literature review was conducted following the PRISMA statement and was prospectively registered in PROSPERO CRD42021236912. The studies were identified through the following databases: AMED, Academic, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Ovid MEDLINE via PubMed, Cochrane database, and CINAHL. Results from these studies were compiled using thematic analysis. A total of 886 studies were identified. Screening resulted in eight studies that met the inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis produced the following themes: a) Flexibility and convenience of digital support, b) Digital literacy, c) Parents feeling safe with digital support, and d) Adequate substitute for physical meetings. New parents who live in a home environment with a relaxed atmosphere and around-the-clock digital support experience a sense of control, security, full attention, and encouragement. Digital follow up at home has proven effective because it can meet the support needs of new parents when necessary.

Postnatal mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: Impact on mothers' postnatal sense of security and on mother-to-infant bonding

BACKGROUND

The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic context imposed new living conditions which greatly modified women's experience of the postpartum period and brought significant changes to postnatal care.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic context on maternal sense of security and on mother-to-child bonding in the postpartum.

DESIGN

This study had a mixed research design. We compared levels of mother-child bonding disturbances and of maternal emotional security amongst two samples of postnatal women recruited before and during the pandemic. Postnatal depression was also evaluated. A qualitative analysis of the participants' comments on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was performed with an open-coding approach.

PARTICIPANTS

Two samples of French-speaking mothers in the first six months after their childbirth, recruited before the pandemic (N=874) and during the pandemic (N=721).

FINDINGS

Mother-child bonding disturbances measured with PBQ and levels of emotional security levels evaluated with PPSSi did not differ significantly between the samples. A high prevalence of women at risk of postnatal depression was found in both samples. However, participants' comments on their postnatal experience during the pandemic contrasted with their quantitative data. Fears of contamination, social isolation, and lack of support were the main factors of insecurity. Lack of closeness with relatives and friends, limited presence of the partner in the maternity ward, and early interactions with the newborn with a mask appear to have altered mother-child bonding during this pandemic period.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The findings highlight the importance of considering social and environmental factors and needs when evaluating postnatal mental health and providing postnatal care to new mothers during a health crisis. Health services and professionals should pay particular attention to mothers' mental health and well-being and guarantee continuity of care to avoid parents' isolation in the sensitive postpartum period.

Parenting experiences of mothers of moderate-to-late preterm children in South Korea: a qualitative study

PURPOSE

This study investigated the parenting experiences of mothers of young children born moderate-to-late preterm (MLPT) in South Korea.

METHODS

In this qualitative study, semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with 10 mothers of MLPT children from infancy to preschool age. The interviews were video-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

Four categories resulted from the analysis of parenting experiences of mothers with young MLPT children, as follows: "becoming a mother of an early-born child", "difficulties as the primary caregiver for a high-risk child", "helpful social support, but still a lack of professional support for parenting a high-risk child", and "mothers and children growing together".

CONCLUSION

Mothers of young MLPT children experienced difficulties due to concerns about their child's health, growth and development, and insufficient child-rearing support. Therefore, social support systems should be strengthened and more aggressive nursing strategies should be adopted for mothers of young MLPT children.

Parents' experiences with public health nursing during the postnatal period: A reflective lifeworld research study

AIM

To describe mothers' and fathers' experiences with public health nursing and child and family health centre services in the postnatal period, both as a couple and as individuals.

METHOD

A phenomenological reflective lifeworld research approach with a descriptive design was chosen. A purposive sample of 10 mothers and 10 fathers were interviewed twice, 1-2 and 6-8 weeks postpartum, using joint and individual interviews. By focusing on being open and flexible, the data were analyzed to elucidate a meaningful structure of the phenomenon.

RESULTS

The findings revealed that parents' experiences with public health nurse (PHN) and Child and Family Health Centre (CFHC) services in the postnatal period are characterised by a longing to be seen and confirmed both as unique individuals and as a family by the PHN. Although an increased need for both lay and professional care is prominent during the postnatal period, the parents drew a varied picture of their experiences demonstrating that the CFHC services are focussing almost exclusively on mother and child.

CONCLUSION

A public health nurse can contribute to strengthen parenthood and promote the family's health when the focus is on the new baby. Being cared for while learning to care for the baby is pivotal in a phase that involves both joy and vulnerability. This study adds knowledge concerning the importance of both parents being seen and confirmed by the PHN as unique individuals and a family unit in the postnatal period.

Scoping Review of Postpartum Discharge Education Provided by Nurses

OBJECTIVE

To determine what is known about postpartum education provided by nurses to women before discharge from the hospital after birth and whether current nursing practices are effective to prepare women to identify warning signs of complications, perform self-care (physical and emotional), prepare for parenting a newborn, and establish infant feeding.

DATA SOURCES

We conducted a systematic search of CINAHL Plus and MEDLINE for relevant sources, including peer-reviewed articles, conference presentations, and guidelines from professional organizations, that were published in English from January 2010 through November 30, 2020.

STUDY SELECTION

We included sources if participants were women who had given birth to a healthy, liveborn, term infant and were receiving education in whole or in part by a nurse during the maternity hospitalization. We excluded sources with samples of high-risk women or those who gave birth to high-risk infants (preterm, congenital anomalies, neonatal abstinence syndrome). Forty-six of the sources met the inclusion criteria.

