http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/11379 Sat, 11 Apr 2026 21:07:20 GMT 2026-04-11T21:07:20Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/11429 Title: What factors influence the uptake of vaccinations amongst pregnant women following the Covid-19 pandemic: A qualitative study Authors: Parsons, Dr Jo; Grimley, Dr Cath; Atherton, Professor Helen; Clarke, Louise; Hillman, Dr Sarah; Bick, Professor Debra Abstract: Background: Pregnant women and their unborn babies are at increased risk from serious complications, hospitalisation and death from infectious diseases. Vaccinations for influenza (flu), pertussis (whooping cough) and Covid-19 are available for free for pregnant women in the UK, but uptake of these repeatedly remains low. This qualitative study aimed to explore how pregnant women feel about these vaccinations, and what factors influence the uptake of vaccinations amongst pregnant women since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: Pregnant women were recruited via two participating hospitals in one geographic area of the UK, and via one community group offering support to pregnant women from ethnic minorities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted remotely using telephone, were anonymised and transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: Interviews were conducted remotely with 43 pregnant women. The following themes were identified as influencing uptake of vaccinations amongst pregnant women: internal factors and beliefs, vaccination related factors, external influences and Covid-19 and changing perceptions of the pandemic. Discussion: Findings of this study increase awareness of some of the factors influencing vaccination decisions of pregnant women. It informs practice regarding healthcare professionals’ discussions with pregnant women about vaccinations, and future vaccination campaigns and interventions that are targeting an increase in vaccination uptake amongst this population. Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/11429 2024-04-01T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/11428 Title: Single mothers by choice - experiences of single women seeking treatment at a public fertility clinic in Denmark: A pilot study Authors: Steenberg, Michala; Koert, Emily; Schmidt, Lone; Bogstad, Jeanette; Sylvest, Randi Abstract: Problem: There has been an increase in the number of single women deciding to have children through the use of medically assisted reproduction (MAR). These women are referred to as ‘single mothers by choice’ (SMC). Background: Previous studies have shown how SMC can feel stigmatised. Aim: Explore if single women seeking fertility treatment in Denmark feel stigmatised. Methods: Six single women undergoing MAR at a public fertility clinic in Denmark were interviewed. The interviews were audiotaped, anonymised, and transcribed in full, after provided written consent by the participants to take part in the study. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Findings: The women would have preferred to have a child in a relationship with a partner. Despite their dream of the nuclear family meaning a family group consisting of two parents and their children (one or more), the women choose to become SMC because motherhood was of such importance, and they feared they would otherwise become too old to have children. The participants did not experience stigma or negative responses to their decision, but they all had an awareness of the prejudices other people might have towards SMC. Conclusion: This study contributes to the understanding of the experiences of single women seeking fertility treatment in a welfare state where there are no differences in the possibilities for different social classes to seek MAR. Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/11428 2024-04-01T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/11427 Title: Preparation and validation of a predictive model of breastfeeding initiation in the first hour of life Authors: Ballesta-Castillejos, Ana; Rodríguez-Almagro, Julian ´; Martínez-Galiano, Juan Miguel; Romero-Blanco, Cristina; Gomez-Salgado, Juan; Hernandez-Martínez, Antonio Abstract: Objective: The objective was to develop and validate a predictive model of initiation of breastfeeding in the first hour after delivery. Methods: Retrospective cohort study on women who gave birth between 2013 and 2018 in Spain. For data collection, an ad hoc questionnaire was designed to be filled in by the mothers, which was distributed to the different Spanish breastfeeding associations which, in turn, shared it with their associate partners. The development of the predictive model was made on a cohort of 3218 women (2/3) and was validated on a cohort of 1609 women (1/3). Mothers whose children were admitted to hospital at the time of birth were excluded. A multivariate analysis was performed by means of logistic regression, and predictive ability was determined by areas under the ROC curve (AUC). Results: 81.0 % (2608) women started breastfeeding in the first hour in the derivation cohort, and 80.1 % (1289) in the validation cohort. The predictive factors in the final model were: the highest number of children and skinto-skin contact at birth as flattering factors, while dystocic delivery reduced the likelihood of the onset of breastfeeding. The predictive ability (ROC AUC) in the derivation cohort was 0.89 (CI 95 %: 0.87–0.90), while in the validation cohort it was 0.89 (CI 95 %: 0.87–0.92). Conclusions: This three-variable predictive model has excellent predictive ability in both the derivation cohort and the validation cohort. This model can identify women who are at high risk of non-initiating breastfeeding within the first hour after delivery. Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/11427 2024-04-01T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/11426 Title: Midwives’ experiences with PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic: The Birth in the Time of COVID (BITTOC) study Authors: Collins, Emma C; Schmied, Virginia; Kildea, Sue; Keedle, Hazel; Jackson, Melanie; Dahlen, Hannah G Abstract: Background: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in rapid changes aimed at reducing disease transmission in maternity services in Australia. An increase in personal protective equipment (PPE) in the clinical and community setting was a key strategy. There was variation in the type of PPE and when it was to be worn in clincial practice. Aim: This paper reports on Australian midwives’ experiences of PPE during the pandemic. Methods: This sequential mixed methods study was part of the Birth in the Time of COVID-19 (BITTOC 2020) study. Data were obtained from in-depth semi-structured interviews with midwives in 2020 followed by a national survey undertaken at two time points (2020 and 2021). Qualitative open-text survey responses and interview data were analysed using content analysis. Findings: 16 midwives were interviewed and 687 midwives provided survey responses (2020 n = 477, 2021 n = 210). Whilst midwives largley understood the need for increased PPE, and were mainly happy with this, as it was protective, they reported a number of concerns. These included: inconsistency with PPE type, use, availability, quality, fit and policy; the impact of PPE on the physical and psychological comfort of midwives; and the barriers PPE use placed on communication and woman centred care. This at times resulted in midwives working outside of policy. Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for future comprehensive pandemic preparedness that ensures policy and procedure recommendations are consistent and PPE is available, of approriate quality, and individually fitted in order to ensure that Australian maternity services are well placed to manage future pandemics. Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/11426 2024-04-01T00:00:00Z