Parents’ experiences regarding neonatal care during the COVID-19 pandemic: country-specific findings of a multinational survey

Kostenzer, Johanna; Rosenstiel-Pulver, Charlotte von; Hoffmann, Julia; Walsh, Aisling; Mader, Silke; Zimmermann, Luc J. I.

doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056856

Cited by 16 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 59 publications

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“…The results we found were similar to those described by others 19,38,39 , who defined similar themes: less family involvement, reduced emotional and physical support for women, compromised standards of care, increased exposure to medically unjustified cesarean section, and staff overwhelmed by rapidly changing guidelines and enhanced infection prevention measures 40 , as well as a decrease in respectful care due to fears surrounding COVID-19 transmission 2,38,41 . At the same time, interviewees reported that facilities that were known for providing more motherfriendly and baby-friendly care made great efforts to maintain that level of quality, sometimes at considerable staff effort, whilst otherwise less friendly facilities more rapidly downgraded their services.…”

Section: Postnatal Maternal Mental and Physical Healthsupporting

confidence: 87%

“…Although some authors have reported on parents' experiences in neonatal care 11,19 , to our knowledge, no other published research has used a human-rightsbased approach to survey national pandemic-related changes to care for pregnant and birthing women from the perspective of parents' organizations. Organizations representing patients overall, or specific patient groups (e.g.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Parent organizations’ experiences of the pandemic response in maternity care in thirteen European countries

Drandić¹,

Hartmann²,

Barata

et al. 2022

Eur J Midwifery

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We surveyed changes to maternity care services in the first 17 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in 13 different European countries, from the perspective of national maternity service (parent) organizations advocating for a human rights approach to maternity services. A qualitative study was conducted in November 2020. An open-question survey was sent to national maternity service (parent) organizations and members of COST Action 18211 in Europe, asking about COVID-19 measures in maternity services (antenatally, intrapartum, postnatally, and overall satisfaction). From the open answers, 16 core issues were extracted. Between February and August 2021, semi-structured interviews with the national representatives of 14 parent member organizations in Europe were conducted, collecting details on overall national situations and changes due to COVID-19 measures. The reported experiences of parent organizations from 13 European countries show wide variations in epidemiological containment measures during the first 17 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Practices differed between facilities, resulting in emotional disquiet and confusion for parent-patients. Most countries maintained antenatal and postnatal care but restricted psychosocial support (antenatal and birth companions, visitors). Organizations from nine countries reported that women had to wear masks during labor, and all but two countries saw separations of mothers and babies. Most parent organizations described a need for more reliable information for new parents. During the pandemic, non-evidence-based practices were (re-) established in many settings, depriving women and families of many factors which evidence has shown to be essential for a positive birthing experience. Based on the findings, we consider the challenges in maternity services and propose a strategy for future crises.

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Section: Postnatal Maternal Mental and Physical Healthsupporting

confidence: 87%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Parent organizations’ experiences of the pandemic response in maternity care in thirteen European countries

Drandić¹,

Hartmann²,

Barata

et al. 2022

Eur J Midwifery

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Some mothers do not even know the faces of their babies. In Turkey and China, the highest rates of access restrictions due to the pandemic were reported where no one was permitted to visit newborns ( Kostenzer et al, 2022 ). Strict access policies create challenges for parents and health professionals.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Breastfeeding a Premature Baby During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Perinatology: An Exploration of Mothers’ Experiences

Hanum,

Rustina,

Waluyanti

2023

Global Qualitative Nursing Research

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This study was conducted to explore the meaning of mothers’ experiences of breastfeeding premature babies while being treated in the perinatology room during the COVID-19 pandemic. A descriptive phenomenological design was used in this study to describe the meaning of mothers’ experiences. In-depth interviews were conducted with 11 mothers. The analysis of transcribed data resulted in three themes: (1) The pandemic has made it difficult for me to meet my baby, (2) Breastfeeding is not easy, and (3) I am a breast milk pumper. The breastfeeding experience of having a premature baby and being cared for by perinatology during a pandemic is full of challenges and limited support. The results of this study suggest that a review of the current regulations be carried out, and the staff be given continuing lactation education to strengthen breastfeeding support to mothers with premature babies.

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“…Before the pandemic, these countries struggled with limited resources, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and high maternal and neonatal mortality rates. The pandemic has further exacerbated these challenges, disrupting essential neonatal care services (16).…”

Section: The Impact Of Covid-19 Neonatal Services In Developing Count...mentioning

confidence: 99%

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Neonatal Services: A Review Article

Alfaifi

2023

biochemmed

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Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted healthcare systems worldwide, including neonatal services. The pandemic has disrupted the delivery of neonatal care, leading to challenges in providing essential services to newborns and their families. This review article aims to explore the impact of COVID-19 on neonatal services and identify strategies for mitigating the effects of the pandemic. Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. The search terms used were "COVID-19," "neonatal care," "neonatal services," "prematurity," "low birth weight," and "infant mortality." Articles published between January 2020 and August 2021 were included in this review. Results: The COVID-19 pandemic has reduced the number of antenatal visits, delayed referrals, and decreased access to specialized care for high-risk pregnancies. The pandemic has also disrupted the delivery of essential neonatal care services such as breastfeeding support, kangaroo mother care, and immunization programs. Moreover, there has been an increase in maternal stress and anxiety due to restrictions on visitation policies in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). These factors have contributed to increased preterm births, low birth weight infants, and infant mortality rates. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted neonatal services worldwide. Maintaining essential neonatal care services during pandemics is crucial to prevent adverse outcomes for newborns and their families. Healthcare providers must implement strategies to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on neonatal care delivery. These strategies include telemedicine consultations for antenatal visits, home-based follow-up programs for high-risk pregnancies, virtual breastfeeding support groups, and modified visitation policies in NICUs.

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Parents’ experiences regarding neonatal care during the COVID-19 pandemic: country-specific findings of a multinational survey

Cited by 16 publications

References 59 publications

Parent organizations’ experiences of the pandemic response in maternity care in thirteen European countries

Parent organizations’ experiences of the pandemic response in maternity care in thirteen European countries

Breastfeeding a Premature Baby During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Perinatology: An Exploration of Mothers’ Experiences

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Neonatal Services: A Review Article

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