Background: Qualitative methods analyze contextualized, unstructured data. These methods are time and cost intensive, often resulting in small sample sizes and yielding findings that are complicated to replicate. Integrating natural language processing (NLP) into a qualitative project can increase efficiency through time and cost savings; increase sample sizes; and allow for validation through replication. This study compared the findings, costs, and time spent between a traditional qualitative method (Investigator only) to a method pairing a qualitative investigator with an NLP function (Investigator +NLP). Methods: Using secondary data from a previously published study, the investigators designed an NLP process in Python to yield a corpus, keywords, keyword influence, and the primary topics. A qualitative researcher reviewed and interpreted the output. These findings were compared to the previous study results. Results: Using comparative review, our results closely matched the original findings. The NLP + Investigator method reduced the project time by a minimum of 120 hours and costs by $1,500. Discussion: Qualitative research can evolve by incorporating NLP methods. These methods can increase sample size, reduce project time, and significantly reduce costs. The results of an integrated NLP process create a corpus and code which can be reviewed and verified, thus allowing a replicable, qualitative study. New data can be added over time and analyzed using the same interpretation and identification. Off the shelf qualitative software may be easier to use, but it can be expensive and may not offer a tailored approach or easily interpretable outcomes which further benefits researchers.

Body image dissatisfaction and disordered eating are often overlooked as personal factors that may affect pregnancy, postpartum, and infant feeding method. The current study compared body image, eating attitudes, and breastfeeding intention of first-time breastfeeding mothers to first-time non-breastfeeding mothers. A two-group, comparative design was used to analyze data for first-time mothers recruited through a large pediatric practice with multiple offices. Although there was no significant difference in body image scores between the groups, the literature suggests that body image dissatisfaction can affect the transition to motherhood and lead to more serious mental health issues. Prevention of psychiatric disorders such as eating disorders can be addressed early with information regarding body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. Findings from this study have implications for mental health and maternal child health providers.

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Diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism (DEI-A) are critical to providing adequate health care to all populations. High-fidelity simulations and role-play scenarios allow students to experience caring for clients from diverse backgrounds. This article discusses the project development and implementation of a DEI-A simulation day placed in a community health clinical course.

Background: Giving birth during a pandemic has not been experienced in the last 100 years. The psychological effects on new mothers related to the COVID-19 pandemic are not yet well-known. Objective: This research explored the lived experiences of mothers who were pregnant and gave birth during the pandemic. Methodology: The design of the study was a qualitative phenomenological analysis. Data were collected through one-on-one, semi-structured interviews conducted on a secure Zoom platform until thematic redundancy occurred. Colaizzi’s method was used to analyze the narratives of a sample of ten mothers who gave birth during the pandemic. Results: Participants’ poignantly described the joys and challenges of giving birth during the pandemic. Five theme clusters emerged from the data: Expecting with fear and uncertainty while living in isolation; Giving birth in a changed environment; Breastfeeding, it’s different every time; Not what I expected from life after giving birth, and A year of mixed emotions. Limitations: The sample was limited to women living in the Northeast part of the U.S. Subsequently, the experience described may have been different from women in other regions and demographics. Clinical Implications: The findings of this study illustrate the need for health education, notably breastfeeding education for first-time and experienced mothers. Since the coming months and years will continue to be unprecedented times, nurses in obstetrics, pediatrics and primary care should be attentive to any long-term psychosocial problems during routine visits.