Most Popular Articles

Screening for Partner Postpartum Depression: A Systematic Review

Le, Joria; Alhusen, Jeanne; Dreisbach, Caitlin

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 48(3):142-150, May/June 2023.

Most of the research on postpartum depression has focused on new mothers, however their partners can experience depression during postpartum as well. In this systematic review, articles that described screening tools for partner postpartum depression are evaluated. Recommendations for nursing practice are presented.

Complications of Cesarean Birth: Clinical Recommendations for Prevention and Management

Burke, Carol; Allen, Roma

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 45(2):92-99, March/April 2020.

Maternal morbidity and mortality is significantly increased with cesarean birth as compared to vaginal birth. In this clinical review, strategies for prevention and management of three complications of cesarean birth are presented; postpartum hemorrhage, surgical site infection, and venous thromboembolism. Pertinent patient safety bundles, toolkits, protocols, and national standards and guidelines are applied to care of women having cesarean birth.

Challenges with Breastfeeding: Pain, Nipple Trauma, and Perceived Insufficient Milk Supply

Mahurin-Smith, Jamie

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 48(3):161-167, May/June 2023.

Breastfeeding challenges are common. In this study of over 450 new mothers who were recruited from social media, breastfeeding pain, nipple trauma, and perceived insufficient milk supply were the most frequently reported barriers to women reaching their breastfeeding goals. Nurses can use these data to advise women what to expect during breastfeeding and offer options prospectively that may help to avoid some of these situations.

Postpartum Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Program: Improving Care for Hypertension During Postpartum after a Hospital Birth

Hayden-Robinson, Kamilah A.; Deeb, Jessica L.

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 48(3):134-141, May/June 2023.

In this quality improvement project, patients with a diagnosis of a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy were given a home blood pressure monitor with detailed instructions for use when they were discharged from the hospital after giving birth. Patients monitored their blood pressure at home and reported results to their providers. Timely and appropriate treatment was able to be initiated without a return in-person visit for most patients. The program was well received by patients and providers. Home blood pressure monitoring for new mothers is a feasible method of insuring timely treatment for postpartum hypertension as needed without requiring a trip to the clinic or the hosptial.

Gun Violence and Risk to Children and Youth in the United States

Simpson, Kathleen Rice; Rohan, Annie J.

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 48(3):117, May/June 2023.

Nurses interact with children, youth, and their families routinely and have been widely acknowledged as the most trusted professionals for over 20 years. Nurses can use this trust relationship to encourage parents to practice gun safety as outlined by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Nurses should advocate for gun safety legislation on the local, state, and national level. Nurses must do all that they can to keep America's children and youth safe from gun violence.

Sudden Unexpected Postnatal Collapse Resulting in Newborn Death in the United States

Anderson, Tatiana M.; Ferres, Juan M. Lavista; Ramirez, Jan-Marino; More

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 46(3):130-136, May/June 2021.

The sudden collapse of an apparently healthy newborn, known as sudden unexpected postnatal collapse (SUPC), is fatal in about half of cases. Death of a healthy newborn in the hospital setting is tragic; some cases are likely preventable. In this study, analysis of SUPC cases from 2003 to 2013 involving review of over 41 million US births found a rate of SUPC of 1.5/100,000 live births with an estimated 22% occurring in the hospital setting. Newborn hospital safety recommendations from the Association Women's Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses and other professional organizations are included.

Immigrant Women's Experiences as Mothers in the United States: A Scoping Review

Oerther, Sarah; Lach, Helen W.; Oerther, Daniel

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 45(1):6-16, January/February 2020.

Since 1970, the increase in U.S. births has been driven in part by immigrant mothers. While mothering is a universal experience among women who have children, little is known about the broad experiences of immigrant women from different cultures who are mothering in the United States. In this scoping review, gaps in the literature are identified and recommendations for future research are offered.

Improving Cardiovascular Follow-Up after Diagnosis of a Hypertensive Disorder of Pregnancy using the Electronic Health Record

Burgess, Adriane; Stover, Samantha

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 48(3):127-133, May/June 2023.

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among women in the United States. A diagnosis of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy can increase risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. Preventative measures and healthy lifestyle changes, if initiated during postpartum and continued, can be beneficial. In this quality improvement project, women who were diagnosed with a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy were followed up during postpartum using the electronic health record with information about the links between hypertension during pregnancy and risk of cardiovascular disease and offered educational resources on a healthy lifestyle. Their primary care providers were notified about their diagnosis of a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy and encouraged to discuss the implications for future health with these new mothers.