DATA EXTRACTION

We extracted citation, type of document, country of origin, context (prenatal/postpartum or both and inpatient/outpatient or both), aim, participants (mother/father or both, sample characteristics), content of education and who provided it, outcomes or key themes, and main results.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Infant topics included breastfeeding and safe sleep, and maternal topics included breastfeeding, postpartum mood, and self-care after birth. Nurses prioritized safety, including safe sleep; preventing infant falls; decreasing infection; screening for postpartum depression; and avoiding adverse outcomes after discharge. Women focused on self-care, pain management, infant care, and parenting. Women and nurses prioritized breastfeeding. Authors of the included sources measured effectiveness by patient satisfaction, chart audit, pre- and posttests of nurses' knowledge, and breastfeeding duration. Women reported barriers to postpartum education such as limited nursing time or conflicting information.

CONCLUSION

Postpartum education is a priority, but its effectiveness is not well studied. Few maternal or infant health-centered outcomes have been measured beyond breastfeeding duration. Nursing care and nurse expertise are not easily quantified or measured. Research is needed to inform best practices for postpartum education.

Process evaluation of couple-based psychoeducation program for first-time parents

RATIONALE

Postpartum depression is a worldwide public health issue that can have long-term impact on the family. It is crucial to evaluate intervention program to help new parents cope with the stress of parenthood to reduce the risk of postpartum depression. The aim of this study was to explore the perceived benefits of the couple-based psychoeducation to first-time Hong Kong Chinese parents, and the crucial factors influencing the effectiveness of this program underpinned by the concept of process evaluation.

METHOD

Using an exploratory qualitative design, a purposeful sample of 27 couples who had participated in the program were interviewed at 1-3 months postpartum. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed by thematic analysis.

FINDINGS

The findings showed that the parents perceived the program to be useful in enhancing their parenting skills and emotional control, and increasing their sense of support. The effectiveness of the program was facilitated by (a) the predisposing factors such as couple-based approach to enhance mutual expectation and shared decision making when experiencing and managing challenges, and telephone follow-up calls to sustain the continuity of care from hospital to the community, (b) the enabling factor for instance, the time of intervention arranged in non-working hour, and (c) reinforcing factor namely involvement of midwives during program implementation and telephone follow-up consultation.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest the potential of the couple-based psychoeducation to support first-time parents in taking care of their children and controlling their emotions in this critical transition. The program could be integrated into maternal and child care services on a regular basis, and thus accessible to all first-time parents.

Family life starts at home: Fathers' experiences of a newly implemented Swedish home-based postnatal care model - an interview study

OBJECTIVE

To explore and describe fathers' experiences of a newly implemented Swedish home-based postnatal care model.

DESIGN

A descriptive cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted as a part of a larger study.

SETTING

Families who qualified to be discharged early were offered to participate in a postnatal home-based model of midwifery care by a hospital in Stockholm, Sweden.

PARTICIPANTS AND MEASUREMENTS

In total, 16 fathers participated in a semi-structured telephone interview, averaging 43 min. Data were analyzed using systematic text condensation.

FINDINGS

Three major themes emerged: To decide on home- or hospital-based postnatal care - a matter of safety, To be offered professional midwifery postnatal support at home, and To be at home helped fathers to navigate parenthood. Fathers appreciated the home-based postnatal care and felt safe because of the received professional support from midwives.

KEY CONCLUSIONS

Home-based postnatal care was valued by fathers whose partner had a non-complicated vaginal birth because they felt safe in their home environment and supported by midwives. The home environment aided fathers in supporting their partners and developing a father-infant bond.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Home-based postnatal care was valued by fathers and should be considered an option for new families. To offer home-based postnatal care may result in less overcrowded postnatal wards. Midwives need to enable fathers' participation and support their parental role regardless of where the care takes place.

Early discharge from hospital after birth:How Norwegian parents experience postnatal home visits by midwives - A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

According to the WHO, the quality of care is not conditioned by the length of stay at the postnatal ward. As long as the postnatal care provided is of high quality, it could be better for the family to stay in their home.

AIM

Firstly, to examine parents' experiences of early discharge and home visits by the postnatal ward midwife, in cases where the mother and baby have been discharged within 24 h after birth. Secondly, to examine participants' motivation for opting for early discharge from the hospital.

METHODS

10 individual interviews were conducted, including five where both parents were present. The interviews were carried out 4-12 weeks after birth. The data were analysed using systematic text condensation.

RESULTS

The choice of early discharge was influenced by external factors like a wish to be together as a family while receiving sufficient support from both family and midwife. Internal factors, like previous experience, were also significant. The presence and attitude of the midwife, both in professional and practical terms, affected how the parents perceived postnatal care. Home visits from the midwife also affected the parents' feeling of security.

CONCLUSION

An offer of home visits from the midwife of the postnatal ward enables parents who wish to leave the hospital shortly after birth to receive the necessary care and support in the early postnatal period. This offer is suitable for healthy women who have given birth to a healthy baby and wish to return home not long after birth.

Early discharge of first-time parents and their newborn: A scoping review

INTRODUCTION

This scoping review aims to identify the evidence and the factors influencing the outcomes of early discharge of both healthy first-time mothers and newborns.

METHODS

Systematic searches were conducted using four databases up to February 2021, and a search for grey literature was performed. A total of 2030 articles were identified and reduced to 13 articles, and one article was added through chain search in reference lists. The aims of the identified studies, the methodology, participants, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the setting, context, and findings are summarized.

