In this column, the editor of The Journal of Perinatal Education discusses how childbirth education today matters more than ever. The editor also describes the contents of this issue, which offer a broad range of resources, research, and inspiration for childbirth educators in their efforts to promote, support, and protect natural, safe, and healthy birth and postpartum.
This practice initiative aimed (a) to implement strategies encouraging midwives to improve father involvement, (b) to describe its perceived impact, and (c) to gather recommendations for broader implementation. Two communities of practice were formed to exchange insights on father involvement strategies. Midwives implemented various changes and reflected on their impact. Successful strategies comprised simple changes (e.g., addressing both fathers and mothers) and larger organizational changes (e.g., applying work/care distribution discussions). To implement this on a broader scale, midwives formulated recommendations aiming at midwives (e.g., increasing awareness; providing courses) and policy makers (e.g., providing financial compensation for midwives to involve fathers). We demonstrated that (a) minor and major changes can be made to enhance father involvement in midwifery care, (b) a community of practice can enhance awareness on an underrepresented issue, and (c) changes are needed within midwifery and policy to increase awareness and enable father involvement.
The peanut ball (PB) is a nonpharmacological, cost-effective tool used during labor to improve outcomes. This narrative review explores the current literature and clinical findings on using PB in nulliparous women following epidural anesthesia. A randomized clinical trial at four labor and birth units confirmed the literature. Evidence supports that PB use may reduce the first stage of labor, reduce the time from epidural to full dilation, and enhance maternal satisfaction. Proper PB positioning is essential to optimize pelvic diameters during labor, and educating nurses on PB use is critical to improving outcomes. PB use is a promising strategy to support physiologic labor and potentially reduce cesarean birth rates in nulliparous women.
Postpartum is often described as the fourth trimester of pregnancy, yet health-care support typically tapers off around 6 weeks after birth. In the United States, once individuals are discharged from obstetrics and gynecology care, the continuity and consistency of postpartum guidance can become uncertain. Many new parents may enter the postpartum period with limited preparation for the physical, emotional, and social changes that arise after birth, highlighting the importance of strengthening the delivery of postpartum education and support. As health-care providers, we need effective tools to educate our patients beyond a brief 15-minute visit. The problem lies in the persistent barriers to accessing adequate postpartum health education. The World Health Organization recommends postpartum assessments at 24 hours, day 3, week 2, and week 6, emphasizing the value of ongoing support during the postpartum period. However, opportunities remain to strengthen postpartum education, as many women would benefit from clearer guidance on basic postpartum care and more consistent, standardized discharge education from providers.
In this column, the editor of The Journal of Perinatal Education discusses how policy can support safer birth. The editor also describes the contents of this issue, which offer a broad range of resources, research, and inspiration for childbirth educators in their efforts to promote, support, and protect natural, safe, and healthy birth and postpartum.