Challenges, Job Satisfiers, and Self-Care among Perinatal Nurses in the United States during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Iobst, Stacey E.; Breman, Rachel Blankstein; Walker, Mark; More

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 48(3):118-126, May/June 2023.

Perinatal nurses, like other nurses in the United States and around the world, have faced many challenges in providing high quality nursing care during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, members of the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses and the National Association of Neonatal Nurses participated in an online survey about their experiences during the pandemic. Ability to provide high-quality care was reported as a leading job satisfier, while poor communication of consistent, evidence-based guidelines, lack of personal protective equipment, and inadequate unit staffing were leading challenges. Visitor restrictions were a challenge and a job satisfier, suggesting opportunities to better include visitors as support people. This study adds important information about maternity nursing practice in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Clinical Implications of Fetal Heart Rate Interpretation Based on Underlying Physiology

O'Brien-Abel, Nancy

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 45(2):82-91, March/April 2020.

Understanding the physiology of fetal oxygenation and various influences on the fetal heart rate supports nurses, midwives, and physicians in interpreting and managing electronic fetal heart rate tracings during labor and birth. A review and update on clinical implications of fetal heart rate pattern interpretation based on underlying physiology is presented.

The Role of Nurses in Fetal Cardiology Programs: An Integrative Review

Butler, Mary; McArthur, Erin C.

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 48(3):151-160, May/June 2023.

The role of nurses in fetal cardiology programs is not fully described in the literature. Nursing practice and requirements for knowledge, skills, and education vary among programs and countries. In this integrative review of 26 articles from 9 countries, the role of nurses in fetal cardiology programs is explored and recommendations for role definition, quality measures, and educational requirements are discussed.

Acuity Tools for the Antepartum and Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Roth, Cheryl; Dent, Sarah A.; Luster, Mary H.; More

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 48(1):8-16, January/February 2023.

Acuity tools for the antepartum unit and neonatal intensive care unit were developed by a group of expert nurses. Content validity and interrater reliability were established. The tools can be used to identify patient care needs, make appropriate nurse-to-patient assignments, and support safe, high-quality maternity and neonatal nursing care.

Safe Nurse Staffing and the 2022 AWHONN Nurse Staffing Standards

Simpson, Kathleen Rice

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 47(5):303, September/October 2022.

In June 2022, the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses published updated standards for nurse staffing covering the continuum of inpatient childbirth and neonatal care. Since the first edition, published in 2010, there has been a substantial amount of evidence linking nurse staffing to patient outcomes. Safe, high-quality maternity care requires the appropriate number of nurses to provide comprehensive assessment, interventions as needed, emotional and physical support, and discharge teaching. Adequate nurse staffing can be a key factor in avoiding failure to rescue events and preventable adverse outcomes for mothers and babies hospitalized during the childbirth process.

Preterm Labor and Birth: A Clinical Review

Griggs, Kellie M.; Hrelic, Debra A.; Williams, Nina; More

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 45(6):328-337, November/December 2020.

An overview of current evidence on risk factors and treatment for preterm labor and birth is presented.

Caring for Women with Obesity

Killion, Molly M.

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 44(4):234, July/August 2019.

Obesity is a medical condition that requires comprehensive, compassionate, nonjudgmental care to promote the best outcomes. Many clinicians have implicit biases against women who are obese. Our maternity nursing expert, Molly Killion, reviews the most recent committee opinion from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists on this topic.

Pediatric Intramuscular Injections: Guidelines for Best Practice

Rishovd, Abby

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 39(2):107-112, March/April 2014.

Nurses deliver the vast majority of intramuscular injections to pediatric patients, usually in the form of vaccines. Dr. Kaniaris gives you the latest, most important evidence on how to administer IMs to children.

Human Milk to Protect from Respiratory Infections

Spatz, Diane L.

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 48(3):170, May/June 2023.

This past winter, media covered the high levels of the flu, respiratory illnesses, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), with hospitals being strained and at capacity. Our breastfeeding expert, Dr. Spatz, discusses the evidence about exclusive breast milk feeding and protection against respiratory viruses.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Pain Management for Women in Labor

Daniel, Linda; Benson, Jennifer; Hoover, Stephen

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 46(2):76-81, March/April 2021.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may be a low cost non-pharmacologic option for pain management during labor. In this study of 272 women in labor, TENS was well received by users and there was a significant decrease in pain scores after application of the device.

