Mindfulness-Based Childbirth Education: Incorporating Adult and Experiential Learning With Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Childbirth Education (original) (raw)
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Participant experiences of mindfulness-based childbirth education: a qualitative study
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2012
Childbirth is an important transitional life event, but one in which many women are dissatisfied stemming in part from a sense that labour is something that happens to them rather than with them. Promoting maternal satisfaction with childbirth means equipping women with communication and decision making skills that will enhance their ability to feel involved in their labour. Additionally, traditional antenatal education does not necessarily prepare expectant mothers and their birth support partner adequately for birth. Mindfulnessbased interventions appear to hold promise in addressing these issues. Mindfulness-based Child Birth Education (MBCE) was a pilot intervention combining skills-based antenatal education and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. Participant experiences of MBCE, both of expectant mothers and their birth support partners are the focus of this article.
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2018
Background: In the search for effective interventions aiming to prevent perinatal stress, depression and anxiety, we are evaluating a Mindfulness Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) Program. In this study we explore the participants' experiences of the program. Method: This is a descriptive qualitative study with influences of phenomenology. The participants were expectant couples who participated in the program and the pregnant women had an increased risk of perinatal stress, anxiety and depression. Ten mothers and six fathers were interviewed in depth, at four to six months postpartum. Thematic analysis of the transcripts was conducted. Results: The participants' descriptions show a variety in how motivated they were and how much value they ascribed to MBCP. Those who experienced that they benefitted from the intervention described that they did so at an intra-personal level-with deeper self-knowledge and self-compassion; and on an inter-personal levelbeing helpful in relationships. Furthermore, they perceived that what they had learned from MBCP was helpful during childbirth and early parenting. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that most of the parents experienced MBCP as a valuable preparation for the challenges they met when they went through the life-changing events of becoming parents. The phenomenon of participating in the intervention, integrating the teachings and embodying mindfulness seems to develop inner resources that foster the development of wisdom.
Journal of Child and Family Studies, 2019
Objectives Mindfulness interventions have been found to positively impact mental health, decrease stress and increase resilience. Nevertheless, mindfulness is not commonly included in routine prenatal resources. The purpose of this study was to conduct the first step in the scaling up approach to intervention dissemination by examining parents' knowledge and attitudes about mindfulness and learning preferences. The objective is to inform subsequent wide spread dissemination of mindfulness education for expectant women and their families through a local health department in Ontario to promote mental wellness during the transition to parenthood. Methods This study employed an exploratory cross-sectional design. New and expectant parents in Ontario were surveyed to determine their knowledge, interest, and preferences in learning about mindfulness. Results One hundred participants were recruited. Over half of the participants had heard about mindfulness, yet few were currently practicing mindfulness. The most commonly known practice was mindful breathing. The majority of participants were interested in learning more about the practices of: mindful breathing (87.5%), everyday mindfulness (89.1%), body scan (89.5%) and loving kindness (86.1%). Participants indicated they liked to receive information in a variety of formats, however; digital means (76%) was preferred over print format (50%). The highest rated methods of information delivery were from a professional (61%) or through websites (60%), using visual methods (75%). Conclusions The findings of this study will inform the implementation of mindfulness education on a population level, which will be evaluated to determine its effectiveness on decreasing perinatal mood disorders within the population.
Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health, 2014
Introduction: This pilot study tested the feasibility and effectiveness of using Mindfulness-Based Childbirth Education (MBCE), a novel integration of mindfulness meditation and skills-based childbirth education, for mental health promotion with pregnant women. The MBCE protocol aimed to reduce fear of birth, anxiety, and stress and improve maternal self-efficacy. This pilot study also aimed to determine the acceptability and feasibility of the MBCE protocol.
Archives of Women's Mental Health, 2012
This pilot study explored the effects of an 8-week mindfulness-based cognitive therapy group on pregnant women. Participants reported a decline in measures of depression, stress and anxiety; with these improvements continuing into the postnatal period. Increases in mindfulness and self-compassion scores were also observed over time. Themes identified from interviews describing the experience of participants were: 'stop and think', 'prior experience or expectations', 'embracing the present', 'acceptance' and 'shared experience'. Childbirth preparation classes might benefit from incorporating training in mindfulness.
Journal of Research in Medical and Dental Science, 2019
Introduction: Childbirth is a multidimensional process associated with physical, mental and social changes, which is regarded as a critical lifetime experience and affects the life of the pregnant mother. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based childbirth and parenting educational program on the self-efficacy of nulliparous pregnant women. Materials and Methods: This study was a semi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test design that was performed on 43 nulliparous pregnant women referred to Ahvaz 17 Shahrivar Health Center. The samples were selected using convenience sampling and then were randomly assigned to two intervention and control groups. Data were collected using demographic information form and childbirth self-efficacy inventory scale (CSEI). For the intervention group, 8 sessions of mindfulness-based childbirth and parenting educational program were conducted. This is while the control group received only pren...
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
Background The perinatal period is a time of immense change, which can be a period of stress and vulnerability for mental health difficulties. Mindfulness-based interventions have shown promise for reducing distress, but further research is needed to identify long-term effects and moderators of mindfulness training in the perinatal period. Methods The current study used data from a pilot randomized control trial (RCT) comparing a condensed mindfulness-based childbirth preparation program—the Mind in Labor (MIL)—to treatment as usual (TAU) to examine whether prenatal mindfulness training results in lower distress across the perinatal period, and whether the degree of benefit depends on child-bearers’ initial levels of risk (i.e., depression and anxiety symptoms) and protective (i.e., mindfulness) characteristics. Child-bearers (N = 30) in their third trimester were randomized to MIL or TAU and completed assessments of distress—perceived stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms—at pre...
Mindfulness-based programme on the psychological health of pregnant women
Women and birth : journal of the Australian College of Midwives, 2018
Preparation of psychological well-being is an important component of antenatal education for childbirth, but few courses focus on this component. The psychosocial health of pregnant women is known to affect perinatal outcomes. Psychosocial stress in women has been associated with increased obstetric interventions and has been shown to affect the health of both mother and child. To explore the efficacy of an eight-week Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting programme on reducing prenatal stress, depression, mindfulness, and childbirth self-efficacy. In this prospective and randomized controlled trial study, 104 women between 13 and 28 weeks gestation were enrolled and assigned randomly into two groups. Participants in the experimental group received mindfulness-based programme and practice-at-home with audio recordings. The comparison group received traditional education classes. Psychological health was assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 36-week gestation. Significant ...
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice
Background: and purpose: Pregnant women with a history of sexual trauma are at increased risk for mood disorders. Mindfulness interventions delivered prenatally may reduce risk of mood disorders. The purpose of this pilot was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) for women with a history of sexual trauma. Materials and methods: A one-group repeated measures design was employed, involving three assessments: baseline, post-intervention and at eight weeks postpartum. Twelve pregnant women were recruited and enrolled. Self-report measures and open-ended written questionnaires were used to assess health outcomes and intervention acceptability. Results: Results show high satisfaction with the program, an immediate reduction in prenatal anxiety, and longitudinal increase in interoceptive awareness skills. Conclusion: The results suggest the feasibility and acceptability of the MBCP approach for women with a history of sexual trauma.