RESULTS

A total of 14 studies were included. A thematic analysis identified the following factors influencing the outcomes of discharge within 24 hours after birth: parental education in pregnancy, perinatal information before discharge, sources of support, and follow-up strategies after discharge. Also, the analysis identified outcomes such as breastfeeding, parents' experience and readmission of the newborn that may be influenced when first-time parents are discharged within 24 hours after birth. Findings in this review highlight the importance of identifying factors and outcomes related to early discharge. However, because of the heterogeneity in methodology, terminology and assessment procedures used in the retrieved articles, the generalization of study results is limited.

CONCLUSIONS

A gap in the literature about the outcomes of discharge within 24 hours after birth has been identified. Future studies with strong evidence are needed, defining criteria, context, and intervention.

What are the factors affecting parents' postnatal sense of security?

INTRODUCTION

The postpartum period is part of an important process for mothers and fathers. A sense of security is central as it might influence a parent's journey towards becoming a successful parent. The aim was to determine factors affecting parents' postnatal sense of security (PPSS) before postpartum discharge from a hospital in Konya, Turkey.

METHODS

A descriptive study was conducted. From January 2019 to March 2019, a questionnaire was given to a convenience sample of 188 couples discharged from a regional hospital in Turkey. The sense of security was assessed using the PPSS instrument, with low scores defined as those less than the mean.

RESULTS

Low and high sense of security was based on the mean in the population, for mothers 49.36 and for fathers 34.90. It was found that 43.6% of mothers and 69.7 % of fathers had a low score, which was linked to some specific factors in the postpartum period. These were the type of birth, being ready to take responsibility for baby care, being ready to be discharged, being healthy, having any concern about the baby's health, social support presence, having professional support, and presence of a sense of security.

CONCLUSIONS

Many parents, particularly fathers, have a low postnatal sense of security. In the postpartum period, it is very important for midwives, who are always with the family, to identify the risks for a low sense of security during this period and provide effective care. More studies in different settings with larger samples are recommended.

A choir or cacophony? Sample sizes and quality of conveying participants’ voices in phenomenological research

Misunderstandings about qualitative methods, whether phenomenological or otherwise, are prevalent in social science research. Such misunderstandings leave researchers, reviewers, and editors less equipped to conduct or evaluate this method. Evaluation of phenomenology is especially complicated given the different variants that exist and the need for flexibility within these studies. Methodologists have created guides for conducting specific variants of phenomenology; however, these do not provide clear guidance as to what is an adequate sample in phenomenology. The purpose of this systematic review was to help improve implementation of phenomenological methods by exploring sample issues as they relate to study quality. We implemented an explanatory sequential mixed methods design to test relationships between samples and studies’ quality then deepen our understanding of these findings with a focused content analysis. First, we reviewed and coded 200 manuscripts following the PRISMA method. Larger samples were associated with lower quality and studies aligned with a specific phenomenological method tended to be of higher quality. Second, we identified two cases from the studies reviewed and subjected them to deductive qualitative content analysis to identify features that demonstrate quality. Findings are discussed with respect to implications for phenomenological methods in social and health sciences.

Identifying maternal needs following childbirth: comparison between pregnant women and recent mothers

Background

The postnatal period is associated with new needs for mothers. Four categories of needs were highlighted in a previous study: for information, for psychological support, for the sharing of experiences and for practical and material support. To ensure that these four needs are inherent to the postpartum period, the aims of this study is to examine these needs by comparing recent mothers’ needs with the needs of pregnant women.

Methods

The 4 needs previously identified were cross-sectionally investigated by online self-reported questionnaires completed by women in their last trimester of pregnancy and by mothers who had a child between 0 and 6 months of age.

Results

The 4 needs were largely present during the postpartum period. The need for information seemed to be more present during pregnancy (92.4 %) than during the postpartum period (84.6 %, p = 0.03), but women used the Internet significantly more often to search for information after childbirth (54.8 %) than during pregnancy (41.2 %, p < 0.0001). The needs for psychological support and to share experiences seemed to be closely linked. Even if the global satisfaction with psychological support was fairly high, it weakened after childbirth (p < 0.05). Feelings of loneliness (p < 0.0001) and depression scores (p = 0.01) were also higher during the postpartum period than during pregnancy. Finally, the need for practical support was also more pronounced during the postpartum period than during pregnancy (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

All mothers seem to meet the 4 identified needs during the postpartum period but at different levels of intensity. Trying to meet these needs could offer an opportunity to improve mothers’ quality of life.

Women's experiences of their interactions with health care providers during the postnatal period in Australia: a qualitative systematic review protocol

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the review is to explore and evaluate women's experiences of interactions with health care providers during their postnatal period.

INTRODUCTION

The postnatal period is a transformative time for women. Women experience significant change and adaptation, which could impact upon parenting confidence, health, and psychological outcomes during this time. The interaction women have with their health care providers during the postnatal period plays an integral role in improving these health outcomes.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

This qualitative review will explore the experiences of primiparous and multiparous women during the postnatal period with a key focus on evaluating the interactions they have with health care providers. It will include all studies that utilize qualitative methods (such as interviews and focus groups). Articles that explore the postnatal care experiences of women who have endured a pregnancy loss, given birth to a baby with complex needs, or those that solely focus on describing the neonatal and intensive care experiences, will not be included.

