Midwifery continuity: The use of social media

Abstract

Information and relational continuity needs of women can be met using professionally moderated, social media based groups. They may provide an alternative means of facilitating the continuity that is so often lacking in traditional models of care.

Midwife-moderated social media groups as a validated information source for women during pregnancy

“…Core themes to emerge related to improvements in relational continuity and informational continuity for mothers who engaged with a Facemums social media group. The findings on relational continuity are reported elsewhere (McCarthy et al, 2017). This paper presents findings related to informational continuity, and specifically, three sub-themes: i) Engaging with a special interest socialmedia group; ii) Finding information on the internet; iii) Professional and peer-based information sources.…”

“…One mother (FMB3) was expecting twins, the rest were singleton pregnancies. The demographic elements of the sample are reported in more detail elsewhere (McCarthy, 2017).…”

“…In contrast to traditional paternalistic models of healthcare, whilst women are aware that maternity resources are finite, they now expect to be able to ask questions, seek advice and receive accurate and non-conflicting information during their antenatal care (Hildingsson & Radestad, 2005). In a range of international studies, practicing midwives confirm that women want to be able to ask questions about their maternal care and pregnancy, make informed choices, and be clear about the implications of different options that they may be offered (McCarthy et al, 2017;Mok & Leung, 2006). At a more practical level, women want to be able to ask questions when it is convenient for them and not necessarily once a crisis point is reached, or when their midwife is able to see them (McCarthy, 2017).…”

“…In a range of international studies, practicing midwives confirm that women want to be able to ask questions about their maternal care and pregnancy, make informed choices, and be clear about the implications of different options that they may be offered (McCarthy et al, 2017;Mok & Leung, 2006). At a more practical level, women want to be able to ask questions when it is convenient for them and not necessarily once a crisis point is reached, or when their midwife is able to see them (McCarthy, 2017). A recent maternity review by NHS England (2016) also indicated that women expect maternity services to offer a wide range of information, and that this should be from multiple sources (Redshaw & Henderson, 2015).…”

The Use and Value Sources of Information Used By Women During Pregnancy : Scoping Review

“…Information seeking is also done by pregnant women to discover what things should not be consumed during pregnancy (Jarlenski, 2016). Pregnant women can also use social media as a source of information seeking and sharing information in pregnancy with other users (McCarthy, 2017). Pregnant women use the internet especially social media to get information and support during the transition to parenthood (Harpel T, 2018).…”