Parental Decision Making in Male Circumcision

Sardi, Lauren; Livingston, Kathy

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 40(2):110-115, March/April 2015.

How do parents make the decision to have their newborn baby boy circumcised? What do they need to know and how can nurses make sure they have adequate information to make a truly informed decision?

Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes in the United States

Wisner, Kirsten

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 48(3):168, May/June 2023.

Our maternity nursing expert, Dr. Wisner, explains the findings and implications of the March of Dimes (2022) Report Card: Stark and Unacceptable Disparities Exist Alongside a Troubling Rise in Preterm Birth Rates. Preterm birth rates are rising again and disparities in outcomes continue in the United States.

Risks and Benefits of Swaddling Healthy Infants: An Integrative Review

Nelson, Antonia M.

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 42(4):216-225, July/August 2017.

Swaddling has been practiced for ages; however, there is controversy about its safety. This integrative review covers recent evidence on various issues about infant swaddling so nurses can offer accurate advice to parents and infant caregivers.

Implications of Preterm Birth for Maternal Mental Health and Infant Development

Anderson, Cheryl; Cacola, Priscila

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 42(2):108-114, March/April 2017.

Preterm birth can be a traumatic event as it is many times unexpected and often leads to admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Mothers of infants in the NICU experience stress that can progress to depressive symptoms and posttraumatic stress disorder. These mental health issues can have a negative impact on maternal-infant attachment and infant development.

Parental Participation in Preterm Infant Feeding in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Nist, Marliese Dion; Robinson, Audrey; Pickler, Rita H.

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 48(2):76-81, March/April 2023.

In this secondary data analysis of 87 preterm infants using data from a randomized controlled trial of patterned tactile experience provided during gavage and oral feeding on infant neurobehavior and clinical outcomes, parental involvement in infant feeding in the neonatal intensive care unit was low. Parental participation in feeding can decrease the time required for infants to achieve feeding milestones, possibly leading to decreased length of hospitalization. Nurses should encourage parents to participate in caregiving for their preterm infants. Interventions are needed to remove barriers to parental participation in caregiving.

Threats to Patient Safety in the Inpatient Maternity Setting

O'Neill, Loraine; Miller, Lisa A.; Rohan, Annie J.

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 45(2):74-81, March/April 2020.

As part of our special topics issue on inpatient maternity care, three nurse experts were asked to offer their thoughts about the main issues putting mothers and babies at risk in the hospital setting and what quality and safety practices may be beneficial in keeping them safe from harm.

A System-Wide Approach to Prevention of In-Hospital Newborn Falls

Carr, Hester; Crotto, Joshua; Demirel, Shaban; More

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 44(2):100-107, March/April 2019.

There has been a lot of attention to decreasing newborn falls in the inpatient setting. In this quality improvement project, after reviewing their event data and current evidence, one health system implemented a number of interventions to decrease the rate of newborn falls.

Postpartum Pain Management

Wisner, Kirsten

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 47(1):52, January/February 2022.

Postpartum pain is common and may interfere with a patient's selfcare and infant care. Untreated pain has been associated with postpartum depression, persistent pain, and higher use of opioids. Our maternity nursing expert, Dr. Wisner, provides a summary of a new American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Clinical Consensus guideline on pharmacologic pain management for acute perineal, uterine, and incisional pain in the postpartum period.

Data-Driven Nurse Staffing in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Feldman, Keith; Rohan, Annie J.

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 47(5):249-264, September/October 2022.

The challenge of nurse staffing is amplified in the acute care neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) setting, where a wide range of highly variable factors affect staffing. A comprehensive overview of infant factors, nurse factors, and unit factors influencing preshift NICU staffing is presented, along with how intrashift variability of these and other factors must be accounted for to maintain effective and efficient assignments. Potential sources of data to predict and enhance nurse staffing in the NICU are discussed.

Reducing the Stigmatization of Teen Mothers

SmithBattle, Lee I.

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 38(4):235-241, July/August 2013.

Nurses are urged to advocate for services and policies that reduce the stigmatization and marginalization of teen mothers.

Why Isn't Nurse Staffing Evaluated as Part of Hospital Accreditation and Quality Designations?

