https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/9041 2026-05-30T21:23:27Z 2026-05-30T21:23:27Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/9044 2016-09-28T08:58:58Z 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Midwives' views on the implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative in one local public hospital Abstract: The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) was commenced by the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) to raise the breastfeeding rates by promoting worldwide adoption of the Ten Steps for Successful Breastfeeding. To date, in Malta there is still no hospital, governmental or private, accredited as Baby-Friendly. The aim of the study was to assess midwives' views on the implementation of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative in one local public hospital. The objectives of the study were to assess the midwives' knowledge on the BFHI practices, to explore their attitudes towards its implementation and to identify the barriers in implementing the BFHI. To fulfil the study's aim, the data was collected using a self-designed questionnaire, consisting of closed and open ended questions. The sample consisted of 120 midwives working in all the maternity settings of the local public hospital and the sampling technique chosen was purposive sampling. Data was analysed manually using descriptive statistics and content analysis. The study achieved a response rate of 59.2%, (n=71). Findings show that all the midwives who participated in this study are aware of the BFHI and in favour of implementing it. The majority of the participants are knowledgeable on the recommended BFHI practices. Some of the obstacles that emerged in the implementation of the BFHI included: implementation problems and mothers not receptive or impossible for them to breastfeed. Some benefits included: advantages of breastfeeding which increase the health care standards. One main limitation was the small scale study, which treated a sensitive issue in midwifery and neonatology care. It may have been influenced by time and financial constraints. The main recommendation is to begin and strengthen awareness on the promotion of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, amongst student midwives, by providing specific lectures and training in breastfeeding management so as to start practising early on the wards, during their practical placements. Description: B.SC.(HONS)MIDWIFERY

2013-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/9042 2016-09-28T08:58:54Z 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Skin-to-skin holding in the NPICU : midwives' and nurses' perspectives Abstract: Skin-to-Skin holding is based on skin-to-skin contact between the infant and parents. This physical contact after birth enhances parent-infant attachment. However, infants admitted to the Neonatal Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (NPICU), due to prematurity or high risks of complications, are initially separated from their parents and thus the initial close contact is often limited. The neonatal nurses and midwives have direct contact with these infants, and their attitudes and practices greatly influence the parents. These neonatal health professionals are in a position to either promote or discourage the practice of Skin-to-Skin Care (SSC) in the NPICU. In view of this, a quantitative study was carried out, using a self-designed questionnaire, to explore the nurses' and midwives' views on SSC practice in the local NPICU. A sample of 40 Maltese midwives and nurses was selected by convenience sampling from the NPICU at the Local General Hospital. The objectives of this study were to identify the neonatal staff's awareness of the benefits of SSC, to identify the possible concerns with promoting SSC in the NPICU and to explore the attitudes and practices of the neonatal staff towards the use of SSC in the NPICU. The response rate was 100% (n = 40). The findings of this study revealed that Maltese neonatal midwives and nurses were knowledgeable about the beneficial effects of SSC. The neonatal staff exhibited resistance when it came to assisting parents of low-birth-weight (LBW) and intubated infants with SSC, mainly due to concerns regarding the infant's safety. Also, most of the respondents never participated in educational sessions concerning the practice of SSC. The importance of providing more training and education amongst the staff in order to improve SSC practice in the NPICU also emerged. The provision of written guidelines and increase in opportunities for supervised practice would be greatly beneficial for the neonatal staff. Also, educational programs would provide them with invaluable evidence-based research about effective SSC with vulnerable infants. Added to these recommendations, longitudinal large-scale studies which explore the views of neonatal staff on SSC were found to be required. Furthermore, qualitative studies as well as studies, which explore the mothers' or parents' views on the practice and attitudes of the neonatal staff on SSC, are also recommended to be carried out locally. Description: B.SC.(HONS)MIDWIFERY

2013-01-01T00:00:00Z