| 1. |
- Hildingsson, Ingegerd, 1955-, et al.
(författare)
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A continuity of care project with two on-call schedules : Findings from a rural area in Sweden
- 2020
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Ingår i: Sexual & Reproductive HealthCare. - : Elsevier BV. - 1877-5756 .- 1877-5764. ; 26
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundIn many countries, various continuity models of midwifery care arrangements have been developed to benefit women and babies. In Sweden, such models are rare.AimTo evaluate two on-call schedules for enabling continuity of midwifery care during labour and birth, in a rural area of Sweden.MethodA participatory action research project where the project was discussed, planned and implemented in collaboration between researchers, midwives and the project leader, and refined during the project period. Questionnaires were collected from participating women, in mid pregnancy and two months after birth.ResultOne of the models resulted in a higher degree of continuity, especially for women with fear of birth. Having a known midwife was associated with higher satisfaction in the medical (aOR 2.02 (95% CI 1.14–4.22) and the emotional (aOR 2.05; 1.09–3.86) aspects of intrapartum care, regardless of the model.ConclusionThis study presented and evaluated two models of continuity with different on-call schedules and different possibilities for women to have access to a known midwife during labour and birth. Women were satisfied with the intrapartum care, and those who had had a known midwife were the most satisfied. Introducing a new model of care in a rural area where the labour ward recently closed challenged both the midwives’ working conditions and women’s access to evidence-based care.
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| 2. |
- Hildingsson, Ingegerd, 1955-, et al.
(författare)
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Birth outcome in a caseload study conducted in a rural area of Sweden : a register based study
- 2020
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Ingår i: Sexual & Reproductive HealthCare. - : ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD. - 1877-5756 .- 1877-5764. ; 24
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Continuity models of midwifery care are rare in Sweden, despite its well-known positive effects. The aim was to describe pregnancy and birth outcome in women participating in a continuity of care project in a rural area of Sweden.Method: A register-based study of 266 women recruited to the project and a control group of 125 women from the same catchment area. Midwives provided antenatal care and were on-call 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. for birth. Data were collected from the antenatal and birth records. Crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated between women in the project and the control group.Results: There were more primiparous women and highly educated women recruited to the project, and fewer foreign-born and single women, compared to the control group. Women in the project met more midwives and were less likely to have a pregnancy complication. During intrapartum care, women recruited to the project were less likely to need labour augmentation and less likely to have an instrumental vaginal birth and elective caesarean section. They had fewer second degree perineal tears and were more likely to fully breastfeed at discharge. No differences were found in neonatal outcome. The continuity of a known midwife at birth was quite low.Conclusion: This study shows that women self-recruited to a continuity of care project in a rural area of Sweden had a higher rate of normal births. There were few differences if having a known midwife or not. Long distances to hospital and lack of staff affected the level of continuity.
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| 3. |
- Hildingsson, Ingegerd, 1955-, et al.
(författare)
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Childbirth experience in women participating in a continuity of midwifery care project
- 2021
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Ingår i: Women and Birth. - : Elsevier. - 1871-5192 .- 1878-1799. ; 34:3, s. e255-e261
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Continuity models of care are rare in Sweden, despite the evidence of their benefit to women and babies. Previous studies have shown certain factors are associated with a positive birth experience, including continuity of midwifery care.Aim: The aim was to investigate women's childbirth experiences in relation to background data, birth outcome and continuity with a known midwife, in a rural area of Sweden.Methods: An experimental cohort study. Participating women were offered continuity of midwifery care in pregnancy and birth, during selected time periods. Data were collected in mid-pregnancy and two months after birth. The Childbirth Experience Questionnaire was used to determine women's birth experiences.Result: A total of 226 women responded to the follow-up questionnaire. Not living with a partner, fear of giving birth, and a birth preference other than vaginal were associated with a less positive birth experience. Having had a vaginal birth with no epidural, no augmentation and no birth complication all yield a better birth experience. Women who had had a known midwife were more likely to have had a positive birth experience overall, predominantly in the domain Professional support.Conclusions: The results of this study showed that women who received care from a known midwife in labour were more likely to have a positive birth experience. The results also pointed out the benefits of a less medicalized birth as important for a good birth experience, and that some women may need extra support to avoid a less positive birth experience.
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| 4. |
- Hildingsson, Ingegerd, 1955-, et al.
(författare)
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Quality of intrapartum care assessed by women participating in a midwifery model of continuity of care
- 2021
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Ingår i: European Journal of Midwifery. - : E.U. European Publishing. - 2585-2906. ; 5:4, s. 1-10
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- INTRODUCTION Continuity models are rare in Sweden. The aim was to compare the intrapartum care experiences between women who had or not a known midwife attending their birth. METHODS A cohort study was conducted in a rural area with long distance to a labor ward in Sweden. From August 2017 to June 2019, a continuity model with a known midwife was offered between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. daily. Questions about intrapartum care were assessed in two aspects; the perceived reality and the subjective importance. RESULTS A total of 226 women recruited in early pregnancy were followed up two months after giving birth. Women who had a known midwife providing labor care reported higher overall satisfaction and were more likely to value the subjective importance and the perceived reality significantly higher than women who received intrapartum care without a known midwife assisting. When analyzing the medical aspects of intrapartum care, the most important factors for not being satisfied were deficiencies in the partner’s involvement and insufficient pain relief. For the emotional aspects, deficiencies in participation in decision making was the most important aspect. CONCLUSIONS Having a known midwife assisting at birth reduced discrepancies between women’s subjective importance and perceived reality of intrapartum care, especially regarding support and the involvement of the partner. A known midwife generated higher overall satisfaction with the medical and emotional aspects of intrapartum care. To improve satisfaction and the quality of intrapartum care, continuity midwifery models of care should be implemented.
