Mary Steen

Curtin University · Faculty of Health Sciences

INTRODUCTION In Thailand, the exclusive breastfeeding rate remains low at 14% in 2019, despite the World Health Organization’s recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. Many mothers experience challenges such as lack of confidence, fatigue, and discomfort while breastfeeding. To address these issues, the novel arm sling in...

Breastfeeding rates remain persistently low in the United Kingdom (UK) despite wide‐scale rollout of UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative training and accreditation. More must be done to ensure breastfeeding practitioners can provide effective support. The memory aide CHINS (Close, Head free, In‐line, Nose to Nipple and Sustainable) could help practitio...

Evidence shows that behavioral activation (BA), a simple form of psychological therapy, is as effective as the more complex psychological therapy—cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)—in treating general depression. However, it remains unclear whether BA when compared with treatment-as-usual (TAU) has greater contributions in reducing postnatal depres...

There appear to be limited studies published relating to the use of art therapy to alleviate symptoms when a woman has been diagnosed with postnatal depression (PND). PND is a mood disorder associated with childbirth and a significant public health concern. Art therapies are recognised as a complementary option of care and treatment for women who a...

Mental health problems and alcohol use are closely linked.[...] of these changes, there are rising rates of mental health problems among young people, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. 6 The same factors reducing alcohol use are offered as reasons for increases in mental health problems, including economic uncertainty, reduced finances, a...

Background Workplace bullying, and violence within the midwifery profession, has been a well-documented concern in health literature since the early 1990′s. However, contemporary research highlights that workplace bullying, and violence is often inflicted upon midwifery students. Workplace bullying, and violence has both short- and long-term effect...

Background Global migration has seen an increase in female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) cases observed in countries where it is not part of the cultural norm. This shift has led to many healthcare professionals (HCPs) reporting a lack of knowledge and skills necessary to support the needs of women with FGM/C. Aim To explore the experiences a...

Most women experiencing incarceration are mothers, and concerns about their children are a primary focus. The aim of this paper is to describe the process evaluation of a parenting education program in a prison setting. The Mothers Matter parenting education program was co-designed based on the preferences of the women in an Australian prison. The...

Objective: This study explored healthcare quality issues affecting the reporting and investigation levels of digital incident reporting systems. Methods: A total of 38 health information technology-related incident reports (free-text narratives) were collected from one of Sweden's national incident reporting repositories. The incidents were analyse...

Objective: This study explored healthcare quality issues affecting the reporting and investigation levels of digital incident reporting systems. Methods: A total of 38 health information technology-related incident reports (free-text narratives) were collected from one of Sweden's national incident reporting repositories. The incidents were analyse...

Objective: This study explored healthcare quality issues affecting the reporting and investigation levels of digital incident reporting systems. Methods: A total of 38 health information technology-related incident reports (free-text narratives) were collected from one of Sweden's national incident reporting repositories. The incidents were anal...

Introduction A plethora of research has identified the lack of educational opportunities for health professionals to support the biopsychosocial and cultural needs of women who have experienced female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). As a result, some women with FGM/C can feel unsupported, discriminated against and fear to communicate their conc...

Background Healthcare workers (HCWs) and healthcare students display high levels of vaccine hesitancy with impact on healthcare provision, patient safety, and health promotion. The factors related to vaccine hesitancy have been reported in several systematic reviews. However, this evidence needs to be synthesised, as interventions to reduce vaccina...

Healthcare workers (HCWs) and healthcare students are at increased risk of becoming infected with and being a vector of transmission of COVID-19. Vaccination efforts amongst this group of persons have been hampered in some countries by hesitancy to uptake the COVID-19 vaccine. The factors related to vaccine hesitancy have been reported in several s...

Background The mother-infant relationship is complex and dynamic, informing the psychological development of the infant through bonding and attachment. Positive early interactions influence the quality of this relationship. Midwives are well placed to support the developing relationship between the mother and baby, yet there has been limited resear...

Background Vaccination during pregnancy has been repeatedly demonstrated to be safe and effective in protecting against infection and associated harms for the mother, developing baby, and subsequent infant. However, maternal vaccination uptake remains low compared to the general population. Objectives An umbrella review to explore the barriers and...

