Alsup, S., * Dugoni, H., * Doyle, O., Mackiewicz Seghete, K. & Graham, A.

Introduction. Pregnant individuals are at heightened risk of experiencing psychological stress,1-4 which may contribute to long-term adverse health consequences for pregnant and postpartum individuals,5-6 and their offspring.7-8 It is well-established that psychological stress is more prevalent in individuals with marginalized identities and contributes to health disparities.9 Social determinants of health (SDoH), characterized as environmental circumstances that affect health, help explain disparate health outcomes.10-12 Mindfulness-based interventions are gaining support as effective treatments for reducing psychological stress during pregnancy.13 Further, social support may also be a protective factor against psychological stress.14 Interventions are needed to identify how childhood and adulthood SDoH contribute to psychological stress during pregnancy. Our research aims to serve as a foundation for identifying mindfulness and social support practices for pregnant individuals to reduce health disparities across generations. The current study sought to examine if protective practices (mindfulness and social support) improved the prediction of psychological stress during pregnancy. 

Lindsey Garfield, Dina Tell, Lisa Masinter, Jena Wallander Gemkow, Cara Joyce, Sandi Tenfelde

Introduction: In the United States (US), Black women suffer disproportionate poor birth outcomes, including increased morbidity and mortality for mothers and babies. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) serve under-resourced populations in the US and these populations are at higher risk for poor birth outcomes. Little is known about how race and ethnicity affect perinatal risk factors for women who receive care at FQHCs. The purpose of this study is to explore racial/ethnic differences in women receiving prenatal care in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). 

Monica Garza Saenz, M.A., Melissa A. Faith, Ph.D., ABBP, Sunita Stewart, Ph.D., ABBP, Dailyn Acosta, Ph.D. 

Introduction: Maternal neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) presence is critical for infants’ medical recovery and overall neurodevelopmental trajectory (Reynolds et al., 2013). Yet, studies conducted in the United States suggest that caregivers’ NICU presence vary significantly (Greene et al., 2015). Since March 2020, many NICUs have enacted policies that restrict caregiver visitation because of COVID-19. This study evaluates mothers’ perceptions of COVID-19 impact on their NICU presence. 

Alison R. Hartman, M.S., Ariana Albanese, M.S., Leah B. Sodowick, B.A., Chavis Patterson, Ph.D., & Pamela A. Geller, Ph.D. 

Introduction: 

The National Perinatal Association’s Student Society (NPASS) is the student arm of NPA that seeks to advance NPA’s mission of improving perinatal care in the United States through student education, advocacy, and collaborative integration across healthcare disciplines. The newly-formed Drexel NPASS is the first and only chapter of this national society that is based in a psychology department rather than a medical school. Led by psychology graduate students and faculty advisors, this new chapter shares leadership with and aims to be the student voice of the National Network of NICU Psychologists (NNNP), whose mission is improving psychosocial outcomes across neonatal settings. The Drexel NPASS chapter will function as part of the Maternal and Child Health Student Organization at Drexel’s Dornsife School of Public Health, further extending opportunities for interdisciplinary student collaboration and exchange of ideas. 

Sydney Morris, BS, Reilly Gallin, BA, Alinne Z. Barrera, PhD 

The number of birthing people who are incarcerated has increased significantly over the years, with about 6-10% of birthing people in the legal system being pregnant at the time they enter correctional facilities. (Kelsey et al., 2017). Young, low-income, birthing people are disproportionately incarcerated, and the majority endorse a history of physical or sexual abuse (Richie, 2001). Consequently, birthing people may enter and exit the legal system with a unique set of concerns that impact their mental health. It is estimated that anywhere from 17-48% of incarcerated birthing people currently have PTSD (Harner et al., 2013). Harner et al. (2013) found that over half of participants experienced assault (sexual and nonsexual) or sexual contact before the age of 18. The authors also reported that participants who endorsed experiencing more severe symptoms of PTSD used mental health services within prison and took medication for depression or anxiety (Harner et al., 2013). 

