https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/55923 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 17:32:16 GMT 2026-04-19T17:32:16Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/63952 Title: Perceptions of adolescent mothers towards breastfeeding during the antenatal period Abstract: While a number of studies have been undertaken in regard to infant feeding practices in Malta, as to date no studies have been undertaken that specifically explore these in relation to adolescent mothers. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of pregnant adolescents towards breastfeeding during the antenatal period, to identify those factors which influence the adolescent mothers' choice of whether or not to breastfeed as well as to determine when such choices are formulated. A small scale study was carried out during which thirteen mothers were recruited via convenience sampling through their attendance to antenatal classes at Unit Ghozza, a unit which deals specifically with adolescent mothers, and asked to fill in a self-administered questionnaire during one of their classes. A 60% response rate was obtained. The collected data was then analysed through quantitative and content analysis. Social support appeared to play an important role in this study, whereas exposure to bottle and breastfeeding role models was not shown to be influential on the infant feeding choice. Those who had themselves been breastfed as infants stated that they in turn wished to breastfeed their babies; suggesting that the mothers history has a strong influence on her future infant feeding choices. Many participants were knowledgeable about the benefits of breastfeeding; however embarrassment and modesty were the issues most often cited as barriers to breastfeeding. Midwives and childbirth educators were identified as a preferred source of breastfeeding information; emphasising the importance of the role of the midwife in breastfeeding education and promotion. It was interesting to note that 53.8% of the participants chose to breastfeed their infants; of these, 71.4% made their decision early on in pregnancy; supporting the idea that those who choose to breastfeed make their choice early on in pregnancy. Most of the adolescents agreed that mothers should breastfeed even in public, although they also suggested that they would not feel comfortable doing so themselves. Given the important role of the midwife as an educatot~ one of the main recommendations which arose from the study was the formulation of educational programmes and talks by midwives aimed towards young people in primary and secondary schools. Due to the small sample size, it was also recommended that the study be carried out on a larger scale, in order to make the findings more generalisable. Description: B.SC.(HONS)MIDWIFERY Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/63952 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/63946 Title: Mothers' knowledge on neonatal jaundice in the postnatal period Abstract: Neonatal jaundice (hyperbilirubinaemia) is a common condition worldwide. Its early detection and effective management are very important because if it becomes severe, it can lead to kernicterus (encephalopathy). This study aimed to explore the mothers' knowledge on neonatal jaundice in the postnatal period. Its objectives were to assess the knowledge of postnatal mothers on recognising neonatal jaundice in their baby, to examine the knowledge of postnatal mothers on the causes and the management of neonatal jaundice, and to find out the mothers' main sources of information. To fulfil the study's aim, a quantitative approach was adopted and data were collected by means of a structured questionnaire. The participants were recruited by convenience sampling and they had to be 18 years old or older, literate and psychologically and physically able to participate; had to be staying at the postnatal ward; and had to have a healthy baby. The response rate was 94% as in all, 31 postnatal mothers participated. The data were analysed manually using descriptive statistics and content analysis. The results suggested that postnatal mothers knew quite well the characteristics of a jaundiced infant, but they did not know the proper way of checking a baby for jaundice. Furthermore, the respondents had inadequate knowledge regarding the causes of neonatal jaundice and did not know that male sex, prematurity and breastfeeding increase its risk. Whilst the majority of the mothers knew that supplementation of feeds is not beneficial for neonatal jaundice, the majority did not know that frequent feeding is beneficial, and the majority still believed in the use of sunlight to manage neonatal jaundice even though there is insufficient evidence to approve it. Almost all the respondents declared that they had little information about neonatal jaundice and that they would like to increase their knowledge. Family and friends were identified as their main sources of information, but they preferred to get more knowledge from healthcare professionals. These results cannot be generalised to the whole population since convenience sampling and a small sample were used. However, in view of the results, several recommendations were put forward. These include reinforcing the expertise of healthcare professionals, educating the mothers and avoiding conflicting advice. Description: B.SC.(HONS)MIDWIFERY Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/63946 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/63838 Title: Mothers' experiences of pain during childbirth Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore and describe mothers' experiences of pain, its intensity and relief during childbirth. A small-scale, non-experimental retrospective study was conducted during the month of December 2008 in the General Hospital of Malta. The tool used in this mainly quantitative study consisted of a self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire. A convenience sample of 18 healthy primiparas and 18 healthy multiparas ranging in age from 18-35 years was used. A total of 36 women participated, yielding to 100% response rate. This research study described women's experiences of labour pain and measured its intensity within 36 hours following vaginal delivery. This study also sought to quantify the preferred pharmacological pain relief measures and their efficacy. The Numeric Rating Scale (Beilin et al., 2003) was the instrument used to assess the intensity of pain and the efficacy of analgesia. Moreover, the meaning of labour pain for the women experiencing it, and the global satisfaction with the experience of childbirth, were also studied. Close-ended questions were analysed using Microsoft Office EXCEL software (2007) and open-ended questions were analysed through content analysis. The parturients surveyed reported painful labour experiences. The mean pain intensity level during the first stage of labour was 7.33 for primiparas and 7.10 for multiparas whereas during the second stage, the mean pain intensity level was 7.59 for primiparas and 8.95 for multiparas. The majority of parturients (83.3%; n = 30) received pharmacological pain relief. Ofthese, 25 (83.3%) received entonox, 16 (53.3%) had used opioids (pethidine) and 5 (16.7%) had epidural. Pain relief was greatest in the women who received epidural analgesia, with pethidine receiving the lowest efficacy scores. Eighty-three percent were 'very satisfied' or 'satisfied' with the overall experience of childbirth. Midwifery support and the quality of the midwife-women relationship appeared to be so important to override the influence of pain. In conclusion, childbirth exposed the mothers to one of the most severe forms of pain reported. However, the majority was satisfied with the experience of childbirth. To get a better overview of the experience of childbirth, a longitudinal study that involves three observations, the first during the latter part of pregnancy and the other two within the first year postpartum, should be carried out. Description: B.SC.(HONS)MIDWIFERY Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/63838 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/63639 Title: First time mothers' satisfaction with care during labour Abstract: The purpose of carrying out this small-scale descriptive study was to investigate first time mothers' satisfaction with midwifery care during labour and delivery. This was achieved by investigating if first time mothers were satisfied with different aspects of care during labour and delivery including: midwife's support, pain relief, information giving, maternal involvement in decision-making and control achieved during labour, so as to identify possible areas of care that could be improved. To achieve these aims and objectives a quantitative descriptive study was conducted among a convenience sample of 30 primigravid postpartum women who had had a normal vaginal delivery, using self-administered questionnaires. A response rate of 85.7% was achieved. Statistical analysis was used for quantitative data, while content analysis was used for qualitative data. The findings of this study highlighted that although there was a high overall satisfaction with care, many mothers were able to identify aspects of care with which they were dissatisfied and/or would like to see improved. These aspects included the provision of pain relief, information giving, the midwife's characteristics of being calm and attentive to the mother's needs, and assistance given to care for the infant after birth. The results suggest that it may be possible to improve maternal satisfaction with intrapartum care by modifying the care provided, especially in these identified areas. All aspects of care are discussed in light of research on the topic, along with several recommendations for further research and practice, such as the need for other local, in-depth, and larger studies on the subject and the need for midwives to provide more comprehensive care for the mother during the intrapartum period, achievable by accurate assessment of maternal needs. Description: B.SC.(HONS)MIDWIFERY Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/63639 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z