Breastfeeding has many benefits for the newborn and mother therefore, the World Health Organization guidelines recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, with continued breastfeeding for up to two years. However, exclusive breastfeeding rates in the first 6 months in Thailand were reported to be approximately, 14% in 2019. Research h...

Background It is well-recognized that early parenting significantly influences the health and well-being of children. However, many parents struggle with the daily demands of being a parent and feel overwhelmed and exhausted psychologically and physically. Encouraging self-care practices is essential for parents, and self-compassion may be a potent...

Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to infection. Furthermore, infection from pertussis, influenza and COVID-19 increases the likelihood of adverse consequences to the mother and developing baby such as stillbirth, ICU admission, and pre-term caesarean birth. Increased rates of transmission and risk of adverse consequences from infection jus...

Background The lives of women experiencing incarceration are complex, impacting many aspects of parenting. Incarceration can present an opportunity for women to access parenting education. However, their specific needs have to be considered. Few parenting programs for women experiencing incarceration have involved the women as part of their develop...

Background: The mother-infant relationship is complex and dynamic, informing the psychological development of the infant through bonding and attachment. Positive early interactions influence the quality of this relationship. Midwives are well placed to support the developing relationship between the mother and baby, yet there has been limited resea...

Aim and objectives: To explore fathers' views and experiences of providing Kangaroo Care (KC) to their baby cared for in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Background: Kangaroo Care has been known to improve the health outcome for preterm, low birth weight and medically vulnerable term infants and achieve the optimal perinatal health wellbei...

Background: Kangaroo care (KC) has been used widely in neonatal care to promote bonding/attachment and neurodevelopment for preterm and term infants. However, current literature suggests that research mainly focuses on infants’ and mothers’ experiences. The role of fathers in caring for their infant/child is changing and evolving in many countries...

Exploring the methodology used to assess the influence of providing self-compassion education and training for parents and/or families when caring for their children: A systematic review protocol

Midwifery student resiliency

BACKGROUND Workplace bullying, and violence is a well-documented issue in the midwifery profession. Negative workplace culture, conflict and bullying are the most common forms of workplace violence experienced by midwives. Workplace violence increases the risk of midwives suffering burnout, compassion fatigue, psychological trauma, poor mental heal...

Background: Workplace bullying, and violence is a well-documented issue in the midwifery profession. Negative workplace culture, conflict and bullying are the most common forms of workplace violence experienced by midwives. Workplace violence increases the risk of midwives suffering burnout, compassion fatigue, psychological trauma, poor mental he...

This article describes and discussing the findings from a scoping review of the literature regarding the influence of self-compassion upon midwives and nurses health and wellbeing. Background: It is recognised that having self-compassion can have a positive effect upon a person's health. However, the influence of self-compassion upon midwives and...

Resumo Objetivo Determinar a relação entre vulvovaginite pré-natal e laceração perineal relacionada ao parto. Método Estudo transversal analítico com 100 puérperas ≥18 anos de idade que deram à luz por parto normal a um bebê único, vivo, a termo, em apresentação cefálica, em um centro de parto liderado por enfermeiras obstetras. Os dados foram cole...

BACKGROUND There have been a few recent studies that have reported how having the ability to give self-compassion can reduce a health professional's levels of anxiety, stress, risk of compassion fatigue, burnout, and generally improve their wellbeing. Therefore, there is evidence to support further research into the investigation and exploration of...

Background: There have been a few recent studies that have reported how having the ability to give self-compassion can reduce a health professional's levels of anxiety, stress, risk of compassion fatigue, burnout, and generally improve their wellbeing. Therefore, there is evidence to support further research into the investigation and exploration...

Continually reflecting enables midwives to offer and provide optimal care but also identify any sub-optimal care. This continual process assists midwives in meeting the individual needs of women or a birth person and enacts a shared decision plan of care. An individualised plan of care will consider and respect the cultural needs, values, gender or...

UNSTRUCTURED Aim and objective: To undertake a systematic review to assess the influence and impact of providing self-compassion education or training for parents and/or families when caring for their children. Review methods: This systematic review will utilize the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) systematic review methodology. A three-stage comprehe...