METHODS

PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Emcare, and PsycINFO will be searched. Studies published from 2000 onwards and written in English will be assessed for inclusion. Studies that are selected initially will be assessed for methodological quality by two independent reviewers utilizing the JBI critical appraisal instrument for qualitative research.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO CRD42020186384.

Transitional care experiences of caregivers of preterm infants hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit: A qualitative descriptive study

Aim

To describe the transitional care experiences and nursing needs of caregivers of preterm infants hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

Design

A qualitative descriptive study.

Methods

We conducted semi‐structured interviews with the 24 caregivers of preterm infants admitted to Children's Hospital, Soochow University. All data were collected by a trained and experienced interviewer. The caregivers' experiences were described using qualitative content analysis.

Results

Six Five themes emerged from the analysis: (a) uncertainty about the disease; (b) anxiety due to restricted visitation; (c) exhaustion from overwork; (d) emotional depression; (e) low care ability; (f) a variety of channels for help and a positive response. This study provides a basis for understanding the needs of their caregivers so that effective coping strategies can be implemented. Nurses' education and practice should focus on understanding the real experiences of the parents of preterm infants during transitional nursing.

Going blindly into the women's world: a reflective lifeworld research study of fathers' expectations of and experiences with municipal postnatal healthcare services

Purpose: The aim of this study is to describe new fathers’ expectations of and experiences with municipal postnatal healthcare services.

Methods: A phenomenological reflective lifeworld research (RLR) approach has been used. Ten fathers were interviewed about their expectations of and experiences with municipal postnatal healthcare services, and the data were analysed to elucidate a meaning structure for the phenomenon.

Results: The essential meaning of the phenomenon of fathers’ expectations of and experiences with municipal postnatal health care described as going blindly into the women’s world. The essential meaning is further explicated through its four constituents: not knowing what to ask for, feeling excluded, seeking safety for the family and longing for care.

Conclusions: Entering the postnatal period with sparse knowledge about the child and family healthcare services available is difficult for the fathers who do not know what to ask for and what to expect. The fathers’ feel excluded by the public health nurse, and the postnatal health care is seen as a mother–baby–public health nurse triad. The feeling of exclusion and inequality might be avoided if public health nurses focused both on mothers’ and fathers’ individual follow-up needs in the postnatal period and on seeing the newborn baby and the parents as a family unit.

Newborn Clinic: A Novel Model to Provide Timely, Comprehensive Care to Newborns Following Nursery Discharge

Ensuring safe and timely follow-up after well baby nursery (WBN) discharge is an ongoing challenge. This study demonstrates the efficacy of a novel model for follow-up, the Newborn Clinic (NBC), in reducing time to outpatient follow-up after WBN discharge. Our retrospective chart review of 17 952 newborns found that time to follow-up visit decreased significantly following NBC establishment. Emergency department visits, a marker of infant morbidity, were slightly increased in the post-establishment cohort. There was no difference, however, in hospital readmissions. Analysis within the post-establishment cohort showed that newborns with jaundice, a high-risk group, were much more likely to have early follow-up if their visit was scheduled with NBC. Our study demonstrates that NBC is an effective model for decreasing time from WBN discharge to follow-up visit. It should be considered as an initiative to run concurrently with expedited newborn discharge initiatives so that safe follow-up need not be sacrificed.

Quality improvement in postnatal care: Findings from two cohorts of women in Sweden

INTRODUCTION

Postnatal care is an important area of midwifery practice. Changes in the length of postnatal stay, models of postnatal care, and the content of care have influenced women's satisfaction. The aim of this study was to describe women's assessment of postnatal care in a Swedish hospital in 2017, and to compare this with women who gave birth in 2006 in the same hospital.

METHODS

A comparative study was conducted of two cohorts of women who gave birth in 2006 and 2017 in a hospital in the middle-north part of Sweden with 1700 annual births. Data were collected by questionnaires, where data from 2017 were compared with data from 2006.

RESULTS

In all, 366 women who gave birth in 2006 and 342 in 2017 responded. There was a reduction in time of discharge in 2017 and more women went home directly from the labour ward and fewer women had their postnatal stay in the hotel ward, compared to postnatal women in 2006. A higher percentage of women were 'Very satisfied' with the overall aspects of postnatal care in 2017 compared to women in 2006. The content of postnatal care showed statistically significant improvements over time for the majority of variables studied, but some women reported not receiving information/help with specific postnatal aspects. Multiparous women, women older than 35 years, and women who had had a caesarean section received less information and practical help.

CONCLUSIONS

The study showed an increase in overall satisfaction with postnatal care over time and most areas were improved. Continuous work is therefore needed in order to improve postnatal care and put the women and their families at the centre of care. More research is needed to try new models of care that will increase satisfaction with postnatal care.

Reduced length of hospital stay after caesarean section: A systematic review examining women's experiences and psychosocial outcomes

BACKGROUND

Globally, reducing hospital stays after caesarean section is becoming more prevalent. Whilst this reduction in length of stay after caesarean section has not been found to be associated with adverse maternal health outcomes, the psychosocial impact and women's experiences have not been systematically reviewed. This review aims to evaluate the literature on women's experiences and psychosocial outcomes (including infant feeding) associated with a reduced hospital stay after caesarean section.

