Effects of Individual Explanations by Midwives about the Process of Delivery, Using 3D Animation Software, on Parturient Females’ Understanding of and Satisfaction with Delivery

Objectives: To clarify the effects on the delivery experience of midwives giving parturient females individual explanations about how the course of delivery, using 3D animation software (Delivery Animation). Method: 1) Subjects: Women admitted to Institution A for delivery;70 in the intervention group (34 primipara, 36 multipara), and 79 (41 primipara, 38 multipara) in the control group. 2) Data collection method: Intervention group;3) During phases 1 and 2 of delivery, after internal examinations, collaborative-researcher midwives gave parturient women explanations about the course of delivery, using tablets with the Delivery Animation software installed. This software was independently developed by the researchers. On postpartum day 1, the collaborative-researcher midwives distributed anonymous, self-administered questionnaires to the postpartum women. 4) During phases 1 and 2 of delivery, the course of delivery was explained using existing methods, and anonymous, self-administered questionnaires were distributed on postpartum day 1. 5) The intervention group and control group were compared using descriptive and inferential statistics, organized into primipara and multipara. Results: In the Understanding the Delivery Process category, primipara in the intervention group had significantly higher scores for “understood baby’s rotation” (p < 0.01) and “understood progress through delivery” (p < 0.05). In multipara, the intervention group scored significantly higher for “understood baby’s rotation” (p < 0.01). In the anonymous self-evaluation, primipara in the intervention group scored significantly higher in “midwife I could trust was by my side” (p < 0.01). Opinions on the Delivery Animation were classified into 7 categories. In their evaluations of the Delivery Animation, 89.0% of primipara and 92.0% of multipara said it helped them understand the course of labor, and 85.0% of primipara and 86.0% of multipara said it helped them communicate with the doctor/midwife. Conclusion: The significant differences in understanding of the course of delivery seen between the intervention and control groups, the satisfaction scores on the “Self-evaluation scale for experience of delivery (abridged version)” questionnaire, opinions about and evaluation of the Delivery Animation all show that a personal explanation of the course of childbirth has a positive effect on the understanding and satisfaction of parturient women.

Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Childcare during the COVID-19 Pandemic for Parents Raising a 4-Month-Old Child

This study examined the situation of raising a four-month-old baby after pregnancy and childbirth during the COVID-19 pandemic. A fact-finding survey was conducted using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire for mothers and their husbands (hereinafter referred to as fathers) who came to A City, Osaka Prefecture, for health checkups of their four-month-old infants. The questionnaire was distributed to 733 mothers (252 responses). Valid responses were received from 247 participants (33.7%). The questionnaire was distributed to 733 fathers (191 responses). Valid responses were received from 184 participants (25.1%). Most participants belonged to nuclear family households. Sixty percent parents were primiparous. More than 90% parents did not participate in online parenting classes or attend childbirth. In addition, more than 80% mothers did not participate in face-to-face or online maternity classes, postpartum face-to-face visits from grandparents in the hospital, online home visits, telephone conversations, or support from non-relatives. Parents could not obtain information about childcare due to COVID-19. There were restrictions on prenatal checkups, visits, and use of facilities. Most of them resolved these problems via social media platforms, cooperating and communicating with their respective partners and relatives, and devising ways to play with their child. Health of nearly 30% mothers was affected by childcare stress and the pandemic, and they were either depressed or despondent. Approximately 70% experienced positive changes in family relationships and mindsets, such as time spent with family and cooperation received in childcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic, parents coped with various changes and problems they experienced during pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare by devising solutions based on their personal perspectives.