Enhancing Self-Esteem and Satisfaction with Continuous Care Support during Childbirth: A Pre-experimental study

Childbirth, especially for first-time mothers, is both a physically demanding and emotionally charged experience. Continuous care support by a trained caregiver from the active phase of labor until the early postpartum period is known to positively influence birth outcomes, maternal satisfaction, and psychological well-being. Objectives: 1. Assess the pre-test self-esteem and satisfaction levels among primigravida mothers. 2. Evaluate the effectiveness of continuous care support. 3. Compare pre- and post-test levels of self-esteem and satisfaction. 4. Determine the association between post-test scores and selected demographic/obstetric variables. Materials &Methods: A pre-experimental one-group pre-test post-test design was employed at a tertiary care maternity hospital in Chennai. A total of 60 primigravida mothers in active labor were selected using convenience sampling. Intervention included continuous emotional, physical, and informational care by a nurse researcher from 4 cm dilation through 2 hours post-delivery. Data were collected using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8). Result and Discussion: - Pre-intervention: 60% had low self-esteem; 56.7% had moderate satisfaction. - Post-intervention: 70% had moderate and 30% high self-esteem; 60% had high satisfaction. - Mean self-esteem increased from 2.45 to 3.75 (p<0.001); satisfaction from 2.3 to 3.7 (p<0.001). - Significant associations: Self-esteem with age (p=0.004), duration of marriage (p=0.045), and mode of delivery (p=0.012); Satisfaction with education, immunization status, and maternal illness. Conclusion: Continuous care support is a highly effective, low-cost intervention that significantly improves maternal self-esteem and satisfaction. Its integration into routine labor care could transform maternity practices toward more holistic and respectful childbirth experiences

Nurturing After Birth Obstetric Nurses as the First Line of Defense Against Sepsis

Puerperal sepsis remains a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries like India. Gaps in self-care and awareness among postnatal mothers increase this risk. Obstetric nurses play a key role in guiding mothers through structured education during the vulnerable postnatal period. The main objective of the study was to determine the effectiveness of an obstetric nurse-guided intervention on self-care practices for the prevention of puerperal sepsis and the level of well-being among postnatal mothers.METHODS AND MATERIALS:A quasi-experimental design was adopted among 60 postnatal mothers selected by purposive sampling and assigned to experimental (n=30) and control (n=30) groups. The experimental group received a four-week nurse-guided intervention on self-care, while the control group received routine care. Data were collected using validated tools (WHO-5 Well-Being Index, Modified Self-Care Questionnaire) and analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics.RESULT & DISCUSSION:Pre-test showed average self-care (86.7% experimental, 90% control) and poor well-being (60%, 53.3%). Post-test, good self-care (66.7% vs. 23.3%) and well-being (73.3% vs. 20%) improved in the experimental group (p<0.001). These results indicate that both demographic and clinical factors strongly influence postnatal self-care and well-being. Similar findings by Masih and Balusamy (2023) and McCauley et al. (2021) highlight the role of socioeconomic and contextual determinants in shaping maternal outcomes, reinforcing the need for tailored, context-specific postpartum interventions.CONCLUSION:Nurse-guided intervention improved postnatal self-care and well-being, reducing infection risk and supporting better maternal outcomes through structured care

Bridging the Care Gap: Enhancing Self-Efficacy and Practice in Early Postnatal Care through Midwifery Initiatives

Postpartum minor ailments are common yet often neglected concerns that can adversely affect new mothers' recovery and psychological well-being. Inadequate self-efficacy and lack of awareness about self-care contribute to poor health outcomes during the early postnatal period. Midwives, through structured education and support, can empower primi para mothers to manage postpartum discomforts effectively. This study examines the impact of a midwife-driven initiative on self-efficacy and self-reported practices among postnatal mothers in a tertiary care setting. A quasi-experimental, non-randomised control group design was employed. Sixty primipara mothers were selected through purposive sampling and divided equally into experimental and control groups. The experimental group received structured midwife-driven educational sessions over four weeks, focusing on perineal care, rest, backache, breast care, fatigue, and other postpartum discomforts. Standard postnatal care was given to the control group. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and McNemar’s test.The midwife-driven initiative markedly enhanced mothers’ self-efficacy and self-reported practices regarding postpartum minor ailments. Incorporating such interventions into routine postnatal care may significantly improve maternal health and recovery