METHODS

A mixed methods systematic review examining records between 1980 and 2019 was undertaken. The review included research which defines a reduced length of stay in comparison with standard care or a comparator with a longer discharge time. It considered data related to the antenatal period, time of discharge and postnatal period. The following databases were searched: PsycINFO, CINAHL, PubMed, Embase and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. 13,760 records were identified, after duplicates were removed, 10,902 articles were reviewed for suitability by title and abstract. 78 full text articles were assessed, and the final review included 8 articles.

RESULTS

A total of 8 articles were included, and four areas were examined: satisfaction with care, mental wellbeing, infant feeding and pain. Articles were of mixed quality when assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

CONCLUSIONS

This review indicated no evidence of a systematic negative impact on women's psychosocial outcomes and experiences. The review also identifies a number of characteristics of care associated with more positive experiences and psychosocial outcomes. These include the provision of support systems, access to pain management before and after discharge and continued care with home midwifery. The limited number of studies point to the need for more research, and especially those using qualitative methods.

First-Time Mothers' Expectations and Experiences of Postnatal Care in England

Postnatal care is the aspect of maternity care with which women in England are least satisfied. Little is known about first-time mothers' expectations of postnatal care, or how these expectations relate to their experiences and appraisal of care. Thirty-two first-time mothers took part in a longitudinal qualitative descriptive study, based on two semi-structured interviews-the first in pregnancy, and the second 2 to 3 months after birth. Trajectory analysis was used to identify the thematic patterns in the relationships between postnatal care expectations, needs, experiences, and confidence. Five trajectories were identified, showing that mothers' satisfaction with postnatal care and confidence were primarily influenced not by the extent to which their expectations were met but the varied extent to which their individual postnatal needs were met. Rapid and responsive assessment of needs both antenatally and postnatally, and appropriate adjustment of care, is key in supporting women effectively at this time.

The Spanish version of the Mothers' Postnatal Sense of Security Scale: Psychometric properties and predictive utility

Postnatal sense of security is a relevant construct related to several variables of motherhood. However, it has not yet been studied in the Spanish context. The aims were: (a) To analyze the psychometric properties of a Spanish version of the Mothers' Postnatal Sense of Security Scale (PPSS-S); (b) analyze the factors related to mothers' sense of security during the first 2 weeks following childbirth (sociodemographic variables and factors related to maternity); and (c) examine the predictive utility that mothers' sense of security has on symptoms of postpartum depression 6-11 months after childbirth. This was a prospective longitudinal study performed in the first 6-11 months post-partum in four regions of Spain. A total of 928 mothers whose mean age was 33.67 years (standard deviation = 4.54) participated. The confirmatory factor analysis showed adequate adjustment to the original structure (χ²  = 17,272.79, df = 153, p < .001; Tucker-Lewis index = 0.98; comparative fit index = 0.98; root mean square error of approximation = 0.058 [0.053-0.063])and the overall internal consistency was 0.89. Direct relationships were shown between women' sense of security and already having had a child, the absence of postpartum health complications (either in the mother or the newborn) and receiving consistent information from healthcare professionals. Our results showed adequate evidence for the reliability and validity of the Spanish version of the PPSS-S. Understanding mothers' sense of security during the early months of motherhood, as well as related factors in the postpartum period, will allow health professionals to implement preventive measures to promote mental health and could help reduce symptoms of postpartum depression.

Evaluation of a midwifery network to guarantee outpatient postpartum care: a mixed methods study

BACKGROUND

The necessity of outpatient postpartum care has increased due to shorter hospital stays. In a health care system, where postpartum care after hospital discharge must be arranged by families themselves, this can be challenging for those experiencing psychosocial disadvantages. Therefore, we compared characteristics of users of a midwifery network which referred women to outpatient postpartum care providers with those of women organising care themselves. Additionally, we investigated benefits of the network for women and health professionals.

METHODS

Evaluation of the services of a midwifery network in Switzerland. We combined quantitative secondary analysis of routine data of independent midwives with qualitative telephone interviews with users and a focus group with midwives and nurses. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression modelling were done using Stata 13. Content analysis was applied for qualitative data.

RESULTS

Users of the network were more likely to be: primiparas (OR 1.52, 95% CI [1.31-1.75, p < 0.001]); of foreign nationality (OR 2.36, 95% CI [2.04-2.73], p < 0.001); without professional education (OR 1.89, 95% CI [1.56-2.29] p < 0.001); unemployed (OR 1.28, 95% CI [1.09-1.51], p = 0.002) and have given birth by caesarean section (OR 1.38, 95% CI [1.20-1.59], p < 0.001) compared to women organising care themselves. Furthermore, users had cumulative risk factors for vulnerable transition into parenthood more often (≥ three risk factors: 4.2% vs. 1.5%, p < 0.001). Women appreciate the services provided. The collaboration within the network facilitated work scheduling and the better use of resources for health professionals.

CONCLUSIONS

The network enabled midwives and nurses to reach families who might have struggled to organise postpartum care themselves. It also facilitated the work organisation of health professionals. Networks therefore provide benefits for families and health professionals.