Simpson, Kathleen Rice

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 48(1):55, January/February 2023.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Joint Commission have announced two new designations for hospitals with maternity services. When the public sees that hospitals are designated as providing high quality maternity services, there is an assumption that there are enough nurses to care for the childbearing family from admission to discharge. It is well known that adequate nurse staffing in linked to less risk of inpatient morbidity and mortality, yet neither of these new designations include nurse staffing as part of the criteria.

Mothers' Reasons for Early Breastfeeding Cessation

Morrison, April H.; Gentry, Retha; Anderson, Joanna

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 44(6):325-330, November/December 2019.

Research on maternal reasons for early breastfeeding cessation is limited. In this review, maternal explanations for stopping breastfeeding were examined. Reasons for early breastfeeding cessation are varied; however, the most common themes noted in the studies identified were perceived inadequate milk supply and breast or nipple pain. Nurses can target breastfeeding interventions in light of these findings.

Strategies to Successfully Implement an Eat, Sleep, Console Protocol

Wortham, Stefanie E.; Bianchi, Ann L.

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 47(4):182-188, July/August 2022.

Eat, sleep, console is being incorporated into care of the newborn with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. Most of the published data is from quality improvement projects, however results appear promising in centering the mother as a caregiver and decreasing pharmacologic therapy and associated length of hospital stay. A review of the evidence is presented with strategies to implement the eat, sleep, console approach in the hospital setting.

Lower Extremity Nerve Injury in Childbirth

Wisner, Kirsten

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 46(3):176, May/June 2021.

During the childbirth process women are at risk for lower extremity nerve injury. Our maternity nursing expert, Dr. Wisner, reviews the recent practice brief on this topic by the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses.

Food Insecurity has Increased around the World

Callister, Lynn Clark

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 48(2):106, March/April 2023.

Food insecurity has increased around the world. Our global health and nursing expert, Dr. Callister, reviews several recent international reports of food insecurity and world hunger and highlights efforts by multiple organizations to help with this crisis that affects millions of families, women, and children.

Decreasing the Effects of Cumulative Head Injuries in Adolescent Football Players

Beal, Judy A.

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 48(3):169, May/June 2023.

Recent evidence indicates that there is a significant risk of short-term and long-term head injuries among high school football players. Our pediatric nursing expert, Dr. Beal, summarizes the evidence and suggests how nurses can advocate for safer adolescent football practices.

Barriers to Skin-to-Skin Contact after Cesarean Birth

Balatero, Joelene S.; Spilker, Arlene F.; McNiesh, Susan G.

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 44(3):137-143, May/June 2019.

Women usually have skin-to-skin contact with their healthy newborns immediately after vaginal birth, however this is not routine practice in the surgical suite after cesarean birth. In this study, nurses who care for women during labor and birth discuss their perceptions of barriers to skin-to-skin after cesarean birth and what can be done to promote the practice.

Safety of Over-the-Counter Medications in Pregnancy

Stanley, Angela Y.; Durham, Catherine O.; Sterrett, James J.; More

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 44(4):196-205, July/August 2019.

Use of over-the-counter medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding is wide-spread. In this review, details of common medications that are used during pregnancy are covered. Up-to-date information for nurses caring for women during pregnancy and lactation is offered so nurses are prepared to give accurate advice.

Inequity in Payments to Hospitals for Maternity Care Based on Patient Health Insurance Coverage Promotes Inequity in Maternity Care

Simpson, Kathleen Rice

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 48(3):175-176, May/June 2023.

Payment to hospitals for maternity care is based on patients' insurance coverage. Medicaid pays less than one-half of what commercial insurance pays for the same maternity care. Hospitals with a high percentage of patients covered by Medicaid are disadvantaged financially, which has significant implications for the quality of care that can be provided and physical state of the birthing facilities. Health care services experts and clinical leaders in maternity care should be asking why the value of maternity care for Medicaid patients is allowed to be deemed worth less than one-half of that for patients covered by commercial insurance. Pay equity solutions and policy changes are urgently needed to support the highest quality of care for all maternity patients in the United States.

Intraoperative Mother and Baby Skin-to-Skin Contact during Cesarean Birth: Systematic Review

Frederick, Anitra; Fry, Tena; Clowtis, Licia

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 45(5):296-305, September/October 2020.