Background: It is recognised that having self-compassion can have a positive effect upon a person's health. However, the influence of self-compassion upon midwives and nurses is less well recognised. Midwives and nurses often work in highly demanding environments and are often exposed to multiple work-based stressors. Self-compassion may act as a p...

Background Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a complex and deeply rooted sociocultural custom that is innately entrenched in the lives of those who continue its practice despite the physical and psychological dangers it perpetrates. FGM/C is considered a significant independent risk factor for adverse maternal and fetal outcomes in pregn...

BACKGROUND Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a complex and deeply rooted sociocultural custom that is innately entrenched in the lives of those that continue its practice despite the physical and psychological dangers it perpetrates. Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is considered a significant independent risk factor for adverse...

Introduction: Perineal trauma is a commonly observed complication of childbirth, affecting more than 75% of women who have a vaginal birth. Perineal trauma is associated with significant short- and long-term comorbidities that negatively impact women’s quality of life. Severe perineal trauma (SPT) rates in Australia have almost doubled in the last...

Anal incontinence is an unpredictable and debilitating condition that can significantly reduce quality of life. Symptoms include the involuntary loss of solid and/or liquid stool, flatus incontinence and rectal urgency. Pregnancy and childbirth are two major factors that increase the risk of anal incontinence in women of reproductive age. Women at...

Background The postnatal period can be a challenging time for women, with mothers experiencing a range of emotions. As a woman transitions to motherhood, she adjusts to a new sense of self and forms a new relationship with her infant. Becoming a mother is a complex cognitive and social process that is unique for each woman and is influenced and sha...

BACKGROUND The postnatal period can be a challenging time for women, with mothers experiencing a range of emotions. As a woman transitions to motherhood, she adjusts to a new sense of self and forms a new relationship with her infant. Becoming a mother is a complex cognitive and social process that is unique for each woman and is influenced and sha...

There is evidence to suggest that self-compassion is related to positive health and wellbeing outcomes, therefore, this paper explores this concept within the military veteran population. The aim of this review was to identify research and explore the evidence based of self-compassion as a protective factor, from negative health outcomes, amongst m...

Background: Self-compassion is recognized to have a positive effect upon a person's health. However, the influence of self-compassion on the health of midwives and nurses is less well understood. Midwives and nurses often work in highly demanding environments and situations, and are exposed to multiple work-based stressors simultaneously. Stressors...

Body weight dissatisfaction (BWD) among adolescents may be a predictor of adoption of health-risk behaviors. The study aimed to assess the gendered association between two forms of BWD (feeling underweight/overweight) and cardiovascular health-risk behaviors among Brazilian adolescents. This cross-sectional study used data from the National Study o...

Objective To explore midwives’ views on how they provide healthy eating education to pregnant women after attending a healthy eating education workshop/webinar. Methods A qualitative descriptive approach was utilized. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the views and experiences of midwives on providing healthy eating education fo...

Background: Perineal trauma is a common injury sustained during childbirth that, if not managed appropriately, can lead to significant physical and psychological morbidities. Knowledge and skills gaps for perineal wound trauma assessment and repair exist among health professionals and students. These deficits can be effectively addressed through st...

Integration of mixed methods involves bringing together quantitative and qualitative approaches and methodologies. Limited application in midwifery research has identified a need for practical examples. How to integrate two research approaches and methodologies in a sequential explanatory mixed methods study, at the design, methods, interpretation...

Introduction: Rates of medical interventions in normal labour and birth are increasing. This prospective meta-analysis (PMA) proposes to assess whether the addition of a comprehensive multicomponent birth preparation programme reduces caesarean section (CS) in nulliparous women compared with standard hospital care. Additionally, do participant cha...

Background: Background: The mother child relationship is extremely important and for mothers experiencing incarceration this relationship has unique challenges. There is limited evidence currently available to identify the type and content of parenting education that would best suit women who are incarcerated. Objective: Objective: In this study...

BACKGROUND It is recognised that having self-compassion can have a positive effect upon a person’s health and well-being. However, the influence of self-compassion upon nurses and midwives’ health and wellbeing is less well recognised. Nurses and midwives often work in highly demanding environments and situations and are exposed to multiple work-ba...