Fathers' experiences during the first postnatal week at home after early discharge of mother and baby from the maternity unit: A meta-synthesis

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore and describe fathers' experiences during the first postnatal week after early discharge of mother and baby from the maternity unit. Methods: A meta-synthesis. Inclusion criteria: peer-reviewed qualitative single studies of fathers' experiences during the first week after early discharge (defined as less than 72 hours postpartum) from hospital after the birth of a healthy singleton baby born between weeks 37 and 40. Databases: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Medline, Maternity and Infant Care, Joanna Briggs, SweMed+ and PsycInfo were searched in May 2015 and May 2018. Of the 940 titles scanned for eligibility, three articles met the inclusion criteria. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research checklist was used. Findings: All included studies were conducted in Sweden during the period 2002-2012. The total sample of participants in the meta-synthesis comprised 35 fathers. Analysis of the included studies generated two themes: building confidence and coping with responsibility. Conclusions: The fathers' experiences were affected by the emotional support of midwives, which boosted their confidence. This seems to be a premise for taking and coping with responsibility during the first days at home. Good cooperation between hospitals and municipalities is vital, and midwives must be available and present in order to ensure continuity in maternity care.

Identifying the Needs for a Web-Based Postpartum Platform Among Parents of Newborns and Health Care Professionals: Qualitative Focus Group Study

Background

During the turbulent postpartum period, there is an urgent need by parents for support and information regarding the care for their infant. In the Netherlands, professional support is provided during the first 8 days postpartum and for a maximum of 8 hours a day. This care is delivered by maternity care assistants (MCAs). Despite the availability of this extensive care, a majority of women prefer to make use of a lesser amount of postpartum care. After this period, access to care is less obvious. Where parents are automatically offered care in the first 8 days after birth, they must request care in the period thereafter. To compensate for a possible gap in information transfer, electronic health (eHealth) can be a valuable, easily accessible addition to regular care.

Objective

We explored the needs and preferred content by new parents and health care professionals of a web-based platform dedicated to the postpartum period and identified barriers and facilitators for using such a platform.

Methods

We conducted 3 semistructured focus groups among (1) parents of newborns, (2) MCAs, and (3) clinicians and administrators in maternity care. A topic list based on a framework designed for innovation processes was used. Thematic content analysis was applied.

Results

In the focus group for parents, 5 mothers and 1 male partner participated. A total of 6 MCAs participated in the second focus group. A total of 5 clinicians and 2 administrators—a member of a stakeholder party and a manager of a maternity care organization—participated in the third focus group. All user groups underlined that a platform focusing on the postpartum period was missing in current care, especially by parents experiencing a gap following the intensive care ending after the first week of childbirth. Parents indicated that they would perceive a postpartum platform as a proper source of reliable information on topics regarding breastfeeding, growth, and developmental milestones, but also as a tool to support them in seeking care with appropriate professionals. They also emphasized the need to receive personalized information and the opportunity to ask questions via the platform. MCAs acknowledged added value of providing additional information on topics that they address during the early postpartum period. MCAs as well as clinicians and administrators would guide parents to such a platform for additional support. All user groups experienced disadvantages of using an authentication procedure and filling out extra questionnaires to receive tailored information.

Conclusions

Our research shows that parents of newborns, MCAs, and clinicians and administrators foresee the additional value of a web-based postpartum platform for at least the whole postpartum period. The platform should be easily accessible and personalized. Content on the platform should contain information regarding breastfeeding, growth, and developmental milestones. A chat function with professionals could be considered as an option.

Parents' experiences of early discharge after a planned caesarean section: A qualitative interpretive study

OBJECTIVE

The birth rate in Denmark is increasing, and the rate of births by caesarean section has increased to more than 20%. Thus, the obstetric departments have been put under pressure to identify new solutions to optimize the maternity care system, in which early discharge might be considered. The aim of this study was to explore parents' experiences of the postnatal care after planned caesarean section with focus on factors that support or hinder early discharge.

DESIGN

An interpretive, hermeneutic approach was chosen, using qualitative interviews with multiparous women and their partners. Data analysis was performed using thematic analysis.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

Twelve women and partners were recruited from two hospital-based maternity units in Denmark. The inclusion criteria were low-risk Danish-speaking multiparous women having a planned caesarean section with a singleton pregnancy (gestational age between 37+0 and 41+6 weeks). Seven sets of parents were discharged before 28 h and five were discharged after 48 h.

FINDINGS

Three main themes were identified as important for timing of discharge: (1) Setting for recovery (2) Views on length of stay, and (3) Preparation and individual planning. All parents valued the safe and supportive environment at the hospital, but several preferred early discharge as they felt more comfortable in their home environment and wanted to be together as a family with all siblings. When considering appropriate time of discharge, the main issues were that pain was manageable, that breastfeeding was initiated successfully and that professional support was available after discharge. Finally, early discharge required preparation and planning and the parents stressed the importance of knowing that they would not be discharged unless they felt ready.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE

A clear link was observed between the care package the parents received and their views on the optimal time of discharge. Based on our findings it seems likely that a significant proportion of parents will accept and feel confident about early discharge if individual circumstances are taken into account in the antenatal planning of a caesarean section.

Consequences of maternal postpartum depression: A systematic review of maternal and infant outcomes

Introduction:

The postpartum period represents the time of risk for the emergence of maternal postpartum depression. There are no systematic reviews of the overall maternal outcomes of maternal postpartum depression. The aim of this study was to evaluate both the infant and the maternal consequences of untreated maternal postpartum depression.

Methods:

We searched for studies published between 1 January 2005 and 17 August 2016, using the following databases: MEDLINE via Ovid, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials registry.

