Postnatal Health Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Background: The first year after birth brings many challenges for mothers and babies due to the changes occurring on a physical, emotional and social level. Dance Rhythm Therapy through Primitive Expression could benefit both mother and babies as they go through the challenges of the first year after birth.
Aim: to explore the effects of DRTPE on mothers and babies during the first year postpartum.
Method: A qualitative research approach based in phenomenology was
chosen. Data was collected by unstructured, in depth, face to face ιnterviews. A convenience sample of 10 mothers participating in Dance Rhythm Therapy through Primitive Expression (DRTPE) class for mothers wearing their babies on a sling asked to describe their lived experience and the effects of the class for them and their babies.
Colaizzi’s method was used for the data analysis.
Results: Seven themes were identifying: (1) enjoy myself with baby (2) Going out on a date, (3) a dance for mother’s soul (4) mothers need mothers (5) a calm and content baby (6) Babies have friends too and (7) takeaway tools for home. These themes support the theory that DRTPE is not just another activity for mother and baby.
The results highlight the benefits of strengthening the bond between mother and baby with secure attachment and providing mothers with tools to use in their daily interaction with babies. DRTPE helps mothers alleviate postnatal distress by gentle introduction back to social life within a group of mothers and find joy with baby. Babies benefit from
the properties of rhythmical swinging movements singing and music which help them relax and sleep easier and deeper. Results also yield information about infant to infant socialization, and impression that DRTPE could facilitate baby’s transition through developmental milestones.
Conclusion: There are many multidimensional benefits of DRTPE for mothers and babies the first year after birth. DRTPE is proven an enjoyable activity creating a transitional space where both mothers and babies can grow, meet each other and the world while celebrating the beginning of their life together. It might be suggested as an activity promoting secure attachment and preventing postnatal distress and anxiety.

- by
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- Dance, Postnatal Health, Dance Movement Therapy, Dance Therapy

Background: Zuo yuezi (ZYZ) is the traditional Chinese practice
of confinement for 1 month after childbirth. During this time, there
are customs that Chinese mothers may choose to follow, which affect
their dietary choices and how they feed their infants.
Aims: This study aimed to explore Chinese women’s cultural
considerations around their diet and infant feeding practices.
Methods: Ten self-identified Chinese mothers who live in London
were interviewed in a qualitative study during June–September 2015.
Findings: All participants were aware of ZYZ and a majority
practised it to varying extents, depending on practicality and
availability of specific ingredients. Most of the practice was through
dietary approaches, to regulate the intakes of different foods and
drinks for recovery and breast milk production, to foster the balance
of yin and yang based on principles of traditional Chinese medicine.
The participants’ partners and own mothers were important
influences in shaping their diets, which suggests ZYZ as a period
to help foster family bonds. All women breastfed their babies either
exclusively or with supplementation of infant formula. For those
who had introduced solids, the women cooked a Chinese dish called
‘congee’ (rice porridge) for their babies. There was consensus on the
limited awareness of ZYZ and cultural sensitivity by midwives and
health visitors in providing postpartum dietary advice, which can be
contrary to their cultural beliefs.
Conclusions: Training and the creation of a trusted online resource
available in English may help promote understanding of traditional
health beliefs among health professionals, and support them to build
rapport with Chinese mothers in the UK.

- by Georgine Leung
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- Food and Nutrition, Maternal and Child Health, Postnatal Health, Chinese

- by Electra G Economidou
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- Dance/Movement Therapy, Dance, Postnatal Health, Infant

Maternal mortality: The maternity perspective