Background Self-compassion is recognized to have a positive effect upon a person’s health. However, the influence of self-compassion on the health of midwives and nurses is less well understood. Midwives and nurses often work in highly demanding environments and situations, and are exposed to multiple work-based stressors simultaneously. Stressors...

Introduction Midwives have an important role in providing education in healthy eating to pregnant women, which is essential for maternal and foetal health and wellbeing. Importantly, midwives require continual professional development to ensure they provide up-to-date education. Methods A pre-post intervention study utilised a purpose-designed que...

Introduction This study aimed to identify the way information is described and presented by childbirth educators during antenatal classes for expectant parents, and analyse the language structures used when discussing labour and birth. Methods This cross-sectional study of antenatal education was conducted at a single tertiary referral centre for...

BACKGROUND The mother child relationship is extremely important and for mothers experiencing incarceration this relationship has unique challenges. There is limited evidence currently available to identify the type and content of parenting education that would best suit women who are incarcerated. OBJECTIVE In this study, the objective is to desig...

Problem Lactational mastitis is a common condition amongst breastfeeding women. It is associated with decreased breastfeeding rates and often treated with antibiotics. Background The anti-inflammatory effects of probiotics have been identified as a potential treatment or prevention strategy for lactational mastitis leading to increased commercial...

A systematic review examined the association between body weight dissatisfaction with unhealthy eating behaviors and lack of physical activity in adolescents, since it represents an alert to adolescent’s health and well-being. Six electronic databases and gray literature were systematically searched from January 1980 to December 2018. A total of 11...

Study background. Evidence suggests that bladder-scanner findings used for maternity care can be inaccurate. Therefore, to address the inaccuracies reported, a newly designed scanner (Uscan) with real-time ultrasound and editing functions has been developed. This article will describe and discuss the inter-rater reliability of this bladder scanner...

Background: There is limited research defining the true prevalence of anal incontinence (AI) in women of childbearing age. Understanding the limitations of the current assessment tools in the identification of AI is paramount for identifying the prevalence of AI and improving the care and management for women of childbearing age. The aim of this r...

Background: Shared decision making in pregnancy, labour, and birth is vital to woman-centred care and despite strong evidence for the effectiveness of shared decision making in pregnancy care, practical uptake has been slow. Design and aim: This scoping review aimed to identify and describe effective and appropriate shared decision aids designed...

Undergraduate midwifery programs across Australia have embedded simulation into their curriculum although there is limited but emerging evidence to support the use of simulation as an effective teaching strategy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact that a simulated learning activity (insertion and management of a neonatal nasogastr...

Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to identify and examine the evidence on probiotic consumption and its effect on human lactational mastitis. Introduction: Lactational mastitis is a painful, inflammatory condition of the breast tissue commonly occurring among breastfeeding women. It can lead to decreased breastfeeding rates whic...

Background: Non-contact heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR) monitoring is necessary for preterm infants due to the potential for the adhesive electrodes of conventional electrocardiogram (ECG) to cause damage to the epidermis. This study was performed to evaluate the agreement between HR and RR measurements of preterm infants using a non-con...

Background: Internationally qualified midwives comprise approximately 13% of the Australian midwifery workforce. Despite their central role in the Australian midwifery system, understanding of their transitional experiences is limited. Aim: To explore the transitional experiences of internationally qualified midwives practising in Australia. Me...

BACKGROUND Approximately, 13% of the total Australian midwifery workforce is internationally qualified. Although they play a significant role in the Australian midwifery system, there is limited understanding of their transitional experiences. OBJECTIVE This mixed methods study aims to explore the transitional experiences and perspectives of inter...

UNSTRUCTURED Background: Biomedical research into the application of non-contact methods to measure heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR) in the neonatal population has produced mixed results. This paper describes and discusses a protocol for conducting a method comparison study, which aims to determine the accuracy of a proposed non-contact co...

Background: Biomedical research in the application of noncontact methods to measure heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR) in the neonatal population has produced mixed results. This paper describes and discusses a protocol for conducting a method comparison study, which aims to determine the accuracy of a proposed noncontact computer vision sy...