Placing the newborn skin-to-skin on the mother's chest after birth while cesarean surgery is completed was found to be beneficial in this systematic review. Safety of mother and baby during skin-to-skin contact are promoted when nurse staffing in the operating room and post anesthesia care unit are consistent with published professional guidelines so the mother-baby couplet can be continually assessed.

Innovative Strategies to Promote Safe Nurse Staffing in the Maternity, Neonatal, and Pediatric Acute Care Setting

Simpson, Kathleen Rice

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 47(5):241, September/October 2022.

In this special topics series on nurse staffing, three articles cover innovative strategies critical to promoting safe, high-quality nursing care to mothers, babies, and children. Using the electronic medical record to analyze, predict, and secure nurse staffing based on acuity and census is a concept that all units should be able to operationalize with the help of their electronic medical record vendor. Data from electronic equipment can be engineered for the same purpose. Increasing diversity of the nursing workforce has many benefits to patients, families, and nurses but requires careful sustained planning and commitment. We hope you find these articles valuable in enhancing the discussion and supporting actions to promote safe nurse staffing.

In-Hospital Survival Skills Training for Type 1 Diabetes: Perceptions OF Children AND Parents

Schmidt, Cynthia A.; Bernaix, Laura W.; Chiappetta, Maria; More

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 37(2):88-94, March/April 2012.

How do children with type 1 diabetes and their families perceive their initial education and support from nurses?

Women's Experiences of Breastfeeding-Related Pain

Jackson, Kimberley T.; Mantler, Tara; O'Keefe-McCarthy, Sheila

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 44(2):66-72, March/April 2019.

Pain related to breastfeeding can have a negative effect on breastfeeding duration and the mother-baby relationship. In this study women describe their experiences with breastfeeding-related pain including support and barriers. These data can be helpful in planning a discussion of what to expect when breastfeeding with new mothers during the prenatal and postpartum periods.

Implementation of an Oxytocin Checklist to Improve Clinical Outcomes

Sundin, Courtney; Mazac, Lauren; Ellis, Kathleen; More

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 43(3):133-138, May/June 2018.

Oxytocin checklists can be helpful in standardizing clinical practice during induction and augmentation of labor. In this quality improvement project, the authors found use of the checklist was favorably received by the labor nurses and was associated with several positive clinical outcomes such as a lower cesarean birth rate, a shorter first stage labor, less tachysystole, less overall dose of oxytocin, and less need to titrate the dose based on uterine or fetal status.

Trends in Labor Induction in the United States, 1989 to 2020

Simpson, Kathleen Rice

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 47(4):235, July/August 2022.

The rate of induction of labor in the United States has risen sharply over the last several years as compared to a slow steady increase since 1989 when these data first began to be collected on United States standard certificates of live birth. The rising rate of induction of labor in the United States has significant implications for nurse staffing for maternity units and for patient safety.

Overcoming the Challenges: Maternal Movement and Positioning to Facilitate Labor Progress

Zwelling, Elaine

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 35(2):72-78, March-April 2010.

Dr. Zwelling, a world class expert on positioning in labor, shares her knowledge with MCN'sreaders. Elaine Zwelling, PhD, RN, LCCE, FACCE

Interdisciplinary Feeding Team: A Medical, Motor, Behavioral Approach to Complex Pediatric Feeding Problems

McComish, Cara; Brackett, Kristen; Kelly, Maureen; More

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 41(4):230-236, July/August 2016.

A team approach is ideal in working with children with feeding problems and their families. Members of many disciplines can contribute to successful outcomes when children are diagnosed with feeding problems. Nurses are key members of the interdisciplinary feeding team.

Breastfeeding Support Guided by Swanson's Theory of Caring

Miller, Carrie Westmoreland; Wojnar, Danuta

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 44(6):351-356, November/December 2019.

Swanson's Theory of Caring can be useful in developing caring methods of offering breastfeeding support to new mothers. In this study, discussions of new mothers about the breastfeeding support they received in the hospital are analyzed using the caring theory as a framework.

Increasing Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Nursing Workforce: One Pediatric Hospital's Strategic Approach

Hinson, Tyonne D.; Brostoff, Marcie; Grossman, Amanda Beit; More

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 47(5):265-272, September/October 2022.

Nurse and human resource leaders at Boston Children's Hospital, a tertiary care, 454-bed pediatric academic medical center, developed, implemented, and evaluated strategies to increase racial and ethnic diversity in recruitment and hiring of the nursing workforce. Significant increases in racial and ethnic diversity recruitment and hiring were achieved. These strategies can be helpful for nurses and other health care leaders to advance health equity through the creation of a racially and ethnically diverse nursing workforce.