Results:

A total of 122 studies (out of 3712 references retrieved from bibliographic databases) were included in this systematic review. The results of the studies were synthetized into three categories: (a) the maternal consequences of postpartum depression, including physical health, psychological health, relationship, and risky behaviors; (b) the infant consequences of postpartum depression, including anthropometry, physical health, sleep, and motor, cognitive, language, emotional, social, and behavioral development; and (c) mother–child interactions, including bonding, breastfeeding, and the maternal role.

Discussion:

The results suggest that postpartum depression creates an environment that is not conducive to the personal development of mothers or the optimal development of a child. It therefore seems important to detect and treat depression during the postnatal period as early as possible to avoid harmful consequences.

One year outcome of high-risk newborn infants discharged from the neonatal care unit of the National Maternal and Child Health Center in Cambodia

Background

In the National Maternal and Child Health Center in Cambodia, about 7,500 newborn infants are born every year. Around 10% of them are admitted to the neonatal care unit. After recovery from the acute phase that presented neonatal care unit admissions, they are discharged even if they are very low birth weight infants, but there is no official follow-up system available after discharge. This research aims to identify the prognosis of high-risk infants one year after discharge using regular telephone interviews, identifying the factors that may determine their prognosis.

Methods

When a small and sick newborn infant was admitted to and discharged from the neonatal care unit, we collected health information from medical records. After discharge, we interviewed their caretakers by telephone when the infants were one, six, and 12 months (one year) old. We used structured questionnaires on feeding, history of illness, and development of growth and gross motor skills.

Findings

Between September 2014 and April 2015, 175 infants were discharged. At one year old, 111 (63%) had survived, 12 (6.9%) had died, and 52 (30%) were lost to follow-up. Nine cases died within one month of discharge. Our data suggested low birth weight may lead to re-hospitalization. Infants vaccinated less than twice at six months old were more likely to be re-hospitalized. According to results of our telephone interview, three infants showed psychomotor retardation at one year old. Among the 50 cases lost to follow-up, 26 (52%) of these patients were discharged without permission by doctors.

Interpretation

After one year, we noted that 63% of discharged infants survived, although 30% were lost to follow-up. There was a limitation of collecting more detailed data by telephone interview than questions about survival. The follow-up for high-risk newborn infants is an important challenge in Cambodia.

"I Didn't Know What to Ask About": First-Time Mothers' Conceptions of Prenatal Preparation for the Early Parenthood Period

The aim of this phenomenographic study was to describe first-time mothers' conceptions of prenatal preparation for the early parenthood period in relation to their experiences of early parenthood. Eighteen first-time mothers were interviewed approximately 1 month after giving birth. The categories identified in the analysis were: accessing appropriate sources of support, gaining knowledge to form realistic expectations, and mobilizing and strengthening personal resources. First-time mothers want health professionals to actively address postnatal issues as they have difficulties in knowing prenatally what knowledge will prepare them for early parenthood. Both professional and peer support during pregnancy were conceived as important for gaining knowledge. Professionals can support by guidance to reliable sources of information and encouraging personal reflections and partner communication.

A Qualitative Evaluation of Telephone-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Postpartum Mothers

The purpose of this study was to explore postpartum women's perceptions of a telephone-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (T-CBT). Using an exploratory qualitative design, a purposeful sample of 39 first-time Chinese mothers who had participated in the T-CBT was interviewed at 6 weeks postpartum. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed by content analysis. The findings revealed that Chinese women perceived T-CBT to be helpful in increasing their confidence in the maternal role, enhancing their emotional control, and increasing their sense of support. The effectiveness of T-CBT was enhanced by the delivery of the intervention by health care professional and the flexibility of intervention to provide individualized and timely information. The evidence suggests T-CBT is a feasible modality with the potential to support mothers in managing the demands of parental transition. T-CBT could be incorporated into perinatal services on an ongoing and regular basis, and therefore readily accessible to all postpartum women.

"Dad - a practical guy in the shadow": Fathers' experiences of their paternal role as a father during early discharge after birth and readmission of their newborns

OBJECTIVES

The aim is to explore how new fathers experience early discharge after birth and readmission of their newborn in relation to their role and involvement as a father. Fathers of today are active participants during pregnancy, birth and in the care of the newborn. Still studies demonstrate that health care professionals are unsuccessful at involving fathers in ante- and postnatal care. How fathers experience their paternal role in the early postnatal period may affect the well-being of the new family.

STUDY DESIGN

A qualitative study inspired by the hermeneutic approach. Data was collected through telephone interviews. The study was conducted in the Region of Southern Denmark in a University Hospital setting. Convenience sampling was applied. Eight fathers were included from November 2015 till February 2016 and six were interviewed.

RESULTS

The data analysis revealed three categories: Early discharge - ups and downs, Readmission -waiting but being in good hands, and Practical guy in the shadow.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study points at fathers being comfortable with being discharged early, but experienced insecurity when at home. The fathers experienced to be categorized by health care professionals as the practical guy, who had to assist the mother. Yet fathers saw themselves as equal to the mothers. Fathers also saw themselves in the shadow of the mother and showed greater considerations for the mother's feelings than their own. Fathers can be insecure in their paternal role when being met as just the practical guy.

