Supporting Breastfeeding to Reduce Newborn Readmissions for Hyperbilirubinemia
Abstract Lack of breastfeeding support can result in inadequate feedings at the breast, putting newborns at risk for hyperbilirubinemia, severe jaundice and possible hospital readmission. Nurses can help prevent readmissions for hyperbilirubinemia by becoming educated about the risk factors for hyperbilirubinemia and by implementing preventive measures through improved breastfeeding support. (Source: AWHONN Lifelines)
Source: AWHONN Lifelines - December 19, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: Kendra Seagraves, Amanda Brulte, Karen McNeely, Ursula Pritham Tags: Feature Source Type: research

Identifying and Applying a Targeted Evidence‐Based Practice Change in the Maternal/Child Health Inpatient Setting
This article describes a nurse‐initiated evidence‐based practice (EBP) study on urinary catheterization at a labor and delivery unit in the southwestern United States. It describes successful strategies for implementing EBP, as well as barriers encountered, and provides recommendations for the facilitation of EBP in the maternal/child inpatient setting. (Source: AWHONN Lifelines)
Source: AWHONN Lifelines - December 19, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: Barbara L. Wilson, Connie Phelps Tags: Feature Source Type: research

Five Steps to Improve Bedside Breastfeeding Care
Abstract Best postpartum breastfeeding practices must address the caloric needs of all infants, including vulnerable infants, while enabling long‐term, exclusive breastfeeding. An adequate subsequent milk supply depends on early, frequent and effective colostrum removal. A combination of hand expression of colostrum, spoon‐feeding and unrestricted breastfeeding provide more milk for infants and more stimulation for subsequent breast milk production. A sustainable, preventive practice model for low‐ and high‐risk infants depends on elevating staff expertise and shifting the focus of lactation educators to address st...
Source: AWHONN Lifelines - December 19, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: Jane Morton, Judith Y. Hall, Molly Pessl Tags: Feature Source Type: research

New Systematic Review of Midwifery Care
(Source: AWHONN Lifelines)
Source: AWHONN Lifelines - December 19, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: Laurie LaRusso Tags: On the Edge Source Type: research

Promoting Sexual Health With SMS Texting Technology
Abstract Most cell phone owners use the short message service (SMS), also known as “texting.” Most teens and young adults use text messages; they were the first users to embrace this technology and are still the most frequent users. Text messaging has the potential to provide them with information about preventing sexually transmitted infections. Several innovative programs that use text messaging to promote sexual health are described here. (Source: AWHONN Lifelines)
Source: AWHONN Lifelines - December 19, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: Lynn Blackburn, Anita Blatnik Tags: Commentary Source Type: research

Reflecting
(Source: AWHONN Lifelines)
Source: AWHONN Lifelines - December 1, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: Mary C. Brucker Tags: Perspectives Source Type: research

A Time to Be Born and a Time to Die
(Source: AWHONN Lifelines)
Source: AWHONN Lifelines - October 18, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: Mary Ann Stark Tags: Reflections Source Type: research

AWHONN Awards Honor Excellence in Nursing
(Source: AWHONN Lifelines)
Source: AWHONN Lifelines - October 18, 2013 Category: Nursing Tags: News and Views Source Type: research

Resources for the Health Insurance Marketplace
(Source: AWHONN Lifelines)
Source: AWHONN Lifelines - October 18, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: Summer Hunt Tags: Bulletin Board Source Type: research

New Pharmacologic Treatments for Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Abstract Familial hypercholesterolemias are a group of genetic disorders that cause high levels of low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which can lead to atherosclerosis and premature coronary heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in U.S. women. A major goal in prevention of cardiovascular disease is identification and modification of risk factors. Lomitapide and mipomersen are two new pharmacologic options for treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia. Both are indicated as an adjunct for the management of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, along with lipid‐lowering medications and d...
Source: AWHONN Lifelines - October 18, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: Annette McDonough, Lea Ann Matura, Diane Carroll Tags: Rx Source Type: research

Psychosocial Impact of a Cancer Diagnosis During Pregnancy
This article reviews two recent studies that specifically examine the psychosocial impact of a cancer diagnosis during pregnancy. Researchers have identified risk factors that may exacerbate women's anxiety, stress or distress during these co‐occurring events. Nurses are in a unique position to support women dealing with a cancer diagnosis during pregnancy. (Source: AWHONN Lifelines)
Source: AWHONN Lifelines - October 18, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: Paige Harrison Tags: A Second Look Source Type: research

Long‐Acting Reversible Contraception
Abstract Although short‐acting reversible hormonal contraceptives, such as oral contraceptives and the contraceptive patch and vaginal ring, remain the most commonly used contraceptive methods in the United States, they are also associated with the highest failure rates. Long‐acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods, such as intrauterine devices and contraceptive implants, offer high continuation rates and very low failure rates, and are safe for use in most women. The provision of LARC methods to adolescent, young adult and nulliparous women is a relatively new concept that offers an innovative option for these ...
Source: AWHONN Lifelines - October 18, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: Susan A. Peck Tags: In Practice Source Type: research

Evidence‐Based Strategies for Managing Gestational Diabetes in Women With Obesity
Abstract Pregnancies complicated by both obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increase the risk of maternal and fetal complications, including but not limited to gestational hypertension, cesarean surgical birth, fetal macrosomia and postpartum hemorrhage. Because of the increased maternal and fetal risks associated with maternal obesity and GDM, the development of evidence‐based strategies for screening for and management of GDM and for timing of birth will provide a comprehensive approach needed to optimize outcomes for both women and newborns. (Source: AWHONN Lifelines)
Source: AWHONN Lifelines - October 18, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: Donnay Elkins, Julie Smith Taylor Tags: CNE Feature Source Type: research

Nurses Share Real‐Life Research Experiences
Abstract Nursing for Women's Health convened a group of nurse researchers for a roundtable discussion about the relationship of research to the profession of nursing, how research drives evidence‐based practice and how nurses can get involved in research and in its application to the care of women and newborns. (Source: AWHONN Lifelines)
Source: AWHONN Lifelines - October 18, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: Elizabeth Damato, Carolyn Lund, Audrey Lyndon, Kathleen Rice Simpson, Mary Ann Stark, Debra Bingham Tags: Feature Source Type: research

Applying Lean Management Principles to the Creation of a Postpartum Hemorrhage Care Bundle
Abstract A lean management process is a set of interventions, each of which creates value for the customer. Lean management is not a new concept, but is relatively new to health care. Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the most common cause of maternal death worldwide in both developing and developed countries. We applied lean management principles as an innovative approach to improving outcomes in patients with PPH. Initial results using principles of lean management indicated significant improvements in response time and family‐centered care. When applied rigorously and throughout the organization, lean principles can have...
Source: AWHONN Lifelines - October 18, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: Beth Faulkner Tags: Feature Source Type: research