Walking on Eggshells: An Update on the Stigmatizing of Teen Mothers

SmithBattle, Lee

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 45(6):322-327, November/December 2020.

Teen mothers are stigmatized in the media and health care settings. Stereotypes and discrimination contribute to stress, social isolation, and health disparities. Teen mothers are keen to show that they differ from the stereotypical teen mom. A review of stigmatization of teen mothers is presented, along with suggestions for nurses to be supportive and avoid unintentional negative behaviors when caring for teen mothers.

Cry It Out: What Is It and Is It Appropriate?

Beal, Judy A.

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 42(3):180, May/June 2017.

Infant wakefulness at night is common. New parents often turn to the Internet for what to do when they encounter issues with their new baby that they're not sure how to handle, however, there are multiple websites offering advice that is not evidence-based. Our pediatric nursing expert, Dr. Beal, provides the most recent information on infant wakefulness at night for nurses to be able offer helpful advice to parents.

Anemia in Pregnancy: Screening and Clinical Management Strategies

Stanley, Angela Y.; Wallace, Jerrol B.; Hernandez, Andrea M.; More

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 47(1):25-32, January/February 2022.

Anemia during pregnancy can lead to adverse maternal and newborn outcomes. Current recommendations for screening and treatment of anemia during pregnancy are covered in detail with guidance for incorporating them into clinical practice.

Burnout and Turnover among NICU Nurses

Thomas, Anisa O.; Bakas, Tamilyn; Miller, Elaine; More

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 47(1):33-39, January/February 2022.

Work-related burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment, has been associated with nurses’ intent to leave their job. In this study of nurses in the neonatal intensive care unit, 16.9% of left their position over an 11-month period and a majority of reported moderate to high levels of emotional exhaustion. No association was found between any dimension of burnout and odds of turnover; however, burnout may have other negative consequences for both neonatal intensive care nurses and infants, and merits further exploration.

Social Determinants of Maternal Health and Birth Outcomes

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 42(1):7, January/February 2017.

Social determinants of health such as racial discrimination, poor quality neighborhoods, and acculturation may increase risk of negative mental health and birth outcomes for minority women in the United States. Nurses can take leadership roles in creating policies that promote economic development, reduce poverty, reduce residential segregation, promote healthier neighborhoods, and support immigrant women.

Overturning Roe v. Wade: What are the Implications for Perinatal Nurses?

Rohan, Annie J.

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 47(6):309, November/December 2022.

The Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade has far reaching implications for women's health in the United States. Being forced to continue pregnancy will likely have a negative effect on maternal morbidity and mortality including mental health. The practice implications for perinatal nurses are discussed.

Global Vaccine Update

Callister, Lynn Clark

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 48(3):171, May/June 2023.

Vaccine administration has decreased globally, making more children at greater risk for vaccine preventable diseases. Our global health and nursing expert, Dr. Callister, explains the situation and what can be done to promote more wide-spread vaccination of the world population as recommended by the World Health Organization.

Experiences of Postpartum Depression in Women of Color

Beck, Cheryl Tatano

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 48(2):88-95, March/April 2023.

In this integrative review, cultural stigma of mental illness plus lack of knowledge of postpartum depression were found to be strong barriers to women of color seeking timely professional mental health care. Nurses can share information about perinatal mental illness to help decrease stigma and increase mental health literacy. All health care providers and policy makers must focus attention on the impact that women of color's economic and social stressors have on their postpartum depression.

Postpartum Depression Screening for Mothers of Babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Berns, Hannah M.; Drake, Diana

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 46(6):323-329, November/December 2021.

Mothers of babies in the neonatal intensive care unit are at greater risk for postpartum depression than mothers of healthy newborns. Screening mothers for postpartum depression while their babies are in the neonatal intensive care unit may be an effective way to avoid missing mothers who are experiencing this very common complication of childbirth. A quality improvement project is presented with details of initiating screening and efficacy of the process.

Reducing Discomfort After Cesarean Birth Using Abdominal Binders

Tussey, Christina; Kelly, Lesly A.; Oja, Kenneth J.; More

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 44(6):310-316, November/December 2019.