Amanda Irby, BSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM, LCCE, Paula Richards, MSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM, Margaret Runyon, MSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM, CYT-200

Introduction 

Nursing education and professional development about systematically-oppressed groups has historically been dependent on stereotypes and saviorship, which causes considerable harm and perpetuates dismissive and patriarchal attitudes. Nurses are often trained to focus on supporting providers and policies, and a shift in this mindset is necessary for collaborative care founded on patient autonomy. (1) Standard birthcare is inadequate to meet the needs of families and nurses. Current studies indicate birth trauma occurs in an estimated 34% of all births, (2) mistreatment rates are elevated in birthing people of color, (3) and 54% of nurses suffer from moderate burnout. (4) A new framework is necessary that centers nursing around a standard of trauma-informed advocacy for each and every person in their care. Trauma-informed care (TIC) has been heralded nationally by SAMHSA for decades, but application to birthing families’ bedsides has been inconsistent.  

Denise Bolds, MSW, AdvCD(DONA), CLC, CBE, EBB® Instructor, Michelle Gabriel-Caldwell, PhD, CD, EBB® Instructor, Meredith Strayhorn, M.Ed, CD, Student Midwife, EBB® Instructor, Sasha Sumling, LMT, CD, EBB® Instructor, Margaret Runyon, MSN, RNC-OB, CYT-200 

Introduction 

The abysmal, worsening perinatal morbidity and mortality rates in the US are fueled by large disparities in the treatment of Black individuals. (1) Black and Brown families deserve equitable access to childbirth classes that prepare them for the realities of birth while bolstering their community connections. It is necessary to prioritize classes that center Black joy, where parents are safely supported in exploring and voicing their goals and desires for birth, and where evidence around typical birthcare interventions is shared. Childbirth education must address the racism-driven disparities in birthcare outcomes, and research demonstrates the importance of cultural-congruence between students and instructors of color with lived experience navigating these issues. 

by Erin M. Sadler, PsyD, PMH-C, Anna Koozmin, LGSW, Caroline Van Buskirk, BA, Sasha Zients, BA

Background 

Children’s National Hospital (CNH) is a free-standing pediatric hospital in Washington, DC providing quality health care for children and families in DC, MD, and VA. In 2020, CNH received a five-year, $36 million philanthropic donation from the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation’s Parent-Child Health Initiative develop culturally responsive systems of care to advance innovation and reduce health inequities for families living in marginalized DC communities. With this gift, CNH established a Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder Team (PMAD Team) to improve access to quality and equitable care for caregivers at greatest risk of maternal mortality and morbidity, including Black, Indigenous and/or people of color (BIPOC) and families living in rural communities in MD and VA. The PMAD Team secured additional funding during the COVID-19 pandemic to expand the program and make in-house, perinatal psychotherapy more readily accessible by leveraging the use of technology.  

Morgan A. Staver BSN, RN; Tiffany A. Moore PhD, RN 

Introduction: Repeated exposure to adverse childhood events (ACEs), otherwise known as toxic stress, is associated with physical and mental health problems in adulthood. Experiencing toxic stress increases the likelihood for preterm birth and birth complications. Toxic stress can also have downstream effects on adult emotional intelligence, behavior, and judgement. 

Ashlee J. Vance PhD, MA, RN, RNC-NIC, Henry Ford Health System, Center for Health Policy and Health Services Research, avance2@hfhs.org, Kathryn J. Malin PhD, RN, NNP-BC, APNP, Marquette University, College of Nursing, kathryn.malin@marquette.edu, Clayton J. Shuman PhD, MSN, RN, University of Michigan, School of Nursing, clayshu@umich.edu, Tiffany A. Moore PhD, RN, University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Nursing tamoore@unmc.edu 

Introduction: Parenting and family life were exceptionally susceptible to unanticipated changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pandemic-related changes can result in elevated levels of stress and uncertainty especially for families experiencing an infant’s admission to the NICU. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, parental presence was encouraged through unrestricted visitation and family-centered care practices in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Parental caregiving is essential to an infant’s healthy development, especially during hospitalization. While there is sufficient evidence demonstrating the negative parental outcomes secondary to having an infant hospitalized in the NICU prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is unknown how parents experienced neonatal hospitalization during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe parent perceptions of a neonatal hospitalization during the COVID-19 pandemic.