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| 5. |
- Larsson, Birgitta, et al.
(författare)
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Birth preference in women undergoing treatment for childbirth fear : A randomised controlled trial
- 2017
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Ingår i: Women and Birth. - : Elsevier BV. - 1871-5192 .- 1878-1799. ; 30:6, s. 460-467
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Childbirth fear is the most common underlying reason for requesting a caesarean section without medical reason. The aim of this randomised controlled study was to investigate birth preferences in women undergoing treatment for childbirth fear, and to investigate birth experience and satisfaction with the allocated treatment. Methods: Pregnant women classified with childbirth fear (≥60 on the Fear Of Birth Scale) (n = 258) were recruited at one university hospital and two regional hospitals over one year. The participants were randomised (1:1) to intervention (Internet-based Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (ICBT)) (n = 127) or standard care (face-to-face counselling) (n = 131). Data were collected by questionnaires in pregnancy week 20-25 (baseline), week 36 and two months after birth. Results: Caesarean section preference decreased from 34% to 12% in the ICBT group and from 24% to 20% in the counselling group. Two months after birth, the preference for caesarean increased to 20% in the ICBT group and to 29% in the counselling group, and there was no statistically significant change over time. Women in the ICBT group were less satisfied with the treatment (OR 4.5). The treatment had no impact on or worsened their childbirth fear (OR 5.5). There were no differences between the groups regarding birth experience. Conclusion: Women's birth preferences fluctuated over the course of pregnancy and after birth regardless of treatment method. Women felt their fear was reduced and were more satisfied with face-to-face counselling compared to ICBT. A higher percentage were lost to follow-up in ICBT group suggesting a need for further research.
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| 6. |
- Larsson, Birgitta, et al.
(författare)
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Counseling for childbirth fear - a national survey
- 2016
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Ingår i: Sexual & Reproductive HealthCare. - : Elsevier BV. - 1877-5756 .- 1877-5764. ; 8, s. 82-87
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Counseling by experienced midwives is offered to women with childbirth fear in most obstetric clinics in Sweden, but information about the content of such counseling is lacking. Aim: To study comprehensiveness, content and organization of the midwife-led counseling for childbirth fear in all obstetric clinics in Sweden. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data were collected using a questionnaire sent to all obstetric clinics in Sweden (n =45); a total of 43 clinics responded. Descriptive and one-way ANOVA was used in the analysis. Results: All responding obstetric clinics in Sweden offer midwife-led counseling to women with childbirth fear. Major differences were found regarding the time allocated to counseling, with a range between 5.7 and 47.6 minutes per childbirth. Supplementary education for midwives and the availability of treatment options varied at the different clinics and were not associated with the size of the clinic. Conclusion: The midwife-led counseling conducted at the different Swedish obstetric clinics showed considerable disparities. Women with childbirth fear would benefit from care on equal terms irrespective of place of residence. Consequently, it would be valuable to develop a national healthcare program for childbirth fear.
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| 7. |
- Larsson, Birgitta, et al.
(författare)
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Demanding and rewarding : Midwives experiences of starting a continuity of care project in rural Sweden
- 2021
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Ingår i: European Journal of Midwifery. - : E.U. European Publishing. - 2585-2906. ; 5:3, s. 1-9
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- INTRODUCTION The closure of a local labor ward enhanced the possibility to initiate a continuity of midwifery care model project. Continuity models of midwifery care are a cornerstone in midwifery and women-centered care, mainly accessible in metropolitan areas. Australian studies have found continuity of midwifery care to work well in rural areas. The aim of this study is to describe midwives’ experiences of developing and working in a continuity of midwifery model of care in a rural setting in Sweden. METHODS We used a qualitative longitudinal interview with a participatory action research approach. The project was subjected to changes over time to allow the midwives to provide the best care options and to develop a model suitable for a rural area in northern Sweden. RESULTS The overarching theme, ‘Developing a continuity model of midwifery care - demanding and rewarding with new insights’, was based on three themes: 1) A challenging but evolving start, 2) Varying views within the midwifery group, and 3) Visions for the future. It was revealed that the midwives had to handle the grief process of the closure of the labor ward alongside their enthusiasm of being part of a continuity of midwifery care model project. CONCLUSIONS The establishment of the model in light of the labor ward closure was associated with conflict within the community and this had implications for the midwives. Midwives who are attracted to work in continuity models need to understand and incorporate the prerequisites of such models. In addition, long commuting to a labor ward requires enough midwives to maintain safety and security for the women at all times.