Assessing infant and maternal readiness for newborn discharge

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The review highlights the shift from prescribed length of stay (LOS) to mother-infant dyad readiness as the basis for making discharge decisions for healthy term newborns. We describe the components of readiness that should be considered in making the decision, focusing on infant clinical readiness, and maternal and familial readiness.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although the Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection Act of 1996 aimed to protect infants and mothers by establishing a minimum LOS, the American Academy of Pediatrics 2015 policy on newborn discharge acknowledges the shift from LOS-based to readiness-based discharge decision-making. Healthcare providers must consider a variety of infant and maternal characteristics in determining the appropriate time to discharge a dyad, and mothers should be actively involved in the decision-making process. Criteria for infant clinical readiness include the following: establishment of effective feeding, evaluation of jaundice risk, review and discussion of infant and household vaccination status, obtainment of specimen for metabolic screening, tests of hearing ability, assessment of sepsis risk factors, screening for congenital heart disease, and evaluation of parental knowledge about infant safety measures. Important consideration should also be given to the mother's sociodemographic vulnerabilities, maternal confidence and perception of discharge readiness, and availability of postdischarge care continuity.

SUMMARY

The timing of newborn discharge should be a joint decision made by the mother and healthcare providers based on readiness. The decision should consider the infant's health status, the mother's health status, the mother's perception of readiness, and the availability of social and familial support for the mother and infant. Accessible and comprehensive support postdischarge is also important for helping infants achieve optimal health outcomes.

Focused breastfeeding counselling improves short- and long-term success in an early-discharge setting: A cluster-randomized study

Length of postnatal hospitalization has decreased and has been shown to be associated with infant nutritional problems and increase in readmissions. We aimed to evaluate if guidelines for breastfeeding counselling in an early discharge hospital setting had an effect on maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy, infant readmission and breastfeeding duration. A cluster randomized trial was conducted and assigned nine maternity settings in Denmark to intervention or usual care. Women were eligible if they expected a single infant, intended to breastfeed, were able to read Danish, and expected to be discharged within 50 hr postnatally. Between April 2013 and August 2014, 2,065 mothers were recruited at intervention and 1,476 at reference settings. Results show that the intervention did not affect maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy (primary outcome). However, less infants were readmitted 1 week postnatally in the intervention compared to the reference group (adjusted OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.37, -0.81), and 6 months following birth, more infants were exclusively breastfed in the intervention group (adjusted OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.02, -1.81). Moreover, mothers in the intervention compared to the reference group were breastfeeding more frequently (p < .001), and spend more hours skin to skin with their infants (p < .001). The infants were less often treated for jaundice (p = 0.003) and there was more paternal involvement (p = .037). In an early discharge hospital setting, a focused breastfeeding programme concentrating on increased skin to skin contact, frequent breastfeeding, good positioning of the mother infant dyad, and enhanced involvement of the father improved short-term and long-term breastfeeding success.

Participatory design methods in telemedicine research

Healthcare systems require a paradigm shift in the way healthcare services are delivered to counteract demographic changes in patient populations, expanding technological developments and the increasing complexity of healthcare. Participatory design (PD) is a methodology that promotes the participation of users in the design process of potential telehealth applications. A PD project can be divided into four phases including: the identification and analysis of participant needs; the generation of ideas and development of prototypes; testing and further development of prototypes; and evaluation. PD is an iterative process where each phase is planned by reflecting on the results from the previous phase with respect to the participants’ contribution. Key activities of a PD project include: fieldwork; literature reviewing; and development and testing. All activities must be applied with a participatory mindset that will ensure genuine participation throughout the project. Challenges associated with the use of PD include: the time required to properly engage with participants; language and culture barriers amongst participants; the selection of participants to ensure good representation of the user group; and empowerment. PD is an important process, which is complemented by other evaluation strategies that assess organisational requirements, clinical safety, and clinical and cost effectiveness. PD is a methodology which encourages genuine involvement, where participants have an opportunity to identify practical problems and to design and test technology. The process engages participants in storytelling, future planning and design. PD is a multifaceted assessment tool that helps explore more accurately clinical requirements and patient perspectives in telehealth.

Early discharge following birth - What characterises mothers and newborns?

BACKGROUND

Early postnatal discharge has increased over the past 50 years and today we lack the knowledge on who is discharged early that would allow us to improve quality of postnatal care. The aim of this study was to describe maternal and infant predictors for early postnatal discharge in a country with equal access to health care.

METHODS

An observational study of 2786 mothers, recruited in pregnancy was conducted from April 2013 to August 2014 in four of the five regions in Denmark. Data were analysed using Kaplan-Meier method and multinomial regression models. Outcome variable was time of discharge after birth.

RESULTS

In total 34% mothers were discharged within 12 hours (very early) and 25% between 13 and 50 hours (early), respectively. Vaginal birth and multiparity were the most influential predictors, as Caesarean section compared to vaginal birth had an OR of 0.35 (CI 0.26-0.48) and primiparous compared to multiparous had an OR of 0.22 (CI 0.17-0.29) for early discharge. Other predictors for early discharge were: no induction of labour, no epidural painkiller, bleeding less than 500 ml during delivery, higher gestational age, early expected discharge and positive breastfeeding experience. Smoking, favourable social support and breastfeeding knowledge were significantly associated with discharge within 12 hours. Finally time of discharge varied significantly according to region and time of day of birth.

CONCLUSIONS

Parity and birth related factors were the strongest predictors of early discharge. Psycho-social predictors indicate that the parents are involved in the decision of when to be discharge.