The 20:2 issue of the Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing focuses on 3 diverse perinatal topics: establishment of a doula program, relaxation education and pregnancy outcomes, and the effects of rhinitis and acute respiratory distress syndrome during pregnancy.
Dundek presents the establishment of a Somali doula program at a large metropolitan hospital to meet the cultural needs of Somali childbearing women in a major Midwestern city. She compares cesarean section rates as the outcome criterion for Somali childbearing women both with and without a doula. Both nursing satisfaction and patient satisfaction scores relative to doulas are noted.
Bastani et al conducted a randomized controlled trial to determine whether relaxation education in pregnant, primigravid Iranian women with anxiety affects outcomes such as birth weight, preterm birth, and surgical delivery rate. One hundred ten low-risk primigravid Iranian women with a demonstrated high anxiety level on Spielberger's State/Trait Anxiety Inventory were randomized. Their findings have implications for prenatal education both in Iran and in other population groups.
Curran discusses the effects of rhinitis, asthma, and acute respiratory distress syndrome during pregnancy. Numerous physiologic changes that take place during pregnancy can affect outcomes in women with pulmonary complications. She notes the fetal risk for perinatal asphyxia with acute respiratory conditions and suggests that a collaborative team approach is best when treating such conditions in pregnancy.
The neonatal topics for this issue include 3 important areas of neonatal care: feeding, brain injury, and measurement of oxygen consumption.
Pickler et al studied the relationship between the number of sucks in the first nutritive (feeding) suck burst and feeding outcomes in preterm infants, looking at the relationship of morbidity, maturity, and feeding experience to the number of sucks in the first suck burst. The authors describe their findings and implications for future research and nursing care.
Badr and Purdy present a comprehensive review of the mechanisms of brain injury in the newborn, diagnostic testing, clinical manifestations, and prevention and management considerations. The authors emphasize the importance of accurate nursing assessments and supportive care as well as maintaining respiratory and physiologic stability to minimize injury.
Shiao's study focuses on the essential measurement of adequate oxygenation in the care of neonates who must be maintained on mechanical ventilation. Such measurement is complicated in preterm infants by the presence of fetal hemoglobin, patent ductus arteriosus leading to arterio-venous mixing. Shiao considers these factors in her study and provides a helpful review of these physiologic considerations.
Diane J. Angelini, EdD, CNM, CNAA, FACNM, FAAN
Perinatal Editor
Susan Bakewell-Sachs, PhD, RN, APRN, BC
Neonatal Editor