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| 8. |
- Larsson, Birgitta, et al.
(författare)
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Fulfilment of expectations on birth and the postpartum period - A Swedish cohort study
- 2022
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Ingår i: Sexual & Reproductive HealthCare. - : Elsevier. - 1877-5756 .- 1877-5764. ; 33
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The fulfilment of birth expectations is important to women and strongly related to birth satisfaction. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate women's expectations and experiences of birth and the postnatal period and associated factors. An additional aim was to explore if women's expectations were fulfilled. Methods: A longitudinal cohort study of 280 women where 226 were followed up two months after birth. Data were collected using questionnaires. Odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval were calculated between the explanatory background variables and expectations/experiences. Results: The majority (79%) rated continuity as important, but few (32%) actually had a known midwife assisting during birth. Positive birth expectations were found in 37% and a positive birth experience in 66%. Many women (56%) preferred a short postnatal stay, and 63% went home within 24 h. Thirty-six percent preferred postnatal home visits, but only eight women (3.5%) received this. Breastfeeding expectations were high with 86% rating it as important but after birth 63% reported exclusively breastfeeding. Only a few background factors were associated with women's expectations and experiences. Most likely to be fulfilled were women's expectations for a vaginal birth (83%), a positive birth experience (71%) and short length of postnatal stay (67%). Postnatal home visits (96%) and continuity of care (73%) were not fulfilled. Conclusions: Pregnant women's expectations about continuity are fulfilled only to a minor degree. The fulfilment of postnatal expectations varied and the preference for a short postnatal stay was fulfilled whereas home visits were not.
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| 9. |
- Larsson, Birgitta, et al.
(författare)
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The effects of counseling on fear of childbirth
- 2015
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Ingår i: Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. - : Wiley. - 0001-6349 .- 1600-0412. ; 94:6, s. 629-636
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- ObjectiveTo investigate women's experiences of attending existing counseling programs for childbirth-related fear and the effect of this counseling over time. DesignA longitudinal survey. SettingThree hospitals in the central north of Sweden. SampleA selected sample of 936 women. Of these, 70 received counseling due to fear of childbirth (study-group). MethodsData were collected with questionnaires 2months and 1year after giving birth with background data collected during midpregnancy. Comparisons were made between women with or without counseling. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) were calculated. Main outcome measuresSelf-reported childbirth fear, experience of counseling, birth experience and preferred mode of birth. ResultsWomen in the counseling group reported higher childbirth fear 1year after giving birth (OR 5.0, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.6-9.3), they had a more negative birth experience that did not change over time (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2-3.9) and they preferred cesarean section to a greater extent (OR 12.0, 95% CI 5.1-28.1) in the case of another birth. Also, they were more often delivered by planned cesarean section (OR 4.7, 95% CI 2.4-9.1). However, 80% were satisfied with the given support. ConclusionAlthough women were satisfied with the treatment, this study shows that counseling had a minor effect on fear of childbirth, birth experiences or cesarean section rates. To help women with their fear of childbirth, more effective methods of treatment are needed.
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| 10. |
- Larsson, Birgitta, 1965-
(författare)
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Treatment for childbirth fear with a focus on midwife-led counselling : A national overview, women’s birth preferences and experiences of counselling
- 2017
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background: Many women experience childbirth fear to such an extent that it seriously interferes with the woman’s daily life and affects her mental well-being.Aim: The overall aim was to conduct an overview of the midwife-led counselling for childbirth fear in Sweden, to investigate women’s birth preferences and to describe their experiences of treatment on childbirth fear, with focus on midwife-led counselling.Methods: Study I is a cross-sectional study where 43 out of 45 maternity clinics responded to a questionnaire regarding midwife-led counselling. Study II is a longitudinal survey where 889 women participated of whom 70 received counselling. Data were collected by questionnaires in mid-pregnancy, two months and finally, one year after birth. Study III is a randomised controlled study with 258 participating women assessed with childbirth fear. It compares Internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT) with midwife-led counselling. Data were collected by questionnaires twice during pregnancy and two months after birth. Study IV is a qualitative interview study using thematic analysis, including 27 women who received midwife-led counselling during pregnancy.Results: Overall, midwife-led counselling was perceived as empowering by the women and increased their confidence when facing birth. The preference for a caesarean section decreased during pregnancy and the majority had a normal vaginal birth but an increase in preference for caesarean section appeared after birth. Half of the women who received treatment for childbirth fear experienced a less than positive birth. Women who had a positive birth experience voiced that the contributing factors were the self-confidence received from counselling and the support from the midwife during birth. Decreased or manageable fear was expressed by the women after counselling and birth, which in turn brought a strengthened confidence for a future pregnancy and birth. Furthermore, major differences exist in counselling for childbirth fear throughout the clinics in Sweden.Conclusion: Midwife-led counselling improved women’s confidence toward giving birth and fear was perceived as manageable. Continuous support is crucial to experience birth as positive. Although women’s preferences for caesarean section did not change over time, few women gave birth with a caesarean section without medial reason.
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