There is great interest in options for enhancing pain relief measures that do not involve opioids for women after cesarean birth. This randomized controlled trial evaluated use of an abdominal binder for women after cesarean birth. Findings suggest abdominal binders can decrease pain related to ambulation, potentially enhancing postoperative recovery. As a nursing intervention, abdominal binders may offer women a safe nonpharmacologic option to provide comfort.

Grief among Neonatal Intensive Care Nurses

Rodriguez, Alison; Spilker, Arlene; Goyal, Deepika

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 45(4):228-232, July/August 2020.

Nurses in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) experience grief when an infant death occurs. In this study, the grief experience of NICU nurses is explored and recommendations for supporting them are offered.

Meaningful Moments: The Use of Ritual in Perinatal and Pediatric Death

Kobler, Kathie; Limbo, Rana; Kavanaugh, Karen

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 32(5):288-295, September-October 2007.

Rituals are used in all societies to help deal with grief and bereavement. These authors describe the rituals often seen in the care of families facing perinatal and pediatric death.

Newborn Safety Bundle to Prevent Falls and Promote Safe Sleep

Lipke, Bethann; Gilbert, Gael; Shimer, Heather; More

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 43(1):32-37, January/February 2018.

It is not uncommon for mothers to fall asleep while holding their baby during postpartum hospitalization. In this context, newborn babies are at risk for falls and suffocation. The clinical team at one hospital developed a newborn infant safety bundle to promote safe sleep and minimize risk of infant falls and drops. Results are promising in preventing unsafe sleep conditions and newborn falls.

Maternal Mental Health

Simpson, Kathleen Rice

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 47(1):59, January/February 2022.

Approximately 1 out of 5 women experience a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression during pregnancy or postpartum. Routine screening and timely referral and treatment are key to promoting optimal outcomes for mothers and babies. While screening during postpartum visits is becoming more common, adding screening for mothers of babies in the NICU and during well baby visits can help to make sure all new mothers are included.

Application of Caring Theory to Nursing Care of Women Experiencing Stillbirth

Nurse-Clarke, Natasha; DiCicco-Bloom, Barbara; Limbo, Rana

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 44(1):27-32, January/February 2019.

Swanson's theory of caring has application to nursing care of women experiencing stillbirth. In this study, 20 labor and birth nurses share their perceptions of caring for women who have had a stillbirth. Findings suggest the five caring processes described by Swanson enhance the nurse-patient relationship and the bereaved mother's wellbeing.

Chinese American Women's Experiences with Postpartum Depressive Symptoms and Mental Health Help-Seeking Behaviors

Ta Park, Van M.; Goyal, Deepika; Suen, Joyce; More

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 44(3):144-149, May/June 2019.

Postpartum depression is one of the most common morbidities after birth. In this study, Chinese American women discuss how they coped after giving birth and their perceptions of how women in their culture seek help when experiencing depressive symptoms during postpartum.

A Quality Improvement Initiative to Reduce Opioid Consumption after Cesarean Birth

Burgess, Adriane; Harris, Amy; Wheeling, Julia; More

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 44(5):250-259, September/October 2019.

Reevaluation of routine prescription of opioids for postoperative pain has been one of the many responses to the opioid crisis in the United States. In this quality improvement project, an interdisciplinary team developed a bundle of nurse-initiated comfort measures to offer additional options for pain relief for women after cesarean birth. Provider order sets and prescribing practices were changed. Data were collected over the first year of the project. Opioid use during hospitalization and the amount prescribed at discharge decreased while patient satisfaction improved. Pain relief options as adjuncts to medication can be successfully integrated into clinical practice.

Nurses' Perspectives on the Close Collaboration with Parents Training Program in the NICU

Axelin, Anna; Ahlqvist-Björkroth, Sari; Kauppila, Wiveka; More

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 39(4):260-268, July/August 2014.

A program to promote more active involvement in care and decision making by parent of babies in the NICU was developed as part of planning for a new NICU with single rooms. The goal was to make sure clinical care and interactions with parents and family were as up-to-date as the new unit configuration and design.

Addressing the Childhood Obesity Crisis: A Call to Action

Budd, Geraldine M.; Hayman, Laura L.

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 33(2):111-118, March-April 2008.

These authors show us that it's time to stop blaming the children, and instead work toward changing the “obesigenic environment” in which we all live. Action needs to take place at the family, community, and policy level.

Neonatal Neuroprotection: Bringing Best Practice to the Bedside in the NICU

Lockridge, Terrie

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 43(2):66-76, March/April 2018.

Concern for the impact of the NICU experience on the developing infant brain led to a unit-based quality improvement project to promote best neonatal outcomes. A multidisciplinary committee evaluated current evidence and developed the Neonatal Neuroprotective Best Practice Guidelines to identify optimal interventions, as well as provide physiologic rationales to reinforce importance of the practices for the clinical team. The process of developing and implementing the guidelines are presented.

Breastfeeding Challenges

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 44(2):65, March/April 2019.

Most women intend to breastfeed; however, many women experience various challenges in reaching their breastfeeding goals. A summary of the articles in our special topics series on breastfeeding challenges is offered.

Postpartum Depression in American Indian/Alaska Native Women: A Scoping Review

Heck, Jennifer L.

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 46(1):6-13, January/February 2021.

American Indian, Native Alaskan, and Indigenous women are not well represented in the postpartum depression literature. In this review, gaps in the literature are identified and suggestions for future research are offered.

Breastfeeding Experiences of Autistic Women

Wilson, Jane C.; Andrassy, Bri

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 47(1):19-24, January/February 2022.

It is estimated that over 1.8 million adult women in the United States have Autism Spectrum Disorder, yet little is known about their childbirth, breastfeeding, and parenting experiences. In this study, autistic women were recruited via social media and invited to share their stories about breastfeeding. Many descrbed being over-stimulated and over-touched, but intensely focused on achieving their breastfeeding goals. Nurses can use these findings in planning care for this subset of childbearing women.

Nurse-Led Education Mitigates Maternal Stress and Enhances Knowledge in the NICU

Morey, Jo Ann; Gregory, Katherine

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 37(3):182-191, May/June 2012.

A nurse-led educational intervention tailored to the needs of high-risk mothers decreases stress during the antenatal period and NICU hospitalization.

Acculturation and Postpartum Depressive Symptoms among Hispanic Women in the United States: Systematic Review

Alhasanat, Dalia; Giurgescu, Carmen

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 42(1):21-28, January/February 2017.

Higher levels of acculturation may be related to higher risk of postpartum depressive symptoms in Hispanic women living in the United States. Nurses should have an understanding of the stressors of immigrant women to guide their assessment and screening for postpartum depressive symptoms and make appropriate referrals.

Medication Errors in Outpatient Pediatrics

Berrier, Kyla

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 41(5):280-286, September/October 2016.

An overview of pediatric medication errors in the outpatient setting with a focus on errors in medication administration and the contributing effects of parental health literacy is presented.

Delaying the First Newborn Bath and Exclusive Breastfeeding

Long, Kathleen; Rondinelli, June; Yim, Ashley; More

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 45(2):110-115, March/April 2020.

Delaying the first newborn bath has been suggested as a strategy to improve exclusive breastfeeding rates during postpartum hospitalization. In this study, exclusive breastfeeding rates were compared before and after a change in practice in newborn bathing in a maternity unit where exclusive breastfeeding rates were higher than average rates in the United States. The practice change was successful and sustained over 10 months, but did not significantly increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding among the mother-infant cohorts studied.

Parent Education is Changing: A Review of Smartphone Apps

Davis, Deborah Winders; Logsdon, M. Cynthia; Vogt, Krista; More

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 42(5):248-256, September/October 2017.

A critique of 46 parenting apps available in a commonly used online app store is presented using established criteria and health literacy guidelines. Many of the apps do not offer details of the source of their information and there was limited functionality, with none providing a customized experience. Mobile health solutions require rigorous research before nurses can recommend them as valid and reliable avenues for parent education.

Preventing In-Hospital Newborn Falls: A Literature Review

Matteson, Tara; Henderson-Williams, Audery; Nelson, Jessica

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 38(6):359-366, November/December 2013.

It happens far more often than you might think. What do you know about how often newborns fall, or how to prevent falls?

Author and Coauthor Responsibilities

Simpson, Kathleen Rice

MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 46(6):313, November/December 2021.

At MCN we welcome manuscripts from early career nurse scholars. It is important for all authors and coauthors to be aware of authorship criteria and responsibilities. MCN follows the recommendations of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors for attributing authorship, coauthorship, and acknowledgement of non-author contributors. Sometimes an acknowledgment is more appropriate if coauthors do not meet all criteria. A discussion of recent author and coauthor issues is presented and how to